"Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back" is a classic platform video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was originally released for the PlayStation in 1997 as the second installment in the Crash Bandicoot series. The game follows the adventures of Crash Bandicoot as he tries to stop the evil plans of his arch-nemesis, Dr. Neo Cortex. Cortex has apparently changed his ways and is seeking Crash's help to gather crystals to save the world from an impending danger. However, as the game progresses, it becomes clear that Cortex has his own sinister motives. Here are some key features and aspects of the game: Gameplay: The gameplay is similar to the first Crash Bandicoot game, with Crash navigating through various levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and hazards. The levels include platforming challenges, enemies to defeat, and various puzzles to solve. Crystals: The main objective in each level is to collect crystals. These crystals are often placed at the end of a level or hidden in hard-to-reach areas. Collecting a certain number of crystals is essential for progressing through the game. Power-ups: Crash has access to various power-ups and abilities, such as the slide and the body slam. Additionally, he can ride on animals like Polar, a polar bear cub, or use vehicles like jetpacks in certain levels. Warp Rooms: The game is divided into several warp rooms, each containing a set of levels. Players can choose which level to tackle next, providing a somewhat non-linear progression. Boss Battles: At the end of each warp room, players face a boss battle against one of Cortex's henchmen. These bosses often have unique attack patterns, and players need to figure out their weaknesses to defeat them. Alternate Endings: The game has multiple endings based on the number of collectible gems players manage to acquire. To achieve the best ending, players need to collect all the crystals and gems. "Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back" is praised for its engaging gameplay, challenging levels, and colorful graphics. It is considered one of the classic titles of the PlayStation era and has left a lasting impact on the platformer genre.