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Cover art of Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced

3.5 / 5

20 votes

Platform
Game Boy Advance
Genres
Action · Platformer
Player Perspective
Third person · Top-down · Side view
Developers
Vicarious Visions
Publishers
Konami · Universal Interactive Studios
Release date
January 7, 2003

Summary

Crash Bandicoot 2: N‑Tranced takes the classic side‑scrolling platform formula and sprinkles it with a surprising mix of chase, isometric and shooter set‑pieces. From the moment you spin, slide and body‑slam through the opening tutorial, the game pushes you into 24 distinct stages where you’ll be water‑skiing past a shark, piloting a tiny spaceship, or even hovering in a helicopter pack granted by a special crate. Hidden Gem Shards and crystal‑locked paths reward exploration, while time‑trial stopwatches freeze the clock for a few seconds, letting you chase Sapphire, Gold or Platinum relics.

The Atlas Sphere levels add a quasi‑3D twist: you roll a metallic sphere through isometric corridors, smashing crates and dodging hazards, a mechanic that also fuels the two‑player "King of the Hill" and "Domination" modes via the Game Link Cable. In "Level Race" you race against a ghost of your opponent, turning familiar stages into frantic speed contests. Linking the cartridge with its predecessor unlocks extra characters and arenas, extending replay value.

Critics praised the visual polish and the sheer variety of level designs, noting that the game feels fresh despite its roots in The Huge Adventure. The blend of classic Crash moves—spin, slide, high‑leap upgrades—and the occasional temporary power‑ups like the Copter or Magic Carpet crates keeps the pacing lively, making N‑Tranced a standout GBA platformer.

Storyline

Crash Bandicoot 2: N‑Tranced on Game Boy Advance picks up after Doctor Neo Cortex’s botched Earth‑shrinking plan. Uka Uka hands the reins of universal domination to Doctor Nefarious Tropy, who peers into the future and spots the Bandicoot trio standing beside him. Convinced that controlling the Bandicoots will end their meddling, Tropy hires hypnotist N. Trance to kidnap them.

Coco and Crunch are seized while Crash is rescued at the last second by Aku Aku. A bizarre clone called Fake Crash slips into Crash’s place unnoticed, and Trance successfully hypnotizes the Bandicoots to do his bidding. Crash and Aku Aku race through hyperspace, break the mind‑control, and free Coco and Crunch.

After a showdown that shatters Fake Crash, Tropy and Trance finally realize their mistake, but they are confident the Bandicoots will never locate their hideout. Defying that confidence, Crash tracks them down, defeats both Trance and Tropy in a grueling battle, and the trio celebrates with a photo that fulfills Tropy’s vision. Uka Uka, watching from the shadows, vows that a true adversary is finally on the horizon.

Edited by Maya Carter

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  • Screenshot 2 of Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced
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Alternative Titles

  • N-Tranced Short