Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
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  1. GameZone
    80
    Any Crash Bandicoot fan would be a fool not to go out and buy this game. I started playing at 2am one night and did not stop until three in the afternoon!
  2. Total Video Games
    80
    We could [have] really enjoyed this game however after a while it just gets too repetitive and frustrating to play for more than 30 minutes.
  3. Hot Games
    80
    If platform-hopping and coin-collection isn't your bag, you'll want to avoid Crash before he gets on your last nerve.
  5. Core Magazine
    75
    The graphics and sound are excellent, but the most constricting drawback is the extremely long gameplay-disrupting load times.
  6. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    The non-stop action can get a bit repetitive and ultimately tiresome, and the sound effects may begin to wear on the nerves after a few hours of playing.
  7. IGN
    74
    A decent playing and pretty looking Crash Bandicoot game. It's nothing terribly special, but it's not bad, not bad at all.
  8. Cloudchaser
    70
    The control is tight, the graphics don't look too shabby, and the sub-stages that break up the platforming action are second-to-none.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    When the strongest feeling I get from a game is the desire to play its predecessors, something's not quite right. [Dec 2001, p.162]
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  10. GameShark
    70
    The same old stuff in a new skin and THE WORLD'S WORST LOADING TIME EVER.
  11. Game Informer
    68
    The outrageously bad load times keep the game from being average. [Jan 2002, p.81]
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  12. GameSpot
    66
    Maintains the status quo and fails to deliver a fresh, compelling experience.
  13. GameSpy
    62
    It’s got average graphics and average level design. This game is as average as games can get.
  14. PSX Nation
    60
    A by the books sequel that takes playing it safe to a new level. Come on guys this easily could have been done on the PS One and it probably should have.
  15. FHM
    60
    The platform game grows up.
  16. GamePro
    60
    If you were hoping the new management would give Crash a big kick in the pants, however, this is one pair of pants you will find quite unkicked.
  17. All Game Guide
    60
    Those looking for revolutionary gameplay or a game that pushes the envelope of the latest generation of gaming systems will most certainly be disappointed.
  18. Next Generation Magazine
    60
    Worst of all, the load times are horrendous. [Dec 2001, p.100]
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  19. Maxim Online
    60
    This confrontation between Crash and his massively noggined nemesis, Dr. Cortex, is the most innovative yet.
  20. Games Radar
    50
    [Games Radar Rating = Miss] fans of the series deserve more than a shiny retread. Although the legend remains intact for now, it'd be a crime if Crash was still spinning along the same narrow path next year.
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  21. Yahoo!
    50
    More of the same from the Crash series, albeit wrapped up in nice new PS2 visuals. If you want innovation, try elsewhere.
  22. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    45
    When forced to blindly jump, die, then discover what you missed, where I come from, that’s just cheating. [Dec 2001, p.238]
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  23. Electric Playground
    40
    Not only is the gameplay un-revised on this much more powerful platform, but much of the former joy in the series has been drained away. The characters, levels and gameplay are essentially flat.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
13
#13 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 338 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 178 out of 338
  2. Mixed: 123 out of 338
  3. Negative: 37 out of 338
  1. mrbadass
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    the wrath of cortex it´s a good game i like the sound track the ideas for the levels the story and the graphics but if you are one of thosethe wrath of cortex it´s a good game i like the sound track the ideas for the levels the story and the graphics but if you are one of those crash bandicoot ps1 fans you will probably hate this game due to the character design, the long loading screen and the fact that it does look like a warped clone but if you can surpass those things crash will entertain you for a few hours … Full Review »
  2. pookie
    Jun 29, 2012
    2
    Terrible. It sort of feels like Crash 3, which is a good thing. But The loading times are atrocious. Some of the boss fights feel clunky andTerrible. It sort of feels like Crash 3, which is a good thing. But The loading times are atrocious. Some of the boss fights feel clunky and frustrating. I wanted to enjoy this game, but these very few problems ruined the experience for me. The graphics are pretty good. Colorful and lush. It's best to stick with Crash1-3. I don't recall having to stare at the TV for 10 minutes to play a level.… Full Review »
  3. Crashloxx
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    It's basically one of the best Crash Bandicoot Games, the only problem is the loading times
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