I’m not calling this a review since I have no experience in writing those, and this is all over the place.
So, I just finished Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced, and it was the first game for the GBA that I’ve beat so far. I’m new to this stuff, experimenting with Gameboy things on my Anbernic RG SP.
The game was great! I was surprised that Vicarious Visions was able to nail Naughty Dog’s Crash feel from the fantastic PS1 trilogy, 2 of which were some of my first ever console games. At least to me, it feels very similar to the PS1 trilogy but in 2D.
There’s various different types of gameplay, surfing levels, standard 2D platforming, space levels, and every boss has a different way of how you have to beat it.
I have to admit that I did some save state abuse, but only in one level! It was the last level with ropes and I got relatively easily to what is pretty much the end to grab the gem but I couldn’t figure out how to grab one of the ropes. I ragequit the game, and probably 2 days later it randomly popped into my mind I probably needed to bounce off some boxes.
2 weeks later, I decided to swallow my pride and use save states for the first time because I wanted to beat the game, and I was right about the boxes. This means that if I had the motivation to do a bit more “legit” grinding, I could’ve easily passed the level without save state abuse. I don’t consider it cheating in this case, but who cares about cheating in a single player game to be honest.
I did all the rest of the levels without using save states and had a very pleasant time, especially with the final boss, it was very fun :) I was surprised to find out the game ended there, I thought there was one more stage.
TLDR: Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is a great game, give it a try if you haven’t already, especially if you like platformers. It’s very much like the PS1 Crash games but in 2D, at least in my honest opinion.
Ooh! GBA platformer suggestions!!!
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Metroid Fusion & the 3 Castlevania titles are all fantastic.
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The Mega Man Zero games are hard AF, but rewarding when you do well.
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Lady Sia has some of my favorite pixel animation.
That’s a solid couple months of gaming right there… No I have to go replay some things, lol
When I start to feel old and clumsy playing Fusion, I switch back to “Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land”. Probably my fav since getting a handheld.
I’m a Certified Old Fart™, I go back to Kirby’s Adventure, & on my last playthrough I can still 100% it.
Not quite as good at the quick draw mini game, though.
+1 for the gba Castlevania titles! They’re some of my favourites in the series. Yes even Circle of the Moon. Metroid Fusion always gets a revisit from me every few years. So does Zero Mission, it’s essentially super Metroid.
I’d also recommend the Sonic Advanced games. They’re all pretty fun, good level designs and artwork, and you can play as multiple characters.
I can’t believe I forgot about Sonic Advance! Playing through the same levels as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose (& her big-ass Looney Tunes hammer, lol) feels so different!
…aaaaand added to the replay list, lol!
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I think it counts as a review. It’s good practice to try writing out your thoughts, it helps build your critical eye for things and figure out what you appreciate, especially in this age of AI. Keep up the good work!
When I write reviews and think about games, I ask myself these questions:
- What is the game actually trying to do?
- How well is it communicating that to me?
- How well is it actually accomplishing that?
- How much do I personally like that?
This kinda helps me balance out an objective approach first while also allowing me a subjective opinion at the end.
As for save state abuse, I say go for it. The ultimate goal is to have fun and you really don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Personally I usually try to play without because it’s how the game was designed and a lot of risk/reward and tension/danger don’t hit the same if you can undo it in a moment’s notice. But also some games just have bullshit design and you can’t let one sour moment ruin it for you, so do as you please =P
Other platformers to check out, I’m definitely seconding Lady Sia and the Castlevania trilogy. For other odd PS1 spinoffs, check out the two Klonoa games which have a lot of the same style and spirit of the bigger titles, but are a bit more puzzle oriented in how you finish levels. There are also the Spyro games which aren’t 2D, they’re isometric and a little weird. I like them, but tastes may vary. Good stuff!
Thanks for the tips, I’ll try to keep them in mind for the next time. :)
I have all the games you mentioned already, but I appreciate the recommendations. I’ve spent a lot of time looking though “Top games for the GBA” lists, and hoarded a lot of games to play.
I’m probably going to play Golden Sun next. As much as I liked Crash, I kind of need a break from platformers. xD
Spyro 2: Season of Flame interests me though quite a bit, since it’s a different kind of platformer compared to Crash 2. I have kind of a Spyro itch that needs scratching sooner or later. I’ve heard bad things about the GBA Spyro games though, but all of them while hanging out in PS1 Spyro trilogy speedrunners streams, so I should probably take them with a grain of salt.
Fair warning: to get the full story out of Golden Sun, you have to play the sequel as well.
If you want something completely different, try the Megaman Battle Network games. Using today’s descriptors they are “Tactical Action Deckbuilders”, and although a few games have tried, I haven’t found anything that quite scratches the same itch.
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Haven’t played that one but I prefer 2D for platformers. Maybe I’ll put it on my RG350m. Also, imo, using save states is no shame. I could never finish Mario world without
I remember playing this on my SP when it was new. I was my go-to comfy game when I was sick or away from home.
if you liked this you should give the other crash games a try. I also enjoyed the crash nitro kart for GBA.
I believe the GBA spyro games used the same engine too.
