Even better than the first!
However, I can't give it a 10, because it's a tad bit too easy.
When Crash Bandicoot ended, our orange mutated marsupial completely foiled N. Cortex's plan of dominating Wumpa Island, having defeated all of his best henchman, blowing up the laboratory, and shooting down Cortex himself. There is literally no gap in plot, as the beginning of Crash Bandicoot 2 shows N. Cortex falling from his blimp, and into a cavern filled with crystals. As he later realizes, these crystals can be a great energy source for his latest diabolical plan, the Cortex Vortex. This time, he wants Crash Bandicoot to do the work for him.
However, not all of the plot is resolved. Mysteriously, Crash now has a little sister with him, dubbed "Cocoa". And, Tawna is nowhere to be seen. But, plot aside, let's get back to the real game here. Crash Bandicoot 2 got a lovely visual makeover, as the model for Crash improved, the textures became more polished, and the enviroments have even more detail than the last game. The gameplay has also been updated, as Crash has new combat moves, (The high jump, the slide, and the crawl) and the enemies have more variety than before. Also, the boulder-chasing mechanics feel more balanced and less frustrating than the predecessor's run-away levels.
But, the biggest improvement to be seen in Crash Bandicoot 2 is the new gem system. In the last game, losing a life meant that you had to start the level all over. This is because all of the boxes reset, even from the beginning of the level. So, in order to get every box and a gem, you'd have to do an absolutely perfect run through the level, without losing one life. In this game, this time, the checkpoints save every box you have bashed through so far. So, there's less backtracking, and less rage from losing a life. The game is more addictive than the last, because you always want to get another gem/color gem/crystal.
The bosses are also better and more challenging than the last. Crash Bandicoot had some pitifully easy bosses (With the correct strategy, Papu Papu can be defeated in under 8 seconds), and this problem is solved with the return of Ripper Roo and N. Cortex, and new bosses, such as N. Gin, Komodo Bros, and Tiny Tiger. However, as the levels are not frustrating anymore, that also means that the game is easier than the last. For some people, it's too easy. Any semi-decent gamer can get at least 90% completion in one month of playing.
However, the new Death Challenges (The travelling stones, decorated with the Skull-and-Crossbones logo on them) and Bonus Level system are a refreshing change, though. But, what's most important about the difficulty, is that people of all difficulty levels can enjoy this game. A beginner can play every level through and see the final boss, and pros can earn every gem and earn 100% completion.
So, in conclusion, Crash Bandicoot 2 is a large improvement from the first, and, like the Gamespot reviewer said, a "Top-notch platformer". From the kid-friendly graphics to the robust platforming, everybody should love this game. And, I know I did.
Graphics: 9.5
Gameplay: 9.5
Story: 7
Difficulty: 5
Replay Value: 9.0 (Since it's easier than the first, you won't spend as much time playing it.)
Overall: 9.0