Croc 2
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Products | Croc 2 |
Croc 2 is a platformer released in 1999, developed by Argonaut Software and published by Fox Interactive. Serving as the follow-up to Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, the game centers on Croc's journey to locate his missing parents and rescue the Inventor Gobbo from the reawakened Baron Dante.
Initially launched for the Sony PlayStation in 1999, it was later made available on Windows in 2000. A 2D adaptation for the Game Boy Color appeared in 2001. Although a version for the Dreamcast was planned, it was ultimately cancelled. Fox backed the release with an extensive marketing effort, which included a promotional partnership with Nabisco's "Gummi Savers" candy. Critics offered mixed opinions, applauding the visuals while pointing out issues with camera mechanics and overall difficulty.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Croc 2 closely resembles that of its predecessor, with players guiding Croc through expansive levels to accomplish various objectives. The game world is segmented into four Gobbo "villages," each accessible through an open hub world. Tasks range from freeing trapped Gobbos to pursuing foes who have stolen valuable items. Successfully completing a sufficient number of missions within a village unlocks a boss battle, which grants entry to subsequent villages. Certain stages introduce vehicle segments featuring go-karts, speedboats, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and enormous snowballs.[1][2]
Throughout levels, players can gather collectibles such as 100 crystals and five uniquely colored gems hidden behind platforming challenges or puzzles. Acquiring all colored gems in a level causes a golden trophy to appear at its conclusion, unlocking bonus stages. Finishing these additional levels rewards Jigsaw puzzle pieces necessary to open the fifth and final world containing remixed versions of earlier levels. Within hub worlds, players may purchase items from Swap Meet Pete, an anthropomorphic feline merchant; available goods include heart pots that expand life capacity, Gummi Savers Jumps for enhanced ledge access, and the Clockwork Gobbo robot which can collect items remotely.
Players control Croc using either a D-pad or analog stick, enabling actions such as running, jumping, climbing, and swimming. New maneuvers introduced include triple jumps and flip jumps that allow reaching greater heights.[2] Croc attacks enemies by swinging his tail in a full circle or performing a ground pound to defeat foes and break crates containing items.[2] Health is depicted by hearts that can be increased through purchases; losing all hearts results in returning Croc to the hub world. Health can be restored by collecting large hearts or accumulating enough crystals. Croc 2 debuts "OmniPlay," a feature permitting two players to share control over Croc’s movements and abilities cooperatively.[1] Functions such as movement, attacking, jumping, camera operation, inventory management, and vibration feedback can be assigned fully or partially between two controllers.
Plot
Taking place several months after Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, the narrative begins with Professor Gobbo’s capture by the Dantinis during Baron Dante’s resurrection ritual.
In Gobbo Valley, Croc discovers a message sealed inside a bottle requesting help to find a lost child, marked with a crocodile’s footprint. King Rufus tasks Croc with locating remote Gobbo communities who might assist in finding the crocodiles responsible for sending the message. Utilizing a see-saw mechanism, Croc is launched onto the Mainland where his adventure commences.
Upon arrival at the Mainland, Croc is welcomed by Gobbo villagers; however, his true mission only becomes clear near the final village. Baron Dante dispatches minions as bosses aiming to hinder Croc’s progress.
Each Gobbo village possesses unique environments and cultural traits. To proceed, Croc must defeat Dantinis and their principal minions who are causing turmoil within these settlements.
At the conclusion of Inca Village, Croc confronts Baron Dante piloting an aircraft constructed by Professor Gobbo before rescuing him within the Dungeon of Defright. The climax involves protecting Professor Gobbo as he activates a portal intended to banish Baron Dante.
The story wraps up with Croc and Professor Gobbo flying off to reunite with Croc’s family but soon discover Baron Dante stealing eggs belonging to Croc’s parents. After gathering Jigsaw Pieces and Golden Gobbos hidden in secret locations, Croc gains access to Baron Dante’s Secret World—villages now occupied by Dantinis. By collecting five Colored Crystals per village to retrieve these eggs, Croc must recover three eggs to complete his quest.
Development
A Dreamcast version was announced for release in the third quarter of 2000 but was ultimately cancelled after Argonaut decided to halt development for the Dreamcast platform due to the console’s weakening market presence.
Promotion and release
Croc 2 was first promoted within the instruction booklet of its predecessor, targeting a PlayStation and Sega Saturn launch around Christmas 1998. The release was postponed to mid-1999, and the Sega Saturn edition was eventually scrapped. Although a Dreamcast adaptation was planned, it was discontinued by mid-2000. Additionally, a 2D platform game sharing the same title debuted on Game Boy Color in 2001.
The title benefited from a substantial marketing budget that encompassed television advertisements, in-store promotions, and consumer incentives. A notable cross-marketing partnership with Nabisco connected the game to their Gummi Savers candy brand; over 6.5 million candy wrappers bore Croc 2 branding, and the candy itself appeared as an item within the game. Furthermore, the "Croc 2 Down Under" contest awarded prizes including an Australian family vacation, a PlayStation console, a copy of the game, and its official strategy guide.
Reception
Croc 2 garnered a range of mixed to average critiques across different platforms according to GameRankings. Initial assessments of the PlayStation edition showed considerable divergence.
IGN commended the PlayStation release for its voice performances, visual presentation, soundtrack, and overall scale but pointed out issues with its challenging difficulty level and camera functionality. GameSpot assigned low ratings to both PlayStation and PC versions, highlighting similar concerns regarding camera control and gameplay difficulty. Matthew House from AllGame criticized the PlayStation version’s visuals, camera mechanics, and steep challenge. Nash Werner of GamePro described the PC iteration as monotonous despite some favorable remarks about graphics and controls.
On the other hand, Scary Larry from GamePro acknowledged that while Croc 2 might not match the polish of contemporaries like Crash Bandicoot: Warped or Spyro, it delivers enjoyable platforming experiences for players willing to invest time and effort. Next Generation regarded it as "one of the superior 3D platformers" available on PlayStation.
In Japan, Koei released the PlayStation version under the name Croc Adventure on September 2, 1999; Famitsu awarded it a score of 26 out of 40.
GameZone’s Suzi Sez gave the PC edition a score of 7.5 out of 10, emphasizing its lasting replay appeal, while Computer Games Strategy Plus rated it three-and-a-half stars out of five, noting its primary appeal to younger audiences.
By May 2000, sales of the PlayStation version had reached roughly half a million units.
Future
On October 12, 2024, Argonaut Games announced via X that they may pursue a remastered edition if sales for the first game's remaster meet expectations.
External links
- Demo of the PC version at PCGamingWiki