As you wander around the virtual villages there are diversions to tackling the levels. Those Gobbos not hovering at level entrances are always keen to embroil Croc in a private game of their own - like a burping competition or a boat race. These offer a charming respite from crystal hunting and success here can yield rewards, like an extra life. Lives are precious in this game because Croc 2, despite its disarming sense of humour, has teeth.

Kids' stuff? Child's play? Hardly. In fact, to put it bluntly, some of the oh-so-pretty levels in this game are bloody difficult. The jumps are often tricky (and not made easier by the slow-to-adjust, rear-view cam), and the nasties you meet are nasty indeed - and difficult to kill, either with Croc's tail or his trademark 'stomp'.

Three lives, as you learn to your cost, are hard to hold onto. To be sent packing to the beginning of the level every time you die is nothing short of enraging (a few mid-level save points would make Croc 2 a lot less tedious). Eventually, after much cursing, you realise that picking up all the crystals to earn the extra village is nothing short of a lifetime's work - and you often doubt that it's worth the effort.

It's therefore a big nod to Croc 2 that you do feel reluctant to let it go. The lure of the next village is strong enough to tempt you back for 'just one more go' before you trash your PlayStation - and that's a large compliment to pay any game. But the frustration factor of this cute little platformer should be borne in mind before you consider a purchase: beware before you put your head in the Croc's mouth.