Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back/Spaced Out

A harder version of ../Piston It Away/. You'll encounter the same elements, as well as some hot-edged platforms that move horizontally. Don't touch them from the side. The cannons that fire bursts of energy when you step on the gray buttons can be really tricky here. Maybe try to repel their attack with a well-timed spin. The crystal and the detonator to blow up all Nitro Boxes are both found shortly before the finish line.

The bonus area is about halfway through the path and is quite tricky. You'll have to do some big jumps to avoid Nitro boxes and just before the end there's a double row of bouncing boxes suspended in the air. To destroy them all without falling into the void you must act with care and timing.

Getting the first gem
There are no hidden boxes. You simply have to pass the level by breaking all the boxes. The ones in the bonus area might give you some trouble, while breaking all the other boxes is relatively easy.

Getting the second gem
To get this gem, you must already have all five colored gems. Shortly after starting the level you will find the blue gem, which will lead you to a secret area. Even though you can earn a lot of extra lives, this area is definitely difficult. First you will have to overcome pistons and gaps using enemies suspended in the air, jumping with the utmost timing. You will then find the green gem that will lead you to another area. The main pitfall here are the blue cannons that fire bursts of energy when you jump on the gray buttons. After a while you will find the yellow gem that will lead you to the next area. More pistons and hot-rimmed platforms await you here. The red gem will then lead you to the last area, where there are more cannons and some enemies pushing the metal panel. Finally, the purple gem will lead you directly to an alternate exit, where you will also find the gem. Note: there are no boxes along this path, so you can get the first gem without entering it.