Cactus Jack's Ranch

Cactus Jack's Ranch is the ninth level of Desert Island and the twenty-ninth level overall in Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. There are no Gobbos to collect on this level; the only objective is to defeat the Guardian of the level, Cactus Jack.

Getting to Cactus Jack
Jump to one of the carousel platforms and again to the middle for a Heart. Cross the crumbling platforms, simply avoid the Bat Dantini, and smash the crates at the end before entering the door. Cross the next room going straight ahead, smacking some Running Dantinis, and getting another Heart in the middle.

Defeating Cactus Jack
Cactus Jack's attack has two parts: first, he fires a rapid stream of thorns at you. Move perpendicular to the direction he's facing and jump when he starts shooting to dodge the barrage. He then starts spinning in a tornado attack, and either follows you or circles around the room. In the former case, just avoid him. In the latter, stay near the edge of the room. Either way, he'll become dizzy for a moment after he stops spinning, at which point you attack. Three hits for victory. Remember, if you get hit yourself, there are always those four crystals in the corners to replenish yourself.

Trivia

 * The level's title is a pun on the 1979 western film The Villain, named Cactus Jack in the UK and Australia.