Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a love letter to fans of the iconic franchise and a bold step forward in the platforming genre. Released in October 2020 and developed by Toys for Bob, this title revitalizes the series after a hiatus of over a decade. A direct sequel to the original Naughty Dog trilogy, the game blends the charm and challenge of the 1990s classics with modern mechanics, visuals, and storytelling.
With the stakes higher than ever, Crash Bandicoot 4 delivers a time-bending adventure packed with humor, innovation, and heart. Here’s a comprehensive dive into what makes this game a standout entry in the platforming genre and why it resonates with both veterans and newcomers.
The Legacy of Crash Bandicoot
The Crash Bandicoot series began in 1996 as one of the PlayStation’s flagship titles, developed by Naughty Dog. Combining tight platforming mechanics, quirky characters, and vibrant worlds, the series quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its original trilogy—Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped—cemented the orange marsupial as a gaming icon.
However, following Naughty Dog’s departure from the franchise, the series struggled with inconsistent quality. Subsequent entries like Crash Bash, Wrath of Cortex, and Crash: Mind Over Mutant failed to capture the spirit of the originals, leading to a decline in popularity.
Fast-forward to 2017: the release of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy reignited interest in the series, proving that the platformer still had a loyal fanbase. Toys for Bob, known for their work on the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, took on the ambitious task of creating a brand-new entry, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Their decision to treat it as a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot: Warped was a strategic move that successfully reconnected with fans while charting new territory.
Plot and Narrative
Crash Bandicoot 4 begins where Warped left off. After years of confinement, Doctor Neo Cortex, Doctor N. Tropy, and Uka Uka escape their interdimensional prison, creating a rift in the space-time continuum. Determined to conquer the multiverse, they unleash chaos across dimensions. It’s up to Crash, Coco, and their allies to stop them by traveling through time and space, restoring balance to the universe.
The storyline cleverly integrates new characters and alternate dimensions, offering a refreshing twist on the series’ formula. The introduction of the Quantum Masks—mystical beings who grant Crash and Coco unique abilities—adds depth to the narrative. Each mask has its own personality and role in the story, contributing to the game’s humor and charm.
Players also explore alternate timelines, viewing events from different perspectives. Tawna, for instance, is reimagined as a parallel-universe hero with her own set of abilities, while Dingodile’s storyline adds a humorous yet heartfelt subplot. Even Cortex gets playable levels, revealing more about his motivations and relationships with other characters.
The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted fun and high-stakes drama. Its self-aware humor and witty dialogue keep the tone playful, while the interdimensional stakes add a sense of urgency. The result is a story that complements the gameplay without overshadowing it.
Gameplay Mechanics
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time retains the core mechanics of the series while introducing modern innovations that elevate the gameplay experience.
Classic Platforming with Modern Enhancements
At its heart, the game sticks to the series’ roots: players control Crash or Coco as they run, jump, spin, and slide through linear levels filled with hazards, enemies, and collectibles. The level design demands precision and quick reflexes, delivering the signature challenge fans expect.
Quantum Masks: Game-Changing Mechanics
The Quantum Masks are a standout feature, introducing new abilities that transform the way levels are approached:
- Lani-Loli: Phases objects in and out of existence, adding a layer of strategy to platforming.
- Akano: Grants a continuous spinning ability to destroy obstacles and glide across gaps.
- Kupuna-Wa: Slows down time, allowing players to navigate fast-moving hazards or land precise jumps.
- Ika-Ika: Flips gravity, enabling players to walk on ceilings or walls.
These masks not only diversify gameplay but also encourage players to experiment with different strategies.
Alternate Playstyles
For the first time in the series, players can control multiple characters beyond Crash and Coco:
- Tawna: Equipped with a grappling hook, she can access areas others cannot.
- Dingodile: Uses a vacuum cannon to interact with the environment in creative ways.
- Neo Cortex: Fires a ray gun that transforms enemies into platforms, offering a puzzle-like approach to levels.
These alternate playstyles keep the gameplay fresh and dynamic, adding variety to the traditional platforming formula.
Replayability and Completionist Goals
Crash Bandicoot 4 is a completionist’s dream, with an abundance of collectibles to find:
- Wumpa Fruit: Gathered throughout levels to achieve high scores.
- Gems: Hidden in every level, rewarding exploration and skill.
- Relics: Earned in time trials, challenging players to master levels at high speeds.
The introduction of N. Verted Mode—a mirrored version of each level with unique visual filters—adds even more replay value, ensuring hours of additional gameplay for those aiming to 100% complete the game.
Graphics and Art Style
The visual design of Crash Bandicoot 4 is a feast for the eyes, combining the series’ vibrant aesthetic with modern graphical fidelity.
Stunning Level Design
Each level is a masterpiece of creativity and detail. From prehistoric jungles and pirate-infested waters to futuristic cities and space stations, the environments are diverse and immersive. The attention to detail, from the foliage in jungles to the mechanical intricacies of Cortex’s lab, showcases the developers’ artistry.
Next-Gen Visuals
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions elevate the game’s visuals further, offering 4K resolution, 120 FPS gameplay, and improved lighting effects. These enhancements make the game even more visually striking.
Character Animations
Crash and his friends are brought to life with expressive animations that capture their personalities. Whether it’s Crash’s goofy gestures or Cortex’s exaggerated villainy, the characters feel more alive than ever.
Sound Design and Music
The audio design of Crash Bandicoot 4 is integral to its charm. The game features a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the action, blending nostalgia with fresh compositions.
Memorable Soundtrack
Each dimension has its own unique musical theme, from tribal beats in jungle levels to techno rhythms in futuristic stages. The soundtrack pays homage to the original games while introducing new tracks that perfectly complement the game’s tone.
Sound Effects
The sound effects are meticulously crafted, enhancing immersion. From the satisfying crunch of crates breaking to the humorous quips of enemies, every sound adds to the experience.
Game Mode Accessibility and Platforms
Game Mode Accessibility
- Single-Player Adventure: The main campaign is a solo experience.
- Local Multiplayer: Features Pass N. Play mode for shared fun with friends or family.
- Online Leaderboards: Time trials include global rankings, encouraging competition.
Platforms
- Original Release: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (October 2020).
- Next-Gen Consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (March 2021), with enhanced visuals and performance.
- Nintendo Switch: Portable version retaining core gameplay, released in March 2021.
- PC: Available on Battle.net with customizable graphics settings.
Challenges and Limitations
No game is without its flaws, and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time has its share of challenges that might deter some players. These aspects, however, do not overshadow the game’s overall brilliance.
Steep Difficulty Curve
The difficulty of Crash Bandicoot 4 is a point of contention. While it honors the challenge of the original trilogy, some levels are punishingly hard, requiring near-perfect precision. For newcomers, the game’s later stages and time trials can feel frustratingly demanding. However, the inclusion of a “Modern Mode,” which eliminates the life counter, makes the game more forgiving without compromising the challenge for veterans.
Completionist Challenges
For those aiming to collect every gem, relic, and Wumpa fruit, the game’s completionist requirements can feel overwhelming. Achieving 100% involves mastering each level in standard and N. Verted mode, smashing every crate, and perfecting time trials. While rewarding for the dedicated, it’s a task that demands significant patience and skill.
Repetition in N. Verted Mode
Although N. Verted mode adds replay value, some players feel it doesn’t introduce enough new content. The mirrored levels with visual filters are creative but don’t change the core level design, which may deter players from diving into this mode extensively.
Despite these limitations, the game’s strengths far outweigh its challenges, making it a worthy addition to the series.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Crash Bandicoot 4 was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was celebrated for its faithfulness to the original trilogy while introducing innovations that modernized the experience.
Awards and Nominations
- The Game Awards 2020: Nominated for Best Family Game.
- DICE Awards 2021: Nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Animation.
- BAFTA Games Awards 2021: Nominated for Best Family Game.
The game’s reception highlights its success in blending nostalgia with fresh ideas, proving that classic franchises can thrive in today’s gaming landscape.
Player Feedback
Fans praised the game’s challenging levels, stunning visuals, and diverse mechanics. The addition of Quantum Masks and alternate characters was particularly well-received, offering depth and variety.
Influence on the Genre
Crash Bandicoot 4 sets a benchmark for how classic platformers can evolve without losing their identity. Its success has reinvigorated interest in the genre and opened the door for future sequels.
Game Details
- Genre: Platformer
- Release Year: 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Age Rating: E10+ (Mild Cartoon Violence)
- Game Ratings:
- Metacritic: 85/100 (average)
- IGN: 8/10
- Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive
- Modes: Single-player with local multiplayer options
- Game Mode Accessibility: Primarily offline with online leaderboards for time trials
- Pricing Model: Premium title with a one-time purchase
- Developer: Toys for Bob
- Publisher: Activision
- Game Engine: Unreal Engine 4
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i3-4340 or AMD FX-6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7950
- Storage: 30 GB available space
Recommended Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD R9 390
- Storage: 30 GB available space
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of the Crash Bandicoot series and platforming enthusiasts, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a must-play. It balances nostalgia with innovation, delivering a polished experience that honors the franchise’s roots while paving the way for its future.
Pros
- Diverse Mechanics: Quantum Masks and alternate characters add variety to gameplay.
- Vibrant Visuals: Stunning environments and character animations enhance immersion.
- Challenging Levels: Satisfying for players who enjoy mastering difficult platformers.
- Replayability: Hidden gems, N. Verted mode, and time trials offer hours of content.
Cons
- High Difficulty: Demanding for casual players or those new to the genre.
- Completionist Grind: Finding every collectible can feel tedious.
- Repetitive Replay Modes: N. Verted mode may not appeal to everyone.
Whether you’re revisiting your childhood memories or discovering the franchise for the first time, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Our Rating
- Gameplay: 9.5/10 – Innovative mechanics and tight platforming make it a joy to play.
- Graphics: 10/10 – A vibrant and beautifully designed game world.
- Story: 8.5/10 – Engaging and humorous, though secondary to the gameplay.
- Soundtrack: 9/10 – A mix of nostalgic and original compositions that enhance immersion.
- Overall: 9.5/10 – A triumphant return for the Crash Bandicoot series.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a testament to how classic franchises can evolve while retaining their essence. It’s a thrilling adventure that will challenge and delight players of all ages.