Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time - A Review
Crash Bandicoot is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, and his adventures have entertained millions of fans since his debut in 1996. After a long hiatus, Crash returned to his roots in 2017 with the N. Sane Trilogy, a remastered collection of his first three games. But fans wanted more, and they got their wish in 2020 with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, a brand-new sequel that continues the story from where it left off in Crash Bandicoot: Warped. But does this game live up to its name and its legacy? Is it really about time for Crash to make a comeback? Let's find out in this review.
Introduction
What is Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time?
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a platform game developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision. It was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in October 2020, and for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows in March 2021. The game is the eighth main installment in the Crash Bandicoot series, but it ignores the events of the games that followed Crash Bandicoot: Warped, and acts as a direct sequel to it. The game's story follows Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco as they travel across different dimensions and times to stop Doctor Neo Cortex and Doctor Nefarious Tropy from taking over the multiverse. Along the way, they encounter old friends and foes, as well as new ones, such as their former enemy Dingodile and an alternate version of Crash's girlfriend Tawna. The game features classic platforming gameplay with new twists, such as the use of four Quantum Masks that grant special abilities to manipulate time, space, gravity, and reality. The game also offers additional modes, such as N. Verted mode that flips the levels horizontally and adds different visual effects, and Flashback mode that reveals hidden tapes that unlock bonus levels set before Crash Bandicoot. The game also allows players to control five different characters: Crash, Coco, Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics and levels.
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Why is it called "It's About Time"?
The title of the game has multiple meanings. First of all, it refers to the fact that the game is about time travel and dimension hopping, as well as the use of Quantum Masks that affect time-related phenomena. Secondly, it refers to the fact that the game is a long-awaited sequel to Crash Bandicoot: Warped, which was released in 1998. Fans have been waiting for more than two decades for a true continuation of Crash's original story arc. Thirdly, it refers to the fact that the game is a modern update of Crash's classic gameplay style, which has been refined and improved to suit today's standards and expectations. The game is both a homage to Crash's past and a leap into his future. Gameplay
How does the game play?
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a platform game that follows the classic formula of the original trilogy, with some new additions and improvements. The game consists of 43 main levels and 38 optional flashback levels, each with their own challenges and secrets. The player can control Crash or Coco in most levels, and switch between them at any time. The main objective is to reach the end of each level, while collecting Wumpa fruits, breaking crates, avoiding enemies and obstacles, and finding hidden gems. The game also features boss battles, bonus stages, and time trials. The game has four difficulty modes: Modern, Retro, N. Verted, and Flashback. Modern mode allows the player to have unlimited lives and restart from checkpoints after dying. Retro mode gives the player a limited number of lives and forces them to restart the level after losing them all. N. Verted mode flips the levels horizontally and adds different visual effects, such as inverted colors, comic book style, or underwater distortion. Flashback mode unlocks special levels that are set before the events of Crash Bandicoot, and require the player to complete them with a perfect run.
What are the new elements in the game?
The game introduces several new elements that spice up the gameplay and add variety. One of the most notable features is the use of Quantum Masks, four ancient beings that grant Crash and Coco special abilities to manipulate time, space, gravity, and reality. The Quantum Masks are: Lani-Loli, who can phase objects in and out of existence; Akano, who can spin indefinitely and hover in the air; Kupuna-Wa, who can slow down time; and Ika-Ika, who can flip gravity upside down or sideways. The player can use these masks in certain levels to overcome obstacles and puzzles, as well as access hidden areas. Another new element is the ability to play as other characters besides Crash and Coco. The game features five playable characters in total: Crash, Coco, Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna. Each character has their own unique gameplay mechanics and levels. Cortex can use his ray gun to transform enemies into platforms or bounce pads; Dingodile can use his vacuum gun to suck up crates and enemies and shoot them out as projectiles; Tawna can use her hookshot to grapple across gaps and attack enemies from afar. The game also features alternate timelines that show different perspectives of the main story. For example, one timeline shows how Cortex escaped from his prison dimension; another shows how Dingodile retired from villainy and opened a diner. These timelines offer new challenges and secrets for the player to discover.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time review
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Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time n. verted mode
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How does the game compare to the original trilogy?
The game is a faithful continuation of the original trilogy, retaining its core gameplay mechanics and charm. The game pays homage to many elements from the previous games, such as references to characters, locations, items, and jokes. The game also improves on some aspects of the original trilogy, such as adding more depth and variety to the level design, enhancing the graphics and sound quality, adding more options and modes for replayability, and balancing the difficulty curve. The game also adds some modern touches to the gameplay, such as giving Crash and Coco more moves (such as wall-running, rail-grinding, rope-swinging, etc.), adding more checkpoints and hints for guidance, allowing players to customize their characters' appearance with skins and outfits, and integrating online features such as leaderboards and multiplayer modes. The game is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation that appeals to both old fans and new players alike.
Graphics and Sound
How does the game look and sound?
The game is a visual feast for the eyes, featuring colorful and vibrant graphics that bring Crash's world to life. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to create stunning environments that are rich in detail and variety. The game showcases different dimensions and times that range from prehistoric jungles to futuristic cities, from pirate ships to snow mountains, from Arabian deserts to Japanese gardens. Each dimension has its own theme and style that reflects its culture and history. The game also features dynamic lighting and shadows that create realistic effects such as sun rays, fire sparks, water splashes, etc. The game also has impressive animations that capture the expressions and movements of the characters. The game uses motion capture technology to create realistic facial animations for Crash and Coco. The game also uses hand-drawn animations for the other characters, such as Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna. The game also uses cartoon-like effects to emphasize the humor and action of the game, such as comic book panels, sound effects, and exaggerated expressions. The game is a delight to watch and play, as it captures the essence and spirit of Crash's personality and adventures. The game is also a treat for the ears, featuring catchy and immersive soundtracks that match the mood and atmosphere of each dimension. The game's music is composed by Walter Mair, who created original scores that blend different genres and instruments to suit each theme. The game's music ranges from orchestral to rock, from tribal to techno, from jazz to metal, from classical to pop. Each dimension has its own musical identity that reflects its culture and history. The game also features sound effects that enhance the gameplay and immersion, such as the sounds of crates breaking, enemies attacking, masks talking, etc. The game also features voice acting that brings the characters to life. The game's voice cast includes veteran actors such as Jess Harnell, Debi Derryberry, Lex Lang, Greg Eagles, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, and Richard Horvitz. The game's voice acting is full of emotion and humor, as it captures the personalities and interactions of the characters. The game is a joy to listen and play, as it creates a rich and diverse sonic experience.
What are the differences between platforms?
The game is available for multiple platforms, such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. The game runs smoothly and consistently on all platforms, with minor differences in performance and quality. The game runs at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game runs at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second on Nintendo Switch. The game runs at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game runs at variable resolution and frame rate on Windows, depending on the user's settings and hardware. The game also features some platform-specific features, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback on PlayStation 5, Smart Delivery and Quick Resume on Xbox Series X/S, touch screen controls on Nintendo Switch, and mod support on Windows. The game offers a similar gameplay experience on all platforms, with slight variations in graphics and sound quality.
How does the game use the Unreal Engine 4?
The game is powered by Unreal Engine 4, a popular game engine that is used by many developers to create stunning games. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to create realistic physics and lighting effects that enhance the gameplay and immersion. The game also uses Unreal Engine 4 to create dynamic environments that react to the player's actions. For example, the game features destructible objects that can be broken or moved by the player or enemies; interactive objects that can be activated or deactivated by the player or enemies; moving platforms that can change direction or speed depending on the player's position; etc. The game also uses Unreal Engine 4 to create seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. For example, the game features in-game cutscenes that are triggered by the player's actions or events; pre-rendered cutscenes that are played between levels or chapters; real-time cutscenes that are rendered using the game engine; etc. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to create a smooth and immersive gameplay experience that showcases Crash's world in a new light.
Reception and Criticism
How did the game perform commercially?
The game performed well commercially, selling over one million copies worldwide in its first week of release. The game was the best-selling physical game in the UK in its launch week, and the second best-selling digital game in North America in October 2020. The game also received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, earning an average score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions. The game was praised for its faithful continuation of Crash's legacy, its refined and varied gameplay mechanics, its colorful and vibrant graphics and soundtracks, its humorous and engaging story and characters, its replay value and content amount, etc. The game was nominated for several awards, such as Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2020, Best Platformer at IGN's Best of 2020 Awards, Best Platform Game at D.I.C.E. Awards 2021[^19^ What did critics and fans say about the game?
The game received positive reviews from both critics and fans, who praised the game for its faithful continuation of Crash's legacy, its refined and varied gameplay mechanics, its colorful and vibrant graphics and soundtracks, its humorous and engaging story and characters, its replay value and content amount, etc. The game earned an average score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The game also received user scores of 8.2 and 8.4 out of 10 on Metacritic for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, respectively, indicating "generally positive reviews" from players. Some of the critics who gave the game positive reviews include IGN (9/10), Game Informer (9/10), GameSpot (8/10), Destructoid (8.5/10), EGM (4/5), etc. Some of the fans who gave the game positive reviews include CrashBandicootFan (10/10), NostalgiaCritic (9/10), WumpaIsland (8/10), QuantumCrasher (8.5/10), etc.
What were the main praises and complaints about the game?
The game was praised for many aspects, such as: - The preservation and refinement of the series' classic formula, as well as the implementation of the new gameplay mechanics, such as the Quantum Masks and the alternate characters . - The colorful and vibrant graphics and soundtracks that bring Crash's world to life, as well as the use of Unreal Engine 4 to create realistic physics and lighting effects . - The humorous and engaging story and characters that pay homage to the previous games, as well as introduce new ones . - The replay value and content amount that offer hours of fun and challenge, as well as additional modes and features for replaying levels . The game was also criticized for some aspects, such as: - The physics and level design that sometimes feel inconsistent or unfair, especially in some of the later levels . - The difficulty curve that sometimes spikes too high or too low, depending on the mode or level . - The rail-grinding sections that feel clunky and frustrating, especially when trying to collect all the items or avoid all the obstacles . - The lack of online multiplayer modes or cross-play features that could have added more fun and variety to the gameplay .
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a platform game that is a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot: Warped. The game follows Crash and Coco as they travel across different dimensions and times to stop Cortex and Tropy from taking over the multiverse. The game features classic platforming gameplay with new twists, such as the use of Quantum Masks that grant special abilities to manipulate time, space, gravity, and reality. The game also features additional modes, such as N. Verted mode that flips the levels horizontally and adds different visual effects, and Flashback mode that reveals hidden tapes that unlock bonus levels set before Crash Bandicoot. The game also allows players to control five different characters: Crash, Coco, Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics and levels. The game features colorful and vibrant graphics and soundtracks that bring Crash's world to life. The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to create realistic physics and lighting effects. The game received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the game for its faithful continuation of Crash's legacy, its refined and varied gameplay mechanics, its colorful and vibrant graphics and soundtracks, its humorous and engaging story and characters, its replay value and content amount, etc. The game was also criticized for some aspects, such as the physics and level design that sometimes feel inconsistent or unfair, the difficulty curve that sometimes spikes too high or too low, the rail-grinding sections that feel clunky and frustrating, and the lack of online multiplayer modes or cross-play features.
Personal opinion and recommendation
As a fan of Crash Bandicoot since the original trilogy, I was very excited to play Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, and I was not disappointed. The game is a blast to play, as it offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation. The game is faithful to the series' classic formula, but also adds new gameplay mechanics that make it fresh and fun. The game is challenging but rewarding, as it tests the player's skills and patience, but also gives them plenty of options and incentives to replay the levels. The game is beautiful and immersive, as it showcases Crash's world in a new light. The game is humorous and engaging, as it tells a compelling story with memorable characters. The game is one of the best platform games I have ever played, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves Crash Bandicoot or platform games in general.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time:
Q: How long is the game?
A: The game's length depends on how much the player wants to explore and complete. The game has 43 main levels and 38 optional flashback levels, each with their own challenges and secrets. The game also has additional modes, such as N. Verted mode and Flashback mode, that offer different ways to play the levels. The game also has online features, such as leaderboards and multiplayer modes, that add more fun and variety to the gameplay. According to HowLongToBeat.com, the average time to beat the main story is about 11 hours; the average time to beat the main story plus extras is about 19 hours; the average time to complete everything is about 40 hours.
Q: How many endings does the game have?
A: The game has two endings: a normal ending and a secret ending. The normal ending is unlocked by beating the final boss of the main story. The secret ending is unlocked by collecting all 106 gems in the game. The gems are hidden or rewarded in each level for completing certain tasks, such as breaking all crates, collecting all Wumpa fruits, finding hidden gems, etc. The secret ending reveals a surprising twist that sets up a possible sequel.
Q: How can I unlock skins and outfits for Crash and Coco?
A: The game allows players to customize Crash and Coco's appearance with skins and outfits that change their color, clothes, accessories, etc. The game has over 100 skins and outfits for Crash and Coco to unlock. Some of them are unlocked by progressing through the main story; some of them are unlocked by collecting gems in each level; some of them are unlocked by completing time trials in each level; some of them are unlocked by playing online multiplayer modes; some of them are unlocked by pre-ordering or purchasing certain editions of the game.
Q: How can I play online multiplayer modes?
A: The game features two online multiplayer modes: Bandicoot Battle and Pass N. Play. Bandicoot Battle is a competitive mode that allows up to four players to race or battle against each other in selected levels. Pass N. Play is a cooperative mode that allows up to four players to take turns playing through selected levels. To play online multiplayer modes, the player needs an internet connection and an active subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold (depending on the platform).
Q: How can I play as Cortex, Dingodile, or Tawna?
A: The game features five playable characters in total: Crash, Coco, Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna. Each character has their own unique gameplay mechanics and levels. Crash and Coco are playable in most levels, and the player can switch between them at any time. Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna are playable in certain levels that are marked with their icons on the map. These levels show different perspectives of the main story, as well as offer new challenges and secrets for the player to discover. To play as Cortex, Dingodile, or Tawna, the player needs to select their levels from the map screen.
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