Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Review
Our Rating: 8.5/10
If the reboots have already allowed nostalgia to bubble up, now it’s time to let it mash-up with the new in this once-in-a-lifetime journey! So join us as we examine Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time in detail!
Story Overview
It’s About Time is an immediate follow-up to Warped, set shortly after the conclusion of that film. Neo Cortex and N. Tropy, the baddies, have discovered a way to open gaps in space-time. They embark on yet another universe dominance scheme, this time attempting to control all dimensions.
Crash and his sister Coco, along with the Aku Aku mask, are yet again tasked with saving the day. This time, however, the protagonists will have new friends in the form of the Quantum Masks. These are masks that exist to maintain space-time, as well as a few other characters who make unexpected appearances!
Tawna, Crash’s sweetheart from the 1st game, is among them, but in a kickass edition from another universe. And there’s Dingodile, an ex-villain who gave up the evil side to start a business. When his restaurant was obliterated, he sets out to seek vengeance on those accountable. Besides, in some quests, you can still use Neo Cortex himself!
Gameplay
It’s About Time is a 3D platformer that follows in the footsteps of its predecessors in terms of challenges. The game is extremely difficult and will involve a lot of control skills. Particularly in the bonus stages and VHS tapes that produce “retro” obstacles.
There are plenty more obstacles than before. You can now gather a total of 6 gems in each stage. Not to mention the jewel of the time challenge. If you complete objectives like smashing all the boxes or finishing the level with not more than 3 deaths.
Levels
The level design is clean, but “chaotic” with the player, hiding secrets and boxes out of sight. If a level has 200 boxes and you only smashed 199 of them, there is no compassion. If you want to try once more, you must smash ALL of the boxes, not just the one you missed.
Quantum masks, which give characters new skills, are also present mechanics that increase the game’s complexity level, such as the ability to leave tangible/intangible platforms. Thankfully, the gameplay is well-balanced and responsive, which means that if you fail, it will be your mistake.
The Good, the Bad, and Overall Experience
Crash Bandicoot 4 was already a stunning game in the previous generation, and it continues to be so. In terms of audiovisuals, the game is still phenomenal, with vibrant colors that are true to the franchise’s vision.
Visual Nostalgia
The game has a different aesthetic than the reboots. It’s more cartoonish and having its visual direction, but it stays true to the original. Crash keeps his original appearance but adds more details to his mohawk, trousers, gloves, and sneakers. Coco wears the same clothes and has the same hairdo, but she now has a tablet in her grip.
The game’s instances are stunning. It has a wide range of settings ranging from forests to space-age towns, pirate ports, and steampunk deserts. Everything is well-crafted and detailed. Not to mention the character and enemy animations, which are both fluid and well-crafted. As well as landscape elements, whether in-game or in the stunning cutscenes.
Soundtrack
The game’s audio is fantastic. The voice acting cast is incredible. With dear Luiza Caspary, Ellie from The Last of Us, providing the voice of Coco Bandicoot!
We also can’t forget about the soundtrack. It is well-made and contains several very enjoyable songs. As well as remixes of classic songs such as the first game’s original theme. The classic versions of the songs from the first three games in the series were even included on the Flashback tapes! It’s the epitome of reminiscence!
Playing on PS5
The system plays in 4K at 60 frames per second on the PS5. Even in the most ferocious boss fights, there are no choking or framerate drops.
DualSense functionalities add even more spice to the mix! For example, when using Tawna’s Grappling Hook, you can feel the friction of the button. This effect can also be seen when riding a skateboard or jet ski, as well as when using the Dingodile “vacuum cleaner.”
Crash 4 is a game with huge levels that can take ages to load. So the loading speed takes benefit of the new generation hardware and SSD. This isn’t an issue on PS5. The time between the map and the start of the phase is less than 5 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time does not reimagine the classic game. Instead, it provides a quicker, more free-flowing, and more interactive experience in the new generation. Following the trend of developments seen in other games recently.
Given that the upgrade is free for those who own the game from a previous generation, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive one of video games’ most iconic characters.
