Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a platformer video game developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision. Released on October 2, 2020, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and later for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it serves as the direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot: Warped (1998), the third game in the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy. It continues the adventures of Crash Bandicoot and his sister Cortex as they face new challenges and enemies in a time-bending storyline.

Key Features of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time:

• Story:
  • The story centers on Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco as they attempt to stop the evil Doctor Neo Cortex and his ally Doctor N. Tropy, who have escaped their respective prisons and caused havoc across time and space.
  • The plot involves the discovery of a new dimension, the Quantum Masks, which have the ability to manipulate time and space. Crash and Coco must use these masks to stop the villains from altering reality and preventing the collapse of the multiverse.
• Gameplay:
  • Traditional Platforming: The game returns to the classic 3D platformer style of the original Crash Bandicoot games, with challenging level designs that require precise jumping, timing, and dodging obstacles.
  • Multiple Playable Characters: While players can control Crash and Coco, the game introduces new playable characters, such as Dingodile and Doctor N. Brio, each with unique abilities and perspectives on the levels they explore.
  • Quantum Masks: The introduction of the Quantum Masks adds new gameplay mechanics. Each mask has a unique power that alters the environment, including:
    • Lani-Loli: Allows players to phase through obstacles and platforms.
    • Kupuna-Wa: Slows down time for puzzles and challenges.
    • Ika-Ika: Flips gravity, allowing players to walk on ceilings.
    • Akano: Provides a powerful spin attack that can break certain objects.
  • These powers must be used strategically to navigate through the game’s increasingly difficult levels and solve puzzles.
• Levels and World Design:
  • Expansive Levels: The game features a wide variety of visually stunning levels, ranging from lush jungles to icy mountain peaks, and futuristic cities to dangerous lava-filled caves.
  • Alternate Realities: The use of time manipulation allows for alternate realities and parallel universes to be explored, with unique variations of each level. This mechanic creates more diverse gameplay experiences and challenges.
  • Hidden Secrets and Collectibles: Players can search for various collectibles, such as Wumpa fruit, relics, and gem paths, which add replay value and encourage exploration.
• Difficulty and Challenge:
  • Challenging Platforming: The game is known for its high level of difficulty, particularly for players who want to collect everything and complete each level to 100%. The game includes secret levels, time trials, and special challenges to test players’ skills.
  • Checkpoints and Lives: While Crash Bandicoot 4 does not have a life system, it uses checkpoints to track progress. However, the game is designed to challenge players to master platforming mechanics with limited resources.
• Graphics and Presentation:
  • Stunning Visuals: The game features vibrant and detailed 3D environments with stunning animation and fluid character movements. The updated visual style takes full advantage of modern consoles, with high-quality textures, lighting, and smooth animations.
  • Cinematic Sequences: Like previous Crash Bandicoot games, It’s About Time features cinematic cutscenes that enhance the storytelling, blending humor and charm.
• Sound Design and Music:
  • The game features a fun, energetic soundtrack that blends orchestral compositions with funky beats, complementing the game’s lively and adventurous atmosphere.
  • Voice Acting: The characters are fully voiced, with Crash retaining his signature vocalizations, and other characters having distinct personalities and voices, including the returning Doctor Neo Cortex.
• New Modes:
  • N. Verted Mode: This mode is a significant new addition, allowing players to replay levels with a twist. It flips the game world upside down, changing the perspective and adding new challenges.
  • Flashback Levels: These levels are unlocked by collecting flashback tapes and offer a difficult, retro-inspired challenge with limited checkpoints, adding to the game’s difficulty.