It’s about time! Crash Bandicoot 4 is upon us. Thanks to publisher Activision and developer Toys for Bob, we have a new game in the Crash Bandicoot franchise and it’s one to be proud of. Forgetting Crash’s last four adventures (we don’t talk about those), It’s About Time is a faithful, authentic follow up to Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. Can you believe it’s been twenty two years? It’s about time indeed.
As challenging as the game is, I personally am really enjoying it. It really feels like a Crash Bandicoot game and offers up nostalgia and the things we loved about the original, as well as adding enough new things to feel like a fresh game with a modern take.
So whats new?
Unlimited lives: That’s right. In It’s About Time you get the option of playing in “retro mode” where you can collect lives like in previous games, or “modern mode” where you have unlimited lives and you’ll never see a “game over”. Go for modern mode, you’ll need it!
New Playable Characters: You can play certain levels as Dingodile, Cortex, and Tawna. Each character has different skills so it makes gameplay more fun that just playing as Crash for the whole game. Personally, I liked playing Cortex’s levels the most out of the three.
Masks : As you progress through the game, the levels will require you to complete certain sections using specially powered masks. Players can then flip gravity, slow time, super-spin, or pop in and out of alternate dimensions. I feel this is where the gameplay is different to the previous games as this isn’t something players would have encountered before.
Check out this gorgeous illustration of the new “Quantum Masks” from concept artist Nicholas Kole
Inverted mode: Some way through the game you’ll unlock inverted mode. This mode gives you the option to play the same levels again but experience it with different visuals. Some add a different effect to the game such as playing in near darkness unless you spin and break boxes to see the rest of the path, others just look REALLY pretty. It’s worth just having a go at different ones just to see what the new look is. One of my favourite levels is a Mardi Gras type level and it’s done as if it’s an old movie on a flickering tape with piano music. Cute!
Flashback tapes: In each level you can collect a tape which allows you to play bonus levels. These levels are reminiscent of the original crash “bonus rounds” and are retro in style and are a flash back to when Crash was in Cortex’s testing lab. They’re all about the jumping and breaking boxes (not my strength I must admit – yes I am aware what game I’m playing) but the music in these is a great throwback to the first Crash Bandicoot game.
It may seem that there is a lot of new extras, but again, I believe it still feels like a Crash game. The soundtrack is brilliant, the music fits, and some of the music is a remix of the classic old tracks. Lex Lang returns to voice Cortex (he does a great job!), and players will recognise old enemies such as Dr N.Brio, Dr N. Gin, and N. Tropy.
An example of an Inverted Level [Image Source]
What is there to collect?
If you’re a completionist then there is so much to collect!
There are 6 gems per level; the usual one for breaking all the boxes, one for completing the game in 3 lives or less, plus a hidden gem, then you’ll get 3 by collecting 80% of the Wumpa fruit. Collecting gems also enables players to unlock new outfits or “skins” for Crash and Coco.
There are the time trial relics which you can obtain by beating the level in a set time, and there are the new Flashback tapes which allow you to play mini levels. If you throw in Inverted Mode, then that’s double the gems, and double the relics to collect!
[My Verdict
I’m not a what you’d call a pro gamer. I’m not terrible at Crash, but I’m not the greatest, and I’m never going to be one of those players that can get all the gems and boxes to get that 100% finish (apart from Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped – I smashed that)
Woah, it is HARD. I went into It’s About Time quite naively thinking I wouldn’t find it any more difficult than the last game, after all, children still want to play this don’t they? I was WRONG. It’s demanding, but to me it’s a fun challenge. Almost. Sometimes it felt frustrating, but at the end of the day it was still fun to play (nervous laughter).
Playing as Cortex was a highlight, his levels are engaging, his background music is awesome and his chatter is silly! I liked Dingodile’s levels the least, as his control felt a bit clunky and his levels felt long and a little dull (there is never any need for 400 boxes!)
A Flashback Tape Level [Image Source]
Overall Rating: 8/10
Where it loses points for me personally is that it felt a touch just too difficult, and I probably won’t replay it much as I know there are things I’ll never be able collect or levels I’d even re-attempt as they were too much for me. I feel it might be too challenging for the casual or a less experienced younger gamer. However, there is something to be said for the addicting part of it, because I’ll admit I sat there and attempted something nearly 100 times. Where it wins is that it’s new enough to be interesting, but still feels like classic Crash Bandicoot. It’s a great challenge, plus it looks lovely, there is a mix of environments and settings and theres lots to collect for those that like to 100% finish a game.
I have been playing Crash Bandicoot since he first came out to play..i not yet have purchased Its About Time. My son and i just 2 nights ago actually finished all the levels on the 3 game 1 disc. Cannot wait to nuy this new Crash.
Great read mate, thanks 🙂
Another fantastic review Sarah