Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
- October 18, 2022
- Hardsuit Labs
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on PS Store"Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time" is a single-player fantasy platformer game with excellent mechanics and graphics. The game features Crash and Coco on a quest to save the multiverse by reuniting the four Quantum Masks and defeating hostile bosses. With new abilities, playable characters, and alternate dimensions, this sequel promises an exciting and ridonkulous adventure.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Web Browser
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game captures the essence of the original trilogy while introducing new mechanics and characters.
- Visually stunning with vibrant graphics and well-designed levels that are engaging and creative.
- Offers a challenging experience that tests players' skills, making successful runs feel rewarding.
- The difficulty spikes significantly, especially in the later levels, making it frustrating for casual players.
- Many hidden boxes and gems are placed in unfair locations, often requiring guides to find them.
- The requirement to replay levels multiple times for 100% completion feels tedious and can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- gameplay322 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time" is a blend of classic platforming mechanics with new elements, such as the introduction of quantum masks that add depth and variety to the experience. While many players appreciate the challenging and engaging level design, some criticize the overabundance of mechanics and collectibles, which can lead to frustration and a sense of clutter. Overall, the game is praised for its fluid controls and beautiful visuals, but opinions vary on the balance and execution of its gameplay elements.
“Extremely fun and satisfying gameplay, accompanied by a fun and fitting story!”
“The gameplay, art style, mechanics, and levels are creative, beautiful, and fun.”
“Crash Bandicoot 4 is a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay mechanics.”
“All the masks/mechanics/characters feel half-baked and inconsistent.”
“Long frustrating levels, virtually impossible to 100% and a plethora of underused gameplay mechanics.”
“The gameplay also just feels a bit off for a platformer; it’s especially hard to judge jump distance when riding a running animal, which can be annoying.”
- story173 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally described as lighthearted and fun, continuing the narrative from the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy while introducing new characters and mechanics. While some players appreciate the nostalgic elements and humor, others find the plot simplistic and at times convoluted, with certain character arcs feeling forced. Overall, the story serves as a fitting backdrop for the gameplay, though it may not be the main draw for all players.
“We explore different dimensions joined by familiar faces, experience a plot twist here and there, and beat the game!”
“The story is pretty damn good and brings back not all but some of the best characters from the past, the whole broken dimension storyline gives the creators a chance to make Crash go through all these different scenarios which offer many different obstacles.”
“The story brings back a vibe matching those older games, upbeat & goofy with the ability to laugh at itself & the moments it presents.”
“The story in the game doesn't even relate to the levels you're playing.”
“The story is childish and does not keep the player awaiting to see what comes next.”
“The story also has some inconsistencies and there are many parts in cutscenes that feel rushed with interactions kind of just happening with no build up or exposition.”
- graphics156 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and stunning visuals, with many reviewers praising the beautiful art style and fluid animations that enhance the overall experience. However, some players expressed disappointment with character redesigns and a perceived lack of originality in the art direction, feeling it strays too far from the franchise's roots. Overall, while the graphics are often described as breathtaking and well-executed, opinions vary on how well they align with the classic Crash Bandicoot aesthetic.
“The graphics are beautiful, the movements are fluid, and the mechanics are improved over the previous games.”
“Graphically, the game is stunning; all the character designs are nailed, and the environments you traverse are just as beautiful.”
“The graphics here are gorgeous as well, with lots of attention to detail, bright and colorful, and loads of cool places to visit with lots of wow-factor.”
“The character aesthetic redesigns are terrible.”
“The art style is completely off.”
“The fact that I paid 39.99€ for this game, I am disappointed that the game developers failed to capture the essence of what a Crash Bandicoot game is all about; the art style and characters are so off compared to the original series on the PlayStation.”
- music76 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its vibrant and dynamic soundtrack that complements the gameplay and evokes nostalgia from the original trilogy. However, some players find it lackluster and forgettable compared to earlier titles, noting a reliance on familiar motifs without the same memorable impact. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered enjoyable, it does not consistently reach the heights of its predecessors.
“Excellent return to the Crash series; levels, moveset, cutscenes, music, and collectibles kept me coming back excited for the next surprises.”
“The music, the visual style, the effort put into the animations; they went to great lengths to emulate the feel of the original trilogy and pay extensive homage to it.”
“The soundtrack is fantastic, still feeling like the Crash games of yore while being their own thing.”
“Much of the soundtrack is bland and lackluster, lacking memorability compared to the original trilogy, where almost every track is highly memorable.”
“The soundtrack seems like a massive afterthought - it's completely forgettable.”
“It is the weakest soundtrack in the series, with very generic sounding tracks that don't really leave a mark.”
- grinding68 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating, particularly for completionists aiming for 100% or 106% completion. Players report that the need to replay levels multiple times to find hidden crates and complete challenges leads to a monotonous experience, often feeling like a chore rather than enjoyable gameplay. While some appreciate the game's graphics and mechanics, the overwhelming grind and poorly designed level layouts detract significantly from the overall experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding is insane and some of the controls are busted (I'm looking at you, Polar!!!!) but the graphics and gameplay are impressive, to be honest.”
“This game is one of the most grindy things to 100%. I could go into a lot of detail why, but in short, the collectibles require a lot of repetition and flawless runs that will test your patience and skill to the max.”
“The result is it just felt like playing the same level twice for completion, which was tedious.”
- humor38 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- -5 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its imaginative and lighthearted nature, effectively capturing the signature "Crash" style with silly antics and amusing character interactions. Players appreciate the blend of wacky writing, funny cutscenes, and humorous gameplay elements, although some find certain design choices frustrating rather than funny. Overall, the game successfully delivers a charming and entertaining experience that resonates with both nostalgic fans and new players alike.
“It's funny, imaginative, and generally creative.”
“The writers have nailed the signature Crash humor, adding to the overall great atmosphere.”
“The storyline and the characters are very, very funny, just like the first three games.”
“The game has its moments, but overall, the humor falls flat.”
“I expected more laughs, but the jokes just didn't land for me.”
“While the gameplay is solid, the attempts at humor feel forced and unoriginal.”
- replayability18 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, "Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time" is praised for its high replayability, thanks to its engaging level design, diverse playable characters, and new gameplay mechanics. While some players feel that certain additions may detract from the experience, the game still offers a wealth of content and challenges that encourage repeated playthroughs. The vibrant graphics and tight controls further enhance its appeal for those seeking replay value.
“Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time was the game this franchise needed, adding new dimensional gameplay, playable characters, and tons of replayability.”
“The levels being memorable, well designed, and fun to explore also adds to the replayability.”
“Controls are tight, level design is top notch, and replayability is the best in the series, no doubt.”
“Forced replay value for anyone not following a guide.”
“What seemed like fun additions back then retroactively ruined replayability, a big component of the series, by trivializing levels designed around only the base movement abilities.”
“I don't think the game needs any more replayability than what it already has anyway.”
- character development18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is marked by impressive and vibrant character designs that enhance the overall visual experience, with many praising the new, animated, and expressive designs of both returning and new characters. However, opinions are mixed, as some players feel the character designs stray too far from the original aesthetic, leading to a less engaging narrative and a tedious gameplay experience. Overall, while the graphics and character animations are celebrated, the depth of character development and story progression leaves some players wanting more.
“Overall, I'd say the only thing this game really has going for it is the impressive visuals, cutscenes, and interesting character development.”
“The new masks/characters add a different flavor when it comes to platforming which was needed; the art and character design are the best they've ever been, and most of the levels are true to the original games being challenging, but not exceedingly hard (with some exceptions).”
“From the amazingly detailed, cartoony worlds, to the new, energetic character designs, to the cast performances.”
“I do not like the character design overall; Crash looks too bright compared to the older character designs in the series.”
“Character design is mostly the same with a more cartoonish tone. I personally don't mind; Crash was always a kids' game despite what 30-year-old boomers think, but I am not a fan of Cortex's design.”
“They haven't mucked around with the character designs like they did in the Titans series; each looks perfect, and the newer characters they've included are a pretty natural fit for the ensemble in my opinion.”
- optimization16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance and responsive controls, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck. However, some users noted occasional hitches and performance issues in specific levels, suggesting that while the overall optimization is impressive, there are still areas that could be improved. Overall, the game is considered well-optimized, though opinions vary on its execution and design choices.
“I had no crashes or performance issues.”
“Overall, while not visually mind-blowing, the optimization is pretty impressive.”
“The game looks beautiful and is perfectly optimized.”
“The remastered trilogy was good, but it had the excuse of being made 10+ years ago. This was made not long ago by people in China that do not understand what makes a platforming game fun to play. The movement is clunky, the game hitches at weird times (probably because it's a terrible port or maybe DRM, or maybe it's just not optimized, hard to say).”
“There seems to be a lack of optimization in some levels (Stage Dive and Off Beat, to name a few), where my PC goes full-on even though it's kind of high-end for this game.”
“The music is forgettable, the characters are not at all memorable and are lacking in the personality they had in the other games.”
- stability15 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting numerous glitches and bugs that disrupt gameplay, such as clipping issues, inconsistent hitboxes, and level hazards spawning out of sync. While some users have experienced smooth performance, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck, others find the game's mechanics frustratingly unstable, leading to a love-hate relationship with the overall experience. Overall, the game could benefit from additional polish to address these stability concerns.
“Played the whole game on Steam Deck, no bugs or any other problem, runs great.”
“For the first time since the new millennia we have a worthy Crash Bandicoot sequel and it runs great on PC.”
“Runs great on Steam Deck, I've had no issues and didn't do anything special to get it to run.”
“Too many glitches.”
“The game is a bit buggy though; I found numerous bugs involving random clipping into walls, getting warped downwards to my death, clipping out of bounds once, and breaking the entire level. It could've used a bit more polish in that regard.”
“Glitches and bugs are your disadvantage, and while I understand that old games had these issues, in Crash 4 they're so weird and annoying that they might disrupt your momentum, causing you to panic while trying to maintain a stable run.”
- emotional9 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- -22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep nostalgia and joy, while others report frustration and disappointment due to technical issues and gameplay mechanics. The contrasting feelings highlight a struggle between fond memories and the game's perceived shortcomings, leading to a complex emotional experience for players.
“I know this has been shouted into the high heavens by everybody else, but everyone who is warning you about this is doing an absolute favor for your emotional well-being.”
“I enjoyed Crash; it was such a wholesome, colorful, and joyful game. While staring at the long end credits, I had many thoughts going through my head, but a special thought was: 'Wow... how many people have worked on this game?'”
“Sane Trilogy made me cry because of nostalgia.”
“The emotional depth of the story feels lacking, making it hard to connect with the characters or their struggles.”
“The game tries to evoke emotions but ends up feeling forced and unconvincing, leaving me indifferent to the outcomes.”
“Despite its attempts at emotional storytelling, the narrative feels disjointed and fails to engage the player on a deeper level.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its vibrant colors, detailed graphics, and engaging humor, which collectively evoke a nostalgic and fun experience reminiscent of the earlier Crash Bandicoot titles. Players appreciate the immersive seaside setting and the abundance of small animations that enhance the overall enjoyment, making it a joy to explore both the main and bonus levels. The combination of captivating visuals and catchy music contributes to a memorable and lively atmosphere that invites players to fully engage with the game.
“The atmosphere is really well made.”
“Beautiful, fun, and expands upon the mechanics and atmosphere that made Crash 1 through 3 the legendary games they are; and Crash 4 easily joins the others with tons to collect and complete if you like, many secret levels and different ways to play, and great music that's already stuck in my head.”
“The graphic designers have packed an immense amount of details and small animations into every square centimeter, which perfectly illustrate the fundamentally flawed concept of the game, and the four Crash is a joy to look at not only while jumping quickly, but also in a situation where you just stop and soak up the atmosphere.”
“The story and humor also had the typical Crash atmosphere.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for being overly reliant on advertising and promotional content, detracting from the overall experience. Many users feel that the game's branding as "Crash Bandicoot 4" is misleading, suggesting that it could benefit from better marketing and balance.
“This game is a wet dream for all those YouTube bots who put up 'all collectible' videos where the first five minutes out of six are a channel intro and ads, in other words.”
“By all means, this game could be a fine game with some balancing changes and better advertising about what it actually is, but it shouldn't have been named Crash Bandicoot 4.”
