The multiverse is under siege, and only one bandicoot can save reality. In Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, the legendary platforming icon returns in a high-stakes adventure that spans across space and time. Developed by Toys for Bob, this much-anticipated sequel takes the foundation of the 1990s classics and expands it into a multidimensional epic that is as visually stunning as it is mechanically demanding.

A Multiversal Threat and Interdimensional Travel

The stakes have never been higher. The nefarious Neo Cortex and N. Tropy have joined forces to launch an all-out assault, not just on Crash’s home universe, but on the entire multiverse. To stop them, Crash and his sister Coco must embark on a journey through various dimensions, bending the rules of reality to protect existence. Players will traverse diverse and wacky environments, ranging from prehistoric landscapes filled with dinosaur heads and lava flows to futuristic metropolises soaring high above the clouds.

This journey is more than just a trip through different worlds; it is a quest to reunite the four Quantum Masks. These powerful artifacts are essential for navigating the increasingly complex obstacles presented by Cortex’s plan, providing the tools necessary to survive the shifting landscape of the multiverse.

Precision Platforming and New Mechanics

While Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time remains faithful to the "tightly designed digital tunnels" and challenging gameplay that defined the original series, it introduces several modern layers to the action-platformer genre. The controls are more responsive than ever, allowing for classic moves like the spin attack, the body slam, and a slide that can be combo’d into a higher jump.

The standout addition to the gameplay loop is the introduction of the Quantum Masks, each offering unique abilities that alter how you interact with the world:

  • Lani-Loli: Allows players to make certain objects appear and disappear by bringing them into your dimension.
  • Aka: Provides a dark matter infusion that causes Crash or Coco to spin violently, enabling them to break unbreakable objects and defeat larger enemies. This mask also facilitates higher jumps and a brief hover period.

However, players should be prepared for a significant challenge. The game is built on precision platforming; while the "modern" difficulty setting offers unlimited lives to mitigate some frustration, the level design demands mastery. Deadlier pitfalls and distant checkpoints mean that players will often need to memorize level layouts through repeated attempts.

Visual Splendor and Performance

Visually, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a triumph. The graphics are polished to an incredibly high level, featuring amazing character models in both cutscenes and moment-to-moment gameplay. Whether you are battling seahorse-like pirates or navigating busy skyways, the vibrant colors and wacky sights make every level feel like a new discovery. On supported hardware, the game delivers smooth performance with an unlocked framerate, ensuring that the intense, precision-based action remains fluid.

Who Is This Game For?

This title is a perfect match for fans of the classic era who crave the nostalgic sting of difficult platforming, as well as new players looking for a modern, visually impressive challenge. If you enjoy high-precision gameplay, intricate level design, and a sense of adventure through fantastical worlds, this journey through time is waiting for you.

Technical Overview

  • Genre: Platformer, Action
  • Developer: Toys for Bob
  • Publisher: Activision
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: October 2020