Crash Bandicoot is finally back for a numbered game, and it is about time. Crash Bandicoot’s stellar trilogy, which was released, in the ’90s, did get a remake a few years ago. It was a stellar reimagining of the classic trilogy for modern consoles. But with this game brought on the hopes for a new one, and now finally it’s here. This game is charming and fun like older Crash titles and is ready to help introduce the series to newer players too.
Crash Bandicoot 4 is a platformer about our favorite Marsupial Crash Bandicoot. Joined by his sister Coco, the duo must take down Dr. Neo Cortex; and his band of cronies including, Uka Uka and Dr. N Tropy. This game has more playable characters than anyone would have thought, and they do change the formula a bit with new level styles. This game will test new and old players alike and is a solid game in and of itself. Players can play through the game as the usual suspects in Crash and Coco. They are both solid characters like they’ve always been. Crash is lazy but will always jump in to save the day when evil arises. Coco might carry her tablet around, but she can take out anyone just like her brother.
This game also gives players access to playing as Dr. Neo Cortex. Cortex has been playable before, but now his levels run at the same time as Crash or Coco run through them. When players wonder why things are being destroyed or changed in a level, it’s because Cortex is wrecking them on his side. This kind of world-building is fantastic, and I appreciate the effort that went into making it happen. Players can also play as another dimension’s blue streak haired Tawna. Tawna in the regular world might be eye candy, but this Tawna has a grappling hook and take care of herself. Crash and Coco are dumbfounded to see their old friend in this new startling manner. Just like anyone else who has seen her. It’s a fresh change to the character and works well. Dingo Dile is the last of the playable characters in another twist nobody saw coming. Dingo can freeze things with his freeze gun and move through levels even though he is massive. It is interesting to play as two villains in this game; maybe more will be playable in future installments. Dingo is a fan-favorite villain so, it’s no surprise they chose to make him playable. He’s just trying to enjoy his life, but things don’t work out for out scaly frenemy.
Crash 4 is a fantastic entry in the series with numerous levels to explore. While there is no hub world this time, there is a map screen. Players will run between levels on the map and can check their progress anytime. I’m a little disappointed there is no hub world, but they did put a lot of magic into the game to make up for it. The levels now have six different gems to pick up. Each gem; is locked behind either physically picking it up or behind a goal. These gems are essential to completing the game, to unlock the secret endings. Usually, the goals are manageable, but as the player plays through the game, they will get more arduous.
This game also introduces a death counter. Players will play through each level, and one of the goals is usually only to die three times. This challenge is doable, but sometimes enemies pop up, or changes happen that mess up the player’s flow. Take breaths, and play through a level multiple times, and every gem should eventually be in Crash’s paw. I find death counters to hinder my desire to complete games, but this death counter is a little less intrusive.
One of the main changes to the game’s base formula are masks. Now, these aren’t the same masks worn by Crunch in the Rise of Cortex. No, these masks are brand new and offer Crash new powers that change how the level works. The four masks each have their personality and add even more character to an already charming game. It’s nice to see masks back in this game as they were fun additions in Wrath of Cortex. Lani-Loli is the first mask that Crash and Coco pick up. His phasing powers allow the duo to phase through two dimensions where things appear and disappear depending on what dimension they are in. Akano can help players spin and hover while also giving them another means of destroying locked boxes. Kupuna-Wa is the oldest looking of the masks, but with that comes wisdom. Her powers allow the pair to slow down time making it easier to take down fast enemies and move on fast-moving platforms. The last mask Ika-Ika can change the direction of gravity allowing players to walk on the ceiling or avoid ground-bound traps. These two masks come later in the game, so their powers are stronger.
Flashback Tapes are another new type of level. These levels show us experiments and trials; Cortex subjected Crash too before the first game. It’s nice to see this old school Crash, and the levels can be fun too. They can seem like gauntlets though, long stretches with no end in sight. Take them on, and have fun they do mix up the formula. Several different styles change up the game’s formula too. For instance, in some levels, players need to bring color back to the world. It’s interesting to see the Crash series grow and change. These different level styles contribute to making this game magical, like the original trilogy.
This game also allows players to dress up Crash and Coco. Each level will offer a different costume for players to earn. The costumes will switch up every other level and will come in matching pairs. While players will need to gather all the gems, costumes are an easy way to entice players to retry levels. Pass and play has always been a fun thing to do when playing games. Crash 4 has an actual mode that allows players to easily switch between each other. When players either die, reach a checkpoint, or either then the game will prompt a switch. Up to four players can easily play through Crash 4 with this feature enabled. It’s not overly technical, but it is a good thing to add to a game like Crash.
There are two multiplayer modes that up to four players can take part in. Players can play as Crash and Coco, as well as Fake Crash and even Fake Coco. Time trials are fun to take on, and bringing friends along to test your skills is even more fun. The other mode is a scored mode that tasks players with getting better scores in levels. Both can be fun and could break things up a little.
Crash 4 It’s About Time is a great game. Now not everyone may agree in the end, but it is a fun Crash experience. The different playable characters are great, and Crash and Coco bring familiarity. This game could be the start of a new trilogy, and that would mean more Crash fun is on the way. Crash and co have to save the world again will the player help them do so?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided