Despite being treated to various spin-off games and even remastered versions of the original three, fans of “Crash Bandicoot” have not had the opportunity to play a new game in the franchise’s main series since the release of “Crash Bandicoot: Warped” in 1998. That is, until video game developer Toys for Bob announced a new game, fittingly titled “Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time,” which was released for Playstation 4 and Xbox One in late 2020, and on the Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch in March 2021.

In comparison to past sequels in the series, “Crash 4” feels to be the most reminiscent of the original game. Like any sequel should, the game includes its own new mechanics and gameplay which give it its own fresh identity overall. However, it also seemingly reverts to a simplistic playstyle which hearkens back to the original game. Unlike the other sequels, which make these new additions of the gameplay a staple of the game, “Crash 4” only incorporates them into portions of the levels, thereby allowing for players who are nostalgic of the first game to experience similar gameplay for at least some of the game.

Like the other main series game, “Crash 4” stands out due to how much it promotes its players to continue playing the game, even after finishing the main story. By including additional levels and also extra objectives and differing ways of playing the main levels, the game gives players more than enough reasons to keep playing it. Furthermore, various hidden objectives and items are sprinkled throughout the game, thereby giving fans a slew of fun and challenging surprises to discover as they play through it.

Seeing as there was a 23-year gap between the release of “Crash 4” and its immediate predecessor, it’s unsurprising how the former stands out as the best in the series on a visual level. Even in comparison to the series of remastered games known as the “N. Sane Trilogy,” the game showcases what are perhaps the cleanest and most visually-appealing sights out of any game in the series. Furthermore, its visuals are defined by their own vibrantly-colored aesthetic, which seems absent from the other games. The level design also uses this theme to its advantage, providing some of the most uniquely-designed and best looking levels to play throughout any “Crash” game.

Perhaps the only point of contention regarding “Crash 4” is the difficulty of the majority of its levels. Like any other “Crash” game, this edition is notable for its dynamic levels, which should keep players on their toes throughout their gameplay. For those with little experience playing 3D platformers such as the “Crash” series, it may be rather frustrating or strenuous to complete levels in the game on its default difficulty setting. However, the game also features a new setting in which players may choose an easier difficulty, allowing players of varied skill levels to be able to play through and appreciate the game.

Though some players may not play its predecessors beforehand, “Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time” is a game which may still stand on its own in the long run. With a simplistic story to grasp, captivating visuals and gameplay that seems familiar to the series’ first game, this new installment makes for a worthwhile sequel which serves well as both a nice introduction to the series and a nostalgic addition for those familiar with it.

Image from Playstation via YouTube