Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 854 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 635 out of 854
  2. Mixed: 104 out of 854
  3. Negative: 115 out of 854
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  1. mosannam9696
    Dec 27, 2020
    6
    I can’t recommend this game to fans of the old Crash games. I can only recommend this game to fans of monotonous grinds and difficulty that no man should ever have to endure. If you are a completionist and it’s a reason you love Crash games just stay away. This is a nightmare. They put WAY too much stuff in here to do and there’s not a lot of it that is actually enjoyable. They went andI can’t recommend this game to fans of the old Crash games. I can only recommend this game to fans of monotonous grinds and difficulty that no man should ever have to endure. If you are a completionist and it’s a reason you love Crash games just stay away. This is a nightmare. They put WAY too much stuff in here to do and there’s not a lot of it that is actually enjoyable. They went and made the most Crash game ever and not in a good way. The levels and game itself seem pretty fun but when you throw in completionist stuff like the box gems (which are now more annoying than ever because there are stupidly hidden boxes everywhere), collecting wumpa fruit gems, dying less than 3 times each level gem, the hidden gem on every level, having to get platinum relics on every level, doing all of that on the “inverted style” level for every level AND the worst thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life with the N Sanely Perfect relics where you have to beat every level without dying WHILE collecting every single box........ you have a game that I absolutely despise. And it’s crazy how simple it would’ve been to make me love it. Throw out the stupid inverted levels, make relic requirements to only need gold or even just regular relic, and get rid of the n sanely perfect relics and you have yourself an amazing game I would’ve recommended to anyone and everyone. But stay away from this game unless you enjoy suffering. And this is coming from someone that 100% completed Super Meat Boy.… Expand
  2. Darthbiscuit116
    Oct 26, 2020
    7
    Toys for Bob make this game so easy to hate. It is really difficult. I died at least 20 times on every single level. I do have to admit they made a pretty decent Crash game. Level design was decent. The new playable characters did not sit well with me. They gave us dingodile and Tawna, both were pretty mediocre. I didn’t understand why they were even there. I hope if they continue to makeToys for Bob make this game so easy to hate. It is really difficult. I died at least 20 times on every single level. I do have to admit they made a pretty decent Crash game. Level design was decent. The new playable characters did not sit well with me. They gave us dingodile and Tawna, both were pretty mediocre. I didn’t understand why they were even there. I hope if they continue to make more Crash and Spyro games that they will make them less difficult and easier to enjoy. I can’t stress enough the difficulty is ultimately what brought this game down a few points. I DIED 143 times on the last level before we fight Cortex.… Expand
  3. Sh00p
    Jan 4, 2021
    5
    They made the game way too difficult but not in a fun way. It's less about challenging and evolving your skills and more to do with can you get through the boredom of playing the first bit of the level again. Not rewarding, not enjoyable. There's also way too much padding. Playing the same level over and over again for different gems or with a different look is not extra content. PlayingThey made the game way too difficult but not in a fun way. It's less about challenging and evolving your skills and more to do with can you get through the boredom of playing the first bit of the level again. Not rewarding, not enjoyable. There's also way too much padding. Playing the same level over and over again for different gems or with a different look is not extra content. Playing the levels casually is very fun. They're well designed, nice to look at, not too easy, not too difficult. However if you play through casually then you might get 5-6 hours out of the game, so definitely not worth full price.… Expand
  4. makemenuconfig
    Oct 31, 2021
    5
    Don't waste your time trying to 100% this game. Just play it normally without worrying about collecting all the boxes or gems. The gameplay is fine I guess. Some parts can get frustratingly insensitive. For a basic platformer it is ok. Also don't expect anything from the story or characters, it is very basic and cliche; I'd say skip everything and jump to the gameplay.
  5. jack2059
    Jul 10, 2021
    5
    If you were looking for the family friendly nice game of old Crash, this is not it.
    Im shocked to sit playing a crash game and just thinking that its really not very good. The challenge level has flown well above what the previous games had, and not in a good way.
    The camera continually feels like an enemy. There's far too many deaths to things you cant clearly see or predict. One    If you were looking for the family friendly nice game of old Crash, this is not it.
    Im shocked to sit playing a crash game and just thinking that its really not very good. The challenge level has flown well above what the previous games had, and not in a good way.

    The camera continually feels like an enemy. There's far too many deaths to things you cant clearly see or predict.

    One of the staples of the old games was the triple Aku Aku mask.
    Im not even sure it still exists. It would be useless if it does because its rare to see enemies in your path.

    When you take the fun out of a challenging game, it just leaves you with a frustrating experience.    … Expand
  6. doncsoo
    Jan 14, 2021
    6
    Pros: Amazing Graphics, Quantum Masks and new playable characters make the game more fun, fluid controls
    A BIG CON: the difficulty, Crash games weren't this difficult, it was rather infuriating than challenging, Crash fans will definitely like the challenge, the more casual players not really...
    More smaller cons: lame story, Cortex's controls are not the best, due to the insane    Pros: Amazing Graphics, Quantum Masks and new playable characters make the game more fun, fluid controls
    A BIG CON: the difficulty, Crash games weren't this difficult, it was rather infuriating than challenging, Crash fans will definitely like the challenge, the more casual players not really...
    More smaller cons: lame story, Cortex's controls are not the best, due to the insane difficulties you might encounter bugs here or there
    Conlusion: I really wanted to truly love this game, but the difficulty ruined an otherwise masterpiece. I 'm open to a sequel, if they tone down the difficulty a bit.
    HINT: DON'T START IN RETRO DIFFICULTY MODE. I couldn't complete the end without at least 50 deaths.    … Expand
  7. Cedoch
    Jan 5, 2021
    5
    Ce jeu paraît prometteur mais néanmoins est véritablement trop difficile… En plus la difficulté est là juste pour monter la durée du jeu mais pas vraiment dans l’intérêt du joueur… Les ennemis sont scriptés comme pas possible, des murs invisibles apparaissent, etc. Bref, j’ai vraiment lutté pour aller à la fin du jeu mais dépenser 180 vies pour battre un bosse ne me semble pas vraimentCe jeu paraît prometteur mais néanmoins est véritablement trop difficile… En plus la difficulté est là juste pour monter la durée du jeu mais pas vraiment dans l’intérêt du joueur… Les ennemis sont scriptés comme pas possible, des murs invisibles apparaissent, etc. Bref, j’ai vraiment lutté pour aller à la fin du jeu mais dépenser 180 vies pour battre un bosse ne me semble pas vraiment adapté…… Expand
  8. AmirGamer1998
    Jul 10, 2021
    5
    One of the weakest series of crash games is very hard and far from previous versions
  9. Cormacd69
    Mar 7, 2021
    6
    Hugely disappointing reentry into the series. I play Crash because it is simple and enjoyable, this game is anything but. The length of the levels were horrible, the amount of collectibles you had to get in each level to complete it 100% was extremely frustrating. It might sound like I am bashing the game because I wasn't good at it, but this isn't the case, the first three games wereHugely disappointing reentry into the series. I play Crash because it is simple and enjoyable, this game is anything but. The length of the levels were horrible, the amount of collectibles you had to get in each level to complete it 100% was extremely frustrating. It might sound like I am bashing the game because I wasn't good at it, but this isn't the case, the first three games were hard but fair, this new game is ridiculous when it comes to completing levels fully. The new masks are a good idea but I don't think they are needed. However, if you enjoyed the first three games, I still think you should check this out, just because it hasn't clicked with me doesn't mean it wont for you!… Expand
  10. lxRs451
    Nov 5, 2020
    7
    My initial impressions were that i was blown away but as i progressed through the game it slowly began to turn into disappointment.
    Now, the game itself is great and the score will be different for many others.
    My problem is that the design of levels is repetitive, they are too long and ignoring the aesthetics it's almost the same level over and over with a different gimmick from time to    My initial impressions were that i was blown away but as i progressed through the game it slowly began to turn into disappointment.
    Now, the game itself is great and the score will be different for many others.
    My problem is that the design of levels is repetitive, they are too long and ignoring the aesthetics it's almost the same level over and over with a different gimmick from time to time.
    I'm a completionist and this game is too hard all the time. When i finished my initial playthrough and saw some of the levels i would have to get all boxes on i didn't want to. The vehicles handle horribly, especially the polar bear and part of it might be its' tiny hitbox to get all boxes.
    I tried going through the game without walkthrough and everytime i see one or two boxes missing my initial excitements turns a little sourer. Was it really necessary to hide one or two boxes so well? It's not fun.
    Overall, i would say that if you want to go through casually, it's an amazing experience. If you're a completionist then you better have a patience of a saint and be godlike at the game or you're going to suffer.    … Expand
  11. Tidus320
    Nov 25, 2020
    7
    As i child i love playing crash 1,2,3 with my PS1.
    I also like the remake, but after finished crash bandicot 4 i need to say that all the Magic is gone, i complete all the old games more than a 100% but in crash 4 i feel i was getting bored and bored level after level... all the gem sistem the add is awful for me and i immediately sold the game after the normal end. The game is not Made    As i child i love playing crash 1,2,3 with my PS1.
    I also like the remake, but after finished crash bandicot 4 i need to say that all the Magic is gone, i complete all the old games more than a 100% but in crash 4 i feel i was getting bored and bored level after level... all the gem sistem the add is awful for me and i immediately sold the game after the normal end. The game is not Made bad, but it’s not the Crash you remember...
    I will never forget Crash, but i hope to forget Crash Bandicot 4.    … Expand
  12. SpookyBoogie8
    Mar 16, 2021
    7
    I loved the Trilogy, I love Crash Team Racing, I loved all Crash games since I grew up with the series as a kid with PlayStation 1. This game is not bad, but it's not better than the Trilogy. It looks great, but plays really wonky. There are some new mechanics that are good on paper, but were not designed and implemented that well. The main issue is the godawful camera positioning andI loved the Trilogy, I love Crash Team Racing, I loved all Crash games since I grew up with the series as a kid with PlayStation 1. This game is not bad, but it's not better than the Trilogy. It looks great, but plays really wonky. There are some new mechanics that are good on paper, but were not designed and implemented that well. The main issue is the godawful camera positioning and weird non-orthogonal paths which make you die over and over just because you missed that 1 pixel edge, or 1 ms of directional input. You have to be impossibly precise to not die.
    The second pain point is level length and box placement. The game is not designed with smart, fun puzzles like the trilogy. It uses cheap camera tricks in levels with 300-500 **** boxes. It's frustrating as hell. And platinum? I'd say impossible. This game does not reward you for the time invested. And that's coming from someone who platinumed Demon's Souls.    … Expand
  13. PikaBandicoot98
    Mar 17, 2021
    5
    This review is my opinion and contains spoilers - if you don't wish to see either of those things stop reading now. My review isn't meant to bash the game but to try and be fair. Skip to the end if you want the TLDR version. Thanks.

    Playing through this game has led to some mixed impressions on my part. Let me start off by saying that the "E 10+" rating is somewhat deceptive. While I'm    This review is my opinion and contains spoilers - if you don't wish to see either of those things stop reading now. My review isn't meant to bash the game but to try and be fair. Skip to the end if you want the TLDR version. Thanks.

    Playing through this game has led to some mixed impressions on my part. Let me start off by saying that the "E 10+" rating is somewhat deceptive. While I'm only an average Crash player this game is pretty difficult even for someone like me who has played Crash since Warped. At one point Dingodile says the word "bastards". That made me chuckle for awhile. I just wanted to include those two things for any parents of young children who are reading this review. The game might not necessarily be a good introduction to Crash for them. Anyways on to the main review.

    1) Plot - Yeah it's a Crash game. Stop Cortex from taking over the universe yada yada yada. You know the drill at this point. I love Crash games but let's face it - If you want a game with a plot you're playing the wrong series. And that's fine because Crash is about fun and has always had a loose plot.

    2) Graphics/playable characters - Very good and immersive graphics. The prehistoric levels are probably my favorite in this game and in my view some of the best in the series. The redesign of Crash and Tawna annoyed me a bit but it's nothing too major in my view. Overall beautiful graphics and fun to look at. You get to play as Crash, Coco, Dingodile, Tawna and even Cortex which is enjoyable.

    3) Soundtrack - Not a lot to say here. Pretty average honestly. The N-Gin fight and a couple of others are memorable enough. But mostly just average or forgettable.

    4) Difficulty - Oh boy here we go. This is going to take awhile. A game like Crash 1 is a good measuring stick as it's difficult but fair. Crash 2 is easier but not too easy and probably the best difficulty in the series in my opinion. Crash 3 (Warped) is my favorite Crash game but it is definitely the easiest of the three originals. I like challenge in my games but Crash 4 is over the top difficult just to complete the story. The later levels, especially Cortex's Castle, are not enjoyable in the difficulty. The levels are too long and have too many boxes that are hidden in dumb places. That's okay occasionally but not all the time and should be reserved for hidden gems. It honestly feels like some of the levels were designed by fans to make the game as frustrating as possible rather than by professional developers. I have no desire to go back and try for 105% (or whatever percent it is) with this game. In comparison the original games and the N-Sane trilogy make me want to go back for more.

    4a) Difficulty - Adding to that, the game includes a death counter instead of the traditional lives system. (This can be switched back and forth) The reason for the death counter is because you WILL die. And die a lot. The fact that the death counter is even included is a red flag for me as it seems the game is difficult just for the sake of being difficult. The maps seem crowded for the sake of being crowded a lot of the time. Crash 1 is somewhat difficult but the difficulty is fair. It seems like Toys for Bob took the whole "dark souls" comparison to heart and made this game as hard as they could. To me that's just not all that enjoyable. The game is still fun at times but too often it's just frustrating in ways that not even Crash 1 can compare. Crash 1's difficulty is challenging but does not take away from the fun of the game for me. Crash 4 does take away some of the fun. Crash 4 is still a decent game and I don't wish to bash it. But with the difficulty, some of the level designs and overall frustration it is not as good as it could be.

    5) Mechanics - Some flaws here as well. The mask powers are interesting, but they are frustrating and clunky at times. (Gravity and Spinning masks) The spinning mask has no reason to exist anyways. Why was this even included when we could have just kept the double jump followed by the death tornado spin (now removed) to clear long jumps? In this instance the old system was much better and less tedious. Also the parts of the game where you climb on the sides of walls is incredibly clunky and frustrating. I don't know how many deaths I had falling off the walls that shouldn't have been deaths. It was a lot. The Crash Dash mechanic was also removed in favor of fast spinning. Why? I don't know. Some of the platforming is also quite tedious when it doesn't need to be.

    6) Humor - Crash games generally have some humor. This one is no different. Even being older now some of the jokes made me smile. It's nice to have a game with humor that both kids and adults can enjoy.

    TLDR Conclusion - A sometimes fun game that is weighed down by its frustrating difficulty and mechanics. I would only recommend it for long time Crash fans. If you're new to the franchise just play the N-Sane trilogy instead. You'll be happy you did.    … Expand
  14. Xemnios
    Mar 31, 2021
    6
    The game is good but too many mechanics are awful. Finishing the levels without dying, and also having to take all the crates is sometimes really impossible. The crates are often too many and too hidden, reaching the end of the level with 599 crates out of 600 and missing one that was off the screen is unnerving
  15. ThePSButton
    Mar 26, 2021
    7
    Tengo sentimientos encontrados con Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.

    Superficialmente se siente como un digno sucesor de la trilogía original, pero bajo la lupa se siente como un juego hecho por un estudio que no terminó de entender la serie que tiene en las manos. La dificultad y diseño de niveles muchas veces acaricia niveles de "fan game". Hecho sin mimo, sin cuidado, sin tomar    Tengo sentimientos encontrados con Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.

    Superficialmente se siente como un digno sucesor de la trilogía original, pero bajo la lupa se siente como un juego hecho por un estudio que no terminó de entender la serie que tiene en las manos.

    La dificultad y diseño de niveles muchas veces acaricia niveles de "fan game". Hecho sin mimo, sin cuidado, sin tomar en cuenta el ritmo del nivel en turno.

    Los niveles se sienten muy largos, y es otro punto que entorpece e impide disfrutar de la dificultad del título.

    La trama es lo menos importante en un Crash Bandicoot, pero aun así me parece la más feita de los cuatro títulos.

    No hay enemigos (jefes) nuevos, puro reciclaje. No hay mucha variedad en los tipos de niveles. No hay realmente una propuesta nueva ni interés por evolucionar la fórmula.

    Las máscaras y sus mecánicas nuevas estás muy vistas y algunas no funcionan tan bien como otras.

    No le veo sentido a dividir tanto las gemas de las cajas en los niveles.

    Los niveles invertidos están bien, pero sus filtros son meramente anecdóticos y es una menera bastante artificial de meter más contenido.

    Los demás personajes jugables tampoco son tan satisfactorios de controlar. Excepto Dingodile, ese personaje es la mejor novedad del título.

    En fin, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time es un título que está bien, pero si realmente apreciabas lo que Naugty Dog creó con Crash Bandicoot, esto te parecerá un intento muy tibio por replicar la fórmula.    … Expand
  16. hrubi
    Dec 19, 2022
    6
    I love the Crash series and this started good too but I almost hate the game to the end due to the track design. The boss battles were great as usual, but f.e. in the last stage before the last boss I died 91 times. In the last 3 dimensions my average death rate was 25-30 times, I was very very frustrating. The mask design is epic but to the end it was too much for me.
    The story is    I love the Crash series and this started good too but I almost hate the game to the end due to the track design. The boss battles were great as usual, but f.e. in the last stage before the last boss I died 91 times. In the last 3 dimensions my average death rate was 25-30 times, I was very very frustrating. The mask design is epic but to the end it was too much for me.
    The story is average, characters are cool, the graphics is perfect, but the unbalance difficulty is took away the enjoyment of the game.    … Expand
  17. HEEYZERBOY
    Jan 9, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. [PT-BR] Quanto mais você vai passando nas fases mais fica difícil e massante… Expand
  18. aandrade81
    Nov 13, 2021
    7
    É um bom jogo, mas a dificuldade desse jogo chega a irritar, ele é muito mais difícil do que qualquer outro crash.
  19. Killerpummkin
    Aug 10, 2023
    7
    It is a good game, but the difficulty of this game is annoying, much harder than any other crash.
  20. CharlesQBanks
    Oct 19, 2020
    6
    While Crash 4 is inferior to the N.Sane trilogy in almost every way, making unnecessary changes to the jump arcs and moveset that make playing more frustrating, it still manages to be addicting in it's challenge to hardcore gamers. The difficulty is inconsistent at best, and painfully tedious at worst.The "innovations" of masks and side character levels are just rehashes of abilities fromWhile Crash 4 is inferior to the N.Sane trilogy in almost every way, making unnecessary changes to the jump arcs and moveset that make playing more frustrating, it still manages to be addicting in it's challenge to hardcore gamers. The difficulty is inconsistent at best, and painfully tedious at worst.The "innovations" of masks and side character levels are just rehashes of abilities from other better platformers, that serve to slow down Crashes originally driving pace. The story and plot are forgettably formulaic, with a general decrease in intelligence to all characters, with dialogue that is either cringey or uninteresting with very rare chuckleworthy lines scattered here and there... The music is surprisingly good, generally because it uses the og soundtrack as a base for remixed versions. The Crash formula is fun, but the attempts to make the game "new" only serve to make it worse, and interrupt otherwise good but dated gameplay. Some times fun, very pretty, but mostly annoying.… Expand
  21. DiArts
    Oct 2, 2020
    7
    The game is not bad, but:
    - Levels don't feel as different as in Crash 2-3. There player had stages with 5 absolutely different levels (+ boss) with increasing difficulty... And in 4 you just have some wasteland levels, then some pirate levels etc.
    - Missing animal bosses (well except tentacle thing). Only angry scientists from previous games. - The game doesn't show whole CB universe.    The game is not bad, but:
    - Levels don't feel as different as in Crash 2-3. There player had stages with 5 absolutely different levels (+ boss) with increasing difficulty... And in 4 you just have some wasteland levels, then some pirate levels etc.
    - Missing animal bosses (well except tentacle thing). Only angry scientists from previous games.
    - The game doesn't show whole CB universe. It doesn't answer typical fan questions like "Where's original Tawna?" or "What happened to Crunch Bandicoot before Wrath of Cortex?"
    - Artstyle is normal and music is not bad, but not catchy.    … Expand
  22. Drzaly
    Oct 2, 2020
    7
    I've been a crash fans for years as my first was crash2 and seeing the series keep getting games make me very happy to see the plot go right after 3.
    But this game in my opinion is a live child of crash twinsanity and crash1. In the adventure you have crash's moveset from twinsanity without the long jump but the game often times feels like Toys for Bob was given the trilogy and player    I've been a crash fans for years as my first was crash2 and seeing the series keep getting games make me very happy to see the plot go right after 3.
    But this game in my opinion is a live child of crash twinsanity and crash1. In the adventure you have crash's moveset from twinsanity without the long jump but the game often times feels like Toys for Bob was given the trilogy and player through crash1 and only gone and skimmed crash2 and 3. With their new mechanics like grindingits a double edge sword as it's a good way to keep levels inter connected but with how the lighting system works where especially in booty calls where the blind spot for you is in front of you as you wouldn't know where is and when you're suppose to jump. It feels cheap because how it just pubish you not knowing what's next especially when it wants you to be on your toes. This game isn't Darksouls but this game feels like it with how crash controls.
    With design of levels hits an awkward situation. As level design is densely better than wrath of context it feel off as well having boxes being out of view and have search for it be more prevalent. The issue is when the game ask you how crash controls between going in and out of 2d and 3d section. 2d section feel like you're in a beat on up level as you still control him up and down it gives a simple jump on a box a mannerism just by how you set crash up for it. This kind of design can work if it made can make obstacles more easy to read. You look into the second world where the game shows how fore is going to be the big obstacle in this but since it blends so easy to the background where it feels like a sucker punch to your face if you're not ready for it.
    But with those set backs I still think the game is still god but feel like it needed to do is look back why people liked crash series in the first place. It was crash having tight controls where you were to blame if you lost a life. Overall how thoes grind sections work it feels like a mobile game with how cheap it can be. But with those blemishes it dose give up the sequel crash3 truly deserve with bringing tawna (TFB knows what they did z:]) and making the stakes bigger to make a game we don't forget from the series    … Expand
  23. jalexgonz97
    Oct 18, 2020
    5
    The first major complaint I have is the controls, they're not smooth at all, one slight move and it's a full commitment. If there's any game in this series I'd like every Crash game to aspire to, it'd be Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped (NOT the remake - the actual game on PS1.) Playing during those rail gliding parts in missions or Tawna levels can be fun at times but most of it (especially ifThe first major complaint I have is the controls, they're not smooth at all, one slight move and it's a full commitment. If there's any game in this series I'd like every Crash game to aspire to, it'd be Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped (NOT the remake - the actual game on PS1.) Playing during those rail gliding parts in missions or Tawna levels can be fun at times but most of it (especially if you're trying to 100% the game) is ridiculously hard. There's a difference between difficult level design and trolling. My next major issue is the redesigns. I feel like instead of sticking to what could have been a direct continuation of the game from Warped, they've gone with this late 2000's punk/early 2010's 3D Nickelodeon animated design rather than a classic look. I appreciate the efforts in making characters like Tawna more active and relevant to the game/story (as shown by the trailers) but to make her design to be a more Mad Max style of a look doesn't feel like crash. It reminds me of how the audience looked at Crash Bandicoot characters after the Twinsanity/Tag Team Racing games. Overall to summarize, I'm going to simply say the gameplay could be a lot more fluid and have a more free like feeling as well as the redesigns not looking to well but it's nice to at least see an effort by Activision to reboot the series but at the same time continue on from Warped. Since the ps3 era, I've been hoping to see a new Crash game but was a little let down at this one. Fortunately seeing what Naughty Dog did to The Last of Us franchise, I'm glad it's no longer in their hands but I think Vicarious Visions should have been the one to create a new game/story instead of Toys for Bob… Expand
  24. LonginusXD
    Oct 12, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cheap level design and a MASSIVE difficulty spike near the end, cortex gameplay annoying and repetitive. Other than that pretty damn good… Expand
  25. norm58_3
    Oct 13, 2020
    6
    First off, I do like the game; most of the platforming and level design is solid, and it keeps a lot of what made the originals great while building on it as well. But it’s easier to detail my criticisms than praise, and I need to get it off my chest. If the game was terrible then I’d just bin it, but it’s because there’s so much good there that I really want to love it, but there are justFirst off, I do like the game; most of the platforming and level design is solid, and it keeps a lot of what made the originals great while building on it as well. But it’s easier to detail my criticisms than praise, and I need to get it off my chest. If the game was terrible then I’d just bin it, but it’s because there’s so much good there that I really want to love it, but there are just things in the way making me unable to.

    The main word I would use to describe it is tedious.

    This is coming from a huge Crash fan. I’ve completed Crash 1 & 2 – & 3 to a lesser extent – countless times, and it seems Crash 4 is determined to force me to do the same for it just to get 100% once. The n-verted versions of the levels are not fun in their own way and basically just force you to complete all the levels again. I lose quite a bit of enjoyment in a game I’m playing when I accept that I’m probably not going to fully complete it ever, which is something I would definitely expect from a Crash game.

    Finding on my first playthrough, while getting all the boxes I see, that there are almost always 1-5 boxes missed is far from thrilling. I like collectathons, but unlike with for example Banjo or Spyro, where you can search around for those elusive notes, you have to do the whole level again just to realise (or not) that there’s a random box just out of sight. In particular, you have to do the bonuses again. I did like that lots of the bonuses are legitimately challenging and great platforming, but once you’ve cracked it once completing it again several times is just tedious.

    For completion they also want you to get all the boxes on each level without dying. It’s a bit annoying having to do that in Crash 1, but the levels in this game are much longer. And it doesn’t even feel like they thought about this; there is absolutely no reason you should have to wait for a 30+ second loading screen every time you have to restart the level (even if you haven’t reached a checkpoint yet, unlike Crash 1), when it could just put you back to that start like in a time trial; given how long and difficult lots of the levels are the time trials are also a big ask.

    The biggest problem I have with the actual gameplay is the depth perception, which is way worse than even Crash 1; I think this is largely due to the camera angle being too low and far back. I found myself constantly using the double jump just to hover and ensure I was going to land where I planned, which doesn’t make for fun speeding through a level. They do add the big yellow circle below Crash to allow this to be possible, but I’d say it’s a bit of an ugly fix for the problem. It meant that I enjoyed the 2D sections much more than the 3D ones, and Crash isn’t supposed to be just a 2D platformer.

    Playing through I also felt the level design was lacking variety. Yet when I thought about it there’s not really more in the other games, like in Crash 2 how there’s about 10 different level types each repeated 2 or 3 times; it probably just feels that way because the consecutive levels in each world feel similar, and they just go on too long.    … Expand
  26. DrannikWoW
    Oct 5, 2020
    5
    This isn’t Crash. Crash = Break Boxes to Earn Fruit to Earn Lives. In this game they give you unlimited lives because the levels are sadistic, and breaking boxes gives you nothing. Even Bonus levels lost their purpose.
  27. GrandCross
    Nov 3, 2020
    7
    Crash Bandicoot was my very first franchise back in the PS1 days, and to this day stil remains one of my favorites. This game really captures the essence of Crash Bandicoot games and upgrades it with new game mechanics and new playable characters, a nice story and music, that is if you play the game normally.

    If you try to get the Platinum Trophy by getting all of the achievements then    Crash Bandicoot was my very first franchise back in the PS1 days, and to this day stil remains one of my favorites. This game really captures the essence of Crash Bandicoot games and upgrades it with new game mechanics and new playable characters, a nice story and music, that is if you play the game normally.

    If you try to get the Platinum Trophy by getting all of the achievements then the picture changes and not for the better. At least until patch 1.04, my now concluded Platinum journey was filled with bugs and glitches that range from: boxes not spawning, enemies not spawning, inputs not registering and the camera getting stuck. To be honest the only reason i actually got the Platinum was because of my stubborness, but it was an excruciating journey. Of the top of my head levels like Run It Bayou, Rock Blocked, Toxic Tunnels, Bears Repeating are just a few of the ones that actually broke me. For you need the platinum relics and the N.sane perfect relics (get all boxes without dying once) which are incredibly hard to get. So if you are asking an insurmountable task from your players, the least you can do is to make sure your game runs prestinely. Because dying in the final jump of a level that you have been griding for hours just because the double jump didnt register is maddening, and it happened more than a couple of times.

    So next time i probably wont platinum the game and get less from the expirience, it really hurt what could have been a 9/10 game.    … Expand
  28. Pauljac3
    Nov 30, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although a great game if you are just going for the casual play through. if you are like me and many other people you ply crash games to 100% and this game is one of the worst games to 100%. The level design is amazing the music is very good, I wouldn’t say it’s better than the original trilogy but it’s still good music. But the difficulty spike when you are going a complete play through is absurd and unreasonable. Having to get platinum on the time trails is next to impossible. I found myself getting gold on the time trails and still having to improve by 30 seconds to get to platinum! The amount of time you will have to replay the same level over and over is ridiculous all so you get get all 6 gems per level. And once you done with that Once you have gotten all the gems in every level you then have to once again replay the same levels over again in the new mode called N.Verted mode. In this mode you play through the exact same levels you just played 6-8 times each again but the level has a twist to it but that twist does not warrant playing 6-8 times again to get the 6 gems AGAIN. The placement of the boxes in this game is almost just a betting game to know where they are. Most of the time it’s in spots that you would never even see even if you move the camera. Once again to do not hate this game I think this game is great but the amount of requirements it takes to fully complete this game is way too much… Expand
  29. dimlucas
    Apr 11, 2021
    7
    This main story is absolutely worth a try especially if you are a Crash fan since the Playstation 1 era. But it does not feel as rewarding as its predecessors. But once you try to go for 100% completion the game falls short in terms of both enjoyment and meritocracy. If you're used to not relying on walkthroughs you're going to have a hard time with this game.

    Past Crash games required    This main story is absolutely worth a try especially if you are a Crash fan since the Playstation 1 era. But it does not feel as rewarding as its predecessors. But once you try to go for 100% completion the game falls short in terms of both enjoyment and meritocracy. If you're used to not relying on walkthroughs you're going to have a hard time with this game.

    Past Crash games required a certain skill level that you could build while playing the game. Some levels required extensive trial and error but overall you knew what you had to do and you enjoyed every part of the grinding process. In Crash 4, there's simply so much to do that you can quickly get distracted. NVerted mode, which is a fancy way of saying that you're playing the same levels in a mirror mode, feels bloated and old. The extra characters bring enjoyment but the fact that you can only use them on certain levels seems rather restrictive. The main story is easy, but 100% completion seems impossible if you want to keep your sanity. Getting all crates at most levels is unnecessarily hard. It like playing a Dark Souls version of Crash. Also getting the colored gems required for accessing bonus platforms is laughable. It's not about skill, it;s about luck or getting in the level designer's mind. Flashback tapes are way better if you want a reasonable challenge reminiscent of the past    … Expand
  30. getrwuegyweh
    Oct 8, 2020
    5
    I have completed this game, here are my thoughts, and I will keep it short and easy to read.

    Graphics - 9/10 - One of the best looking Crash Games visually. Controls - 3/10 - The controls are just really poor and inaccurate, most noticeable when jumping, or playing as Tawna or Dingodile when trying to use their powers. The controls are clunky and way too in-precise. Music - 5/10 -    I have completed this game, here are my thoughts, and I will keep it short and easy to read.

    Graphics - 9/10 - One of the best looking Crash Games visually.

    Controls - 3/10 - The controls are just really poor and inaccurate, most noticeable when jumping, or playing as Tawna or Dingodile when trying to use their powers. The controls are clunky and way too in-precise.

    Music - 5/10 - The music isn't fantastic, and nothing really memorable. Parts sound like a typical Crash game, but the vast majority is forgettable. It's not bad, just not good.

    Story - 6/10 - The story is decent, but incredibly short. Has a very interesting concept but isn't really touched upon, thus leaving way too many questions for fans.

    Levels - 3/10 - Unlike the original Crash games, these levels are significantly longer, with no way to ease in for newer players, you're thrown into the deep end from the get-go. The majority of the levels feel just as complex and some even significantly harder than the infamous Stormy Ascent. Stormy Ascent is easier than most of the levels in Crash 4.

    Level Design - 5/10 - The actual design of the levels are quite nice, yet the flow of the levels are ruined by how much backtracking you have to do for hidden crates... and I'm not talking about just one level, it's every level, having an off-screen crate you have to either guess is there, or look up a guide.

    Level Variety - 2/10 - This is where shorter levels would've been better. The length of the levels ends up cramming 3,4,5 types of typical crash levels into one, then repeating this for 3 levels in a row, making it feel like the exact same level over and over. The levels should all have been shorter but more levels overall. Just by cutting up each level into 2,3,4 individual levels.

    Menu - 4/10 - The menu/Warp Screen to go level to level is the same as Crash 1, you have to walk, wait, walk, wait, to get to each level which is tedious and boring. However, you can open the options menu and select your level of choice that way, but it's never made clear

    Boss Fights - 9/10 - One of the few parts I really enjoyed. The boss fights felt tough, but rewarding to complete. Constantly thinking on your toes as to what's happening next, and incredibly difficult. The dodgy controls do let the boss fights down just a tiny bit. But the boss fights should be the hardest parts of this game... the boss fights in this game however, are some of the easiest levels despite being quite difficult on their own.

    Camera - 0/10 - This is getting it's own category. THE CAMERA ANGLES ON THIS GAME ARE AWFUL! You'll notice from the very start, in comparison to the original three games, this games camera is much further away from Crash, making distances harder to judge. Additionally, it randomly locks onto things in the air sometimes, meaning you cannot see whatsoever what's under you. The camera is awful.

    Fun - 2/10 - This game really doesn't strike the 'fun' part for me at all. Sure, starting up the game, playing the first level, it was fun. Then you realise that it gets incredibly repetitive, lazily designed, poor controls, just an all round boring and annoying experience.

    Overall - 5/10 - I'm fine with difficult games, but this game really needed to maybe take another year in development. Split those long levels up into two or three levels, fix how dodgy the controls are, and ultimately, make it FUN.

    Final note. I'm beyond disappointed in this. It's the first Crash Game I have ever considered selling. I personally do not see any replay value in this game whatsoever. Sure, there's relics etc... but I'd much rather spend my time on a game made well, than this game where the devs have tried to make you fail at every step of the way.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS4 Game of 2020
21
#21 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 95 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 95
  3. Negative: 0 out of 95
  1. Riot Pixels
    Jan 26, 2021
    70
    Toys for Bob's game is a welcome addition to the original trilogy, although you will hardly remember its levels or music. Crash Bandicoot 4 is two steps below the amazing Super Mario Odyssey and Yoshi’s Crafted World.
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  2. CD-Action
    Dec 18, 2020
    95
    I honestly did not expect such a stellar game. Crash Bandicoot 4 is breathtakingly beautiful, features an amazing soundtrack full of references to the original trilogy, offers tons of content, and thrilled me to bits with its brilliant level design. What’s more, it stayed true to its gameplay roots, while introducing loads of great new mechanics. For me it’s the game of the year. I salute you, Toys For Bob! [12/2020, p.58]
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Dec 18, 2020
    90
    Crash Bandicoot 4 is a worthy addition to the Crash legacy. It captures the spirit, fun, and challenge of the original games, and adds a lot more that genuinely makes the experience even better rather than simply padding out the gameplay. The game is certainly challenging and the levels could probably use a few more checkpoints, but the number in the game is truer to the spirit of the originals than modern gaming standards. A little perseverance will get you through the game, but it’s going to take a little work if you want to be a Crash completionist. Overall it’s a great platform game that perfectly blends the old and the new into a fun new experience.
    Read full review
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