Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

 Switch
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 84
  3. Negative: 11 out of 84
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  1. greninjaX
    May 11, 2021
    8
    this is definitely one of the best crash games in terms of level design and gameplay, but they definitely went too far with the collectibles in this one. 100% completion is nearly impossible. a casual playthrough is still great though
  2. MorbidFable
    Apr 11, 2021
    8
    This is a fantastic sequel. Many games who don't have new entries in decades return and flop entirely but it is everything crash use to have and then some. I will admit I am not good at this at all, in fact I would not recommend this as hardly to those who aren't already massive fans or want a challenge. It's not impossible, in fact its very doable, it just will require you to try and tryThis is a fantastic sequel. Many games who don't have new entries in decades return and flop entirely but it is everything crash use to have and then some. I will admit I am not good at this at all, in fact I would not recommend this as hardly to those who aren't already massive fans or want a challenge. It's not impossible, in fact its very doable, it just will require you to try and try again.

    This review is for the switch version, played exclusively in handheld. Performance was not generally an issue. I would've loved 60FPS or more, and higher visual fidelity. There were certainly times when I died because the platforming was hindered by graphics. I suspect this is not an issue on other platforms and others may not have experienced it as much as I have.

    There is plenty of replayability in the game. There are side levels on top of bonus levels that let you play as a different character with a different tool set, as well as mirror mode levels. There are plenty of unlockable cosmetics but good lord the grind required to unlock them is rough. It requires you to entirely master a level in order to unlock it.

    The story was nothing incredible, and the humor wasn't awful, in fact I rather enjoyed it most of the time but there wasn't a whole lot which I honestly would've preferred more of. I'm sure others maybe wouldn't but the cutscenes were fantastically animated and voiced.

    I'd recommend this to anyone who is a grown adult and can take frustration and no one else. Your kids gonna hate this game.    … Expand
  3. YacCritic
    Mar 13, 2021
    10
    Good game for my , and the port is excellent with good Quality and Texture , Recommended.
  4. ZloY_cRiTiC
    Mar 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Эта игра будто возвращение к истокам. Игра очень проработанная, даже на Nintendo Switch.… Expand
  5. MotorDrive
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    this game has consumed my life i have tried to 100% for 20 hours and im only 20% done
  6. Bradaloop
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    A fantastic modernisation and evolution of the classic Crash formula. Undoubtedly the best game in the series, expanding on the hallway platforming formula in adding extra layers of 3D movement. The first level in the game is a fantastic showcase of this, as it switches between 3D and 2.5D, shifting perspectives throughout the 3D gameplay and introducing the rail grind gameplay that wasA fantastic modernisation and evolution of the classic Crash formula. Undoubtedly the best game in the series, expanding on the hallway platforming formula in adding extra layers of 3D movement. The first level in the game is a fantastic showcase of this, as it switches between 3D and 2.5D, shifting perspectives throughout the 3D gameplay and introducing the rail grind gameplay that was also pretty enjoyable, which is surprising for a fairly oversaturated mechanic.

    While I love the game, my main problem with it is that as the game progresses these seemingly expansive levels become more and more like those of the older games, as hallway platforming gameplay takes the forefront once again, creeping in more as the game progresses. Some crates also felt practically invisible to me, even on subsequent playthroughs of levels, meaning I finished Crash 4 without a feeling of completion or accomplishment. While I enjoyed the journey from beginning to end, missing just one crate on numerous occasions got really frustrating.

    Apart from this though, I've got nothing but praise for this game. It's an incredibly realisation of the formula of the older Crash games and holds up in the modern gaming landscape while still upholding the charm that the original trilogy had.

    On the Switch, the port is good. It's not fantastic but it's definitely playable, and that's okay to me. There's parts of this game that look fantastic, even on Switch, but for many levels there's a noticeable visual downgrade, one that you might notice even if you're unaware that the game exists on other platforms. On the whole it's perfectly serviceable, even if the low resolution is disappointing. This is probably the best that could've been done for a port of this game on Switch, and for that it's appreciated that the effort was put in. This is not a lazy port by any means.    … Expand
  7. matt1184
    Sep 7, 2021
    0
    This game is by far the worst waste of time you can hope for. It was developed so poorly and last generation that there is simply no way to enjoy time spent in this game. I am incredibly disappointed in everyone who worked on this piece of junk. May they never develop another game.
  8. Tiank
    May 31, 2021
    7
    Pros:
    - feels like a decent continuation of the original games
    - story is quite funny - you can play as 3 different characters for a few levels - plenty of levels - N.Verted mode levels look really cool - performance on Switch is great Cons: - gets frustratingly hard near the end - too much going on the screen sometimes, causing confusion - too expensive, not worth the full    Pros:
    - feels like a decent continuation of the original games
    - story is quite funny
    - you can play as 3 different characters for a few levels
    - plenty of levels
    - N.Verted mode levels look really cool
    - performance on Switch is great

    Cons:
    - gets frustratingly hard near the end
    - too much going on the screen sometimes, causing confusion
    - too expensive, not worth the full price

    I was incredibly hyped at the beginning, loved how smooth the gameplay was and I had great fun for the first 10 hours. At first, I was trying to max each level after completing it, but and one point I decided to finish the game first and then go back to the difficult levels to max them. However, the difficulty of the last levels discouraged me. I ended up finishing the game, and leaving it, not feeling motivated to max everything. Reached around 70% completion, and I had fun for most of it.

    I would recommend it, but only on sale; sadly it's not worth the full price.    … Expand
  9. miniroo
    May 8, 2021
    7
    Let me start this review off by saying that I think that Crash 4 is an enjoyable game, especially for casual gamers. While it doesn't have a truly engaging story, it has plenty of levels to enjoy that looks great, sounds great and offer a decent challenge most of the time. The levels also have fun gimmicks like slowing down time, making boxes appear/disappear on command and rail grindingLet me start this review off by saying that I think that Crash 4 is an enjoyable game, especially for casual gamers. While it doesn't have a truly engaging story, it has plenty of levels to enjoy that looks great, sounds great and offer a decent challenge most of the time. The levels also have fun gimmicks like slowing down time, making boxes appear/disappear on command and rail grinding sections that will make playing through the considerably long levels more enjoyable. Overall, if you only want to get through the base game without collecting everything, you have a pretty nice package here that should last you around 10-15 hours.

    However, if you're the type of gamer that likes to experience everything that a game has to offer, like me, then that nice little package starts to stink of **** Each level offers a lot of replay value, some good but mostly bad. You have the good, like completing time trials, collecting all crates and making it through the level without dying. Then you have the bad like collecting a set percentage of Wumpa fruit (which is not all that different than collecting all crates and feels like extra padding to artificially lengthen your play time) and finding hidden gems. What could be bad about finding hidden gems, something that normally enhances one's game experience with exploration (like Mario or the older Crash games for example)?

    Well it seems Toys for Bob went out of their way to make finding these gems as obnoxious as possible. While a few of these gems are genuinely well hidden with good visual cues, most are placed in spots that don't make sense or are flat out off the screen. Players with lots of patience may be able to find these gems on their own, but most will likely have to rely on a strategy guide to find them (myself included), which really hurts the experience by taking away the satisfaction of finding said gems on your own with well thought out visual cues.

    The last thing I want to focus on are the levels, and specifically their pacing. These levels are LONG, like I mentioned earlier, and significantly more so than the older Crash games. While this should normally be a good thing, it isn't for this game. Failing a time trial or dying more than 3 times (if you're trying to get the gem for low deaths) means having to restart a level all over, which can take 10 to 15 minutes to complete in real life. This is especially demoralizing if you run into these unfortunate circumstances near the end of a level (made worse by the long load time when you hit the restart button).

    In conclusion, Crash 4 is enjoyable ONLY IF you play through the base game. Trying to get `100% (or 106% for this game) quickly sours the game experience with artificial difficulty (made worse with the inverted levels, which are primarily reskins of the original level with barely noticeable changes to enemies and crate placements). I only recommend this game if you only want to play through the main story or if you really want the satisfaction of fully completing the game with the nsane 106% requirements.    … Expand
  10. Hot_Touch
    Mar 17, 2021
    9
    Absolutely well done! I’m a huge fan of the original crash trilogy (I was 11 when it came out on the original PlayStation, It was one of my first games) And to relive it now is incredible. I bet this switch port is not as beautiful as it’s other counterparts but honestly to be able to play it on the go and have the same game they did a fantastic job. Still difficult as all hell, But worthAbsolutely well done! I’m a huge fan of the original crash trilogy (I was 11 when it came out on the original PlayStation, It was one of my first games) And to relive it now is incredible. I bet this switch port is not as beautiful as it’s other counterparts but honestly to be able to play it on the go and have the same game they did a fantastic job. Still difficult as all hell, But worth every penny of the $40. Don’t miss it if you’re thinking about getting it just make sure you love a challenge! It’s tough.… Expand
  11. Ewas228
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    In my opinion Crash Bandicoot 4 better than older chapter. On Nintendo Switch graphics cool, FPS very stable.
  12. Loo_oo
    Mar 21, 2022
    8
    Ce Crash est une véritable réussite pour la série qui parvient à évoluer sans trahir les premiers opus. Une suite directe donc, avec un gameplay subtilement et habilement retravaillé. La DA est là, l'OST aussi, aucun doute c'est bien du Crash ! Le portage est tout juste parfait, il y a eu très peu de concessions graphiques, preuve que la petite Switch en a sous le capot ! Notez toutefoisCe Crash est une véritable réussite pour la série qui parvient à évoluer sans trahir les premiers opus. Une suite directe donc, avec un gameplay subtilement et habilement retravaillé. La DA est là, l'OST aussi, aucun doute c'est bien du Crash ! Le portage est tout juste parfait, il y a eu très peu de concessions graphiques, preuve que la petite Switch en a sous le capot ! Notez toutefois que le mode portable est quand même un cran au dessous du mode docké.
    Les + :
    - une suite de qualité
    - portage switch de qualité
    - une difficulté mieux dosée... pour les hard core gamer, le challenge est très corsé si vous voulez tout débloquer.
    - phases de jeu variés.
    Les - :
    - Pas de prise de risque, il tombera sans doute dans l'oubli... mais bon la formule est quand même bonne.    … Expand
  13. ion87
    Jul 7, 2022
    8
    Fun game with creative game mechanics. Beautiful graphics and lovable characters.
  14. SuperClaudio64
    Aug 10, 2022
    7
    Crash 4 ha il potenziale per essere il miglior gioco della serie, ha un ottima grafica, un buon numero di collezionabili e un sacco di riferimenti a titoli del passato. Tuttavia la difficoltà per completarlo al 100 o 106% lo rendono un gioco frustrante e stupidamente masochista, sia nella lunghezza dei livelli che nel enorme quantità di ostacoli che ignorano Aku Aku e uccidonoCrash 4 ha il potenziale per essere il miglior gioco della serie, ha un ottima grafica, un buon numero di collezionabili e un sacco di riferimenti a titoli del passato. Tuttavia la difficoltà per completarlo al 100 o 106% lo rendono un gioco frustrante e stupidamente masochista, sia nella lunghezza dei livelli che nel enorme quantità di ostacoli che ignorano Aku Aku e uccidono immediatamente il giocatore. Bel gioco se si ignorano i collezionabili, altrimenti è il peggiore dei 4 su quel aspetto, troppo esagerato nella difficoltà.… Expand
  15. ophone
    Jan 6, 2022
    6
    This game doesn't get me hooked.
    I went to the world with that reptile guy who has an Australian accent and lost the will to continue further in. Controls can be approximate, it's hard to perform precise jumps, collecting crates and fruit is tedious while the musical score is generic. But I have to admit Crash is a funny guy and the game looks pretty well for a Switch title.
    Even it not    This game doesn't get me hooked.
    I went to the world with that reptile guy who has an Australian accent and lost the will to continue further in. Controls can be approximate, it's hard to perform precise jumps, collecting crates and fruit is tedious while the musical score is generic. But I have to admit Crash is a funny guy and the game looks pretty well for a Switch title.
    Even it not being totally in 3D, there are platformers in full 3D that handle better and have a better presentation, I'm primarily thinking about the 3D Mario games.

    Sure it offers challenging sections, but in the end Crash Bandicoot 4 lacks pep, especially aurally.
    And maybe I'm not getting its humour.    … Expand
  16. Online_NPC
    Oct 4, 2021
    8
    It was a nostalgic trip into the frustrating world of Crash Bandicoot. There were a lot of times where it wasn't easy, but I enjoyed it. I enjoyed dying a lot, and that says something about a game. The story isn't what keeps you playing this game; but i'm not here for the story, I'm here for good platforming and this game delivers.

    Overall: 7.5
    Graphics: 8.5
    Gameplay: 9
    Audio: 7.5
    Story: 5
  17. Allissei
    Nov 8, 2021
    5
    Another Crash... It's good but it's very unfair in a lot of stuff
    If you aren't perfect in a lot of moments, you don't get completition

    So only buy it for a low price, play the story and NEVER try to play more than the story
  18. Mister04
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Great game
  19. ShamaloOoOoW
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Very Good Game for me, i say in another games (crash bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy) activision does a good remake, and a very good follow-up for my taste on these cartoon-style games, there is a real effort for the switch version…
  20. LukaumSK8X
    Nov 21, 2022
    7
    O visual gráfico me pareceu melhor que o One S, um pouco mais definido e sem borrão. Tem uma certa granulação nas texturas que parecem até defeito na GPU mas nada fora do comum ou que chega a atrapalhar. No geral achei bom no Switch Lite

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best Switch Game of 2021
51
#51 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 17, 2021
    85
    The perfect place for anyone to jump in if they're interested in this brand of marsupial madness. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 72]
  2. Gamers' Temple
    Apr 27, 2021
    80
    After so many mediocre sequels to the original Crash trilogy, it’s great to see Crash Bandicoot have a worthwhile game again. The difficulty may be hard, but it’s the type of difficulty that kept me trying. I never got truly frustrated at the game since the game gives you the option to play it like the original trilogy (with limited lives and restart level once all are gone) or with a new style (unlimited lives and continue from checkpoints). It’s only super hard if you try to 100% all stages, which is a good challenge for diehard players. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is every bit what a Crash sequel should be and is very comparable to the Naughty Dog installments.
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  3. LevelUp
    Apr 9, 2021
    70
    To the clinical eye of the hardcore fan, Crash Bandicoot 4 on Nintendo Switch can be considered as avoidable, however, this may well be different for those who seek the portable experience. Despite the obvious limits of this version, everything, maintains its essence in terms of design and mechanics, saving it from disaster.
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