Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time will be available tomorrow, but many critics have already gotten a chance to experience one of October's highly-anticipated game releases. The franchise has seen a boost in popularity in the wake of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy by Toys for Bob, and many have been interested to see how the new graphics could be used in a brand-new title. Crash 4 appears to be pleasing most reviewers, although it is worth noting that some felt the long-awaited main series entry could still improve on certain aspects.
The Crash Bandicoot series focuses on its titular character as they navigate puzzles on a variety of levels. In many ways, the series plays into the conventions of platformers, and this is partly because it helped define the genre when the first title was released in 1996. This reputation means there are a lot of expectation surrounding the upcoming title, which is the first new game in over a decade. Fans have been intrigued by new elements in Crash Bandicoot 4 such as playable character like Tawna, although some have been concerned about how this would impact the overall experience.
Many have wondered whether Toys for Bob could make a successful new entry in the series, but the reviews for Crash Bandicoot 4 suggest that the team has, on the whole, done the series justice.
IGN (Jonathon Dornbush)
"Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is both respectful of the series that came before it while also giving it the modern update it needed with new gameplay, depth of character, and a beautiful look. Toys for Bob just gets Crash."
Score: 8/10
PlayStation LifeStyle (George Foster)
"As a Crash Bandicoot fan, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is everything I’ve dreamed of since the original trilogy ended all those years ago. It’s a jam-packed, brutal platformer that expands on what makes Crash great with some really cool twists and turns. The challenge may get a little too much sometimes, but it is more than worth fighting through and proof that Crash Bandicoot is king of the platformers."
Score: 9/10
VentureBeat (Mike Minotti)
"The original Crash titles are classics. For years, it seemed like we’d never get a new game that’s as good as they are. But now, I feel safe saying that Crash Bandicoot 4 is the new best game in the series. It captures that fun-yet-simple platforming from the original, but its creative levels, mask abilities, and clever bosses help it surpass the PlayStation trilogy. The remakes reminded us that those old Crash games are great, but It’s About Time shows us that this character and franchise have a future."
Score: 5/5
GamingBible (Ewan Moore)
"The bottom line is this: Those that found Crash to be one of the clunkier and more irritating platforming mascots from the old days probably won't have their minds changed by this latest outing. But on the other hand, if you grew up loving Crash Bandicoot, you're going to adore Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. I promise you that. Toys For Bob set out to create an authentic sequel, and in that regard this game is a stunning success."
Score: 8/10
GamesRadar (Alex Avard)
"Crash 4 earns its title as a worthy sequel to Warped, one that preserves the series' timeless charms while bringing bold iteration where it's needed. Toys for Bob's clear love and understanding of what makes Crash tick manifests in every aspect of It's About Time's design, but to call it a love letter would be to unfairly gloss over the important strides it makes for the franchise itself."
Score: 4.5/5
VG24/7 (Dom Peppiatt)
"It’s a shame, then, that some of the level design choices don’t really pair up with the engine Toys for Bob has built this love-letter to 90s platforming games in. Loose and floaty physics, an abundance of different mechanics that often feel part-baked, and some design choices that feel sadistic – rather than simply difficult – leave this approach to Crash Bandicoot feeling less like a true sequel, and more like a licensed spin-off."
Score: 3/5
It is evident that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has made a positive impression on many players, but there are notes on some clunky gameplay elements. Some critics have even found the title to be a disappointment when compared to previous installments of the Crash franchise.
It seems that level design has been a repeated point of criticism in reviews, despite the game's largely positive reception. It will be interesting to see if long-time fans of the franchise also note these issues, or if they will be enthralled by the new narrative, characters, and abilities. The team at Toys for Bob has been open about their ambitious goals for the project, and with these reviews in mind it seems they've hit their target.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time will launch October 2 for PS4 and Xbox One.