Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has hit a handful of new platforms over the last few weeks, launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch on March 12 before landing on PC on March 26. However, while the other three ports were largely well-received, its jump to PC has been controversial, with players criticizing Activision's decision to make the Battle.net port require an online connection.
As spotted by DSOGaming, it didn't take long for the PC community to find a way around this hurdle, with the publication reporting that Crash Bandicoot 4's online-only DRM was cracked one day after it hit the digital storefront. By March 27, a prominent online cracking group known as Empress had already bypassed the need for players to remain online when enjoying It's About Time on PC, making the colorful marsupial's newest adventure easier to access than ever.
The crack comes after waves of complaints leveled at Activision, with players becoming frustrated that they couldn't enjoy Crash's return without a persistent internet connection. The problem has plagued Battle.net ever since the storefront hit the web, but with games like Crash 4 that feature no online elements, it's perceived as a pressing issue that prevents a wide audience from enjoying the game. Many reported issues with the port when it launched, which were only worsened due to Activision having network errors that prevented users from accessing the title.
Luckily, those wanting to dip into its console versions will be able to access the game without the need for a persistent online connection. Those accessing the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will be getting an enhanced version of Its About Time as well, boasting improved loading times, prettier visuals, and 60 FPS gameplay.
For those who missed out on the fourth game, it follows Crash, Coco, and Aku Aku embarking on a new adventure to stop Neo Cortex and Dr. N.Tropy following their escape from an interdimensional prison. The main crux this time around sees the player find and equip powerful masks that allow them to access dimension-altering abilities, including slowing time, warping objects between realities, and inverting gravity. Alongside getting to play as either Crash or Coco throughout the entire campaign, players also have the option to assume the roles of Neo Cortex, Tawna, and Dingodile, with each coming with their own set of unique abilities and levels. The game managed to snag great reviews despite not pulling in as much as the series' recent chart-topping remaster, Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is out now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.