One of the fun elements of Crash Brandicoot 4: It's About Time are the Flashback Tapes available in many of the story levels throughout the game. These collectibles can only be picked up if the player doesn't die prior to collecting them. The player must finish the level after collecting it in order to unlock a Flashback Level. These unique levels are set prior to the events of the other mainline games in the series.
There are a total of 21 tapes, with the first 11 collected being for Crash and the last 10 collected being for Coco. Crash's Flashback Levels specifically take place prior to the start of the first Crash Bandicoot game. While the tapes themselves are not assigned to specific levels, this guide will give players details as to where the first 11 tapes they can encounter appear in the game.
Subject #218
The first Flashback Level is Subject #218, which takes place back on Jan. 1, 1996. The first tape players can find in the game is in the Crash Compactor level. Players will not have to look long or far for this tape as it is presented to the player at the very start of the level, directly in front of them. All they have to do is beat the level and they will earn the tape to go back in time.
Navigational Awareness
The next unlocked level is Navigational Awareness, setting the time back to Jan. 2, 1996. The next tape shows up in Hit The Road. Before hitting the third checkpoint in the map, players should look for the metal trench and then head to the right of said trench. The tape should be there for the collecting, but players need to make sure they don't die before getting to this point.
Wumpa Affinity Test
Next up is the Wumpa Affinity Test, set on Jan. 6, 1996. If the player is unlocking these tapes in order, the next tape to look for is in the Booty Calls level. Once players cross the second checkpoint, enter the cave and walk past the Skulldugging Seahorses. The tape is located right before Crash leaves the cave, on the left before the grind rail.
Bandicoot Vs. Wombat Eval
Some time goes by before the next Flashback Level takes place as Bandicoot vs. Wombat Eval takes place on Feb. 28, 1996. The fourth tape in the game is located in the Jetboard Jetty level After the first Jetboard section, the tape will be right next to where the Jetboard docks.
Outfit Durability Exam
The Outfit Durability Exam took place on March 15, 1996. Players can play this level once they successfully collect the fifth Flashback Tape. The fifth tape is found just along the path of the level Give it a Spin. It is located on the wooden walkway just before the lilypad section of the area.
N. Brio Superior Study
With the sixth tape, players are able to experience N. Brio Superior Study, set on April 2, 1996. The sixth tape is located in Draggin' On. Behind the first three Stone Guardian lions, players will see the tape on the ramp available to be picked up as long as they survive to this point.
Diary Entry: 30th May 1996
The seventh Flashback Level in the game is Diary Entry: 30th May 1996. In order to access this level, players will need to find the seventh tape. If players are still going in order, next up is the Off-Balance tape. Once players pick up Akano, players will need to glide to two platforms that are manned by flamethrowers. The tape is located on the second, more stable platform between the two.
Team Health Analysis
On June 10, 1996, the Team Health Analysis went down and players can experience it by collecting the eighth tape. The next tape is located in the level Off Beat. After going through the side-scrolling portion of the level, players will see the tape located nearby an Arrow Box.
Subject #272_Final_B
Next up in the Flashback Levels is Subject #272_Final_B, which takes place on July 19, 1996, and has the original Neo Cortex boss song playing in the background. Players can visit Run It Bayou for the next tape. This tape is closer to the end of the level while riding on the food boat. There will be two TNT boxes stacked up near the end where the player will need to bounce on top of them in order to reach the tape.
Countdown Crate Intro
The second to last Flashback Level for Crash is a doozy with Countdown Crate Intro, featuring 301 blocks that need to be smashed taking place in August 1996. The tenth tape of the game is located in Snow Way Out. After Checkpoint 4, players will see the tape on a platform just after the first set of ice blocks.
Cortex Vortex Pre-Check
The final Crash Flashback Level puts the players right on the cusp of the beginning of the first Crash Bandicoot game. The Cortex Vortex Pre-Check takes place on Sept. 9, 1996, the release date of the original game. The 11th tape of the game can be found on the Stay Frosty level. In the last side-scrolling portion, players will see the tape at the bottom of a staircase after crossing some ice platforms.