Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Family-friendly action game delivers retro fun.

PlayStation 4, Xbox One 2020
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is an action adventure game for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This is the latest game in the Crash Bandicoot franchise, and it even references other games like Spyro The Dragon. You play as marsupials, Crash and Coco Bandicoot, out to collect masks to stop enemies from tearing about the universe. You can also unlock and play as some of the other characters, including a couple of the bad guys. There's plenty of animated cartoon violence, but nothing that should concern parents as it's not realistic, bloody or gory. But there are cartoon guns, bombs, explosive dynamite crates, and more.

Community Reviews

Spoopy2510
Spoopy2510 Adult
October 10, 2020
age 9+

A game for the older Crash fans, kind of

(This review contains spoilers) I've been a huge Crash fan ever since I was a kid and this game was really enjoyable for me, it has everything I wanted in a Crash game - new powers and playable characters that nonetheless don't get in the way of the game's core (platforming, collecting boxes and fruits and such), challenging yet fun gameplay and fun cartoony antics of the lovable Crash and his friends and even foes... That said, this game isn't very beginner friendly if you haven't played the previous games and the story and the characters have slightly more edge to it than in the previous games. The game is almost as hard (if not as hard or even sometimes harder) as the first game, which was already pretty difficult, especially if you are trying to 100% it. If your child is patient and can handle hard games, it shouldn't be a problem, but it's important to keep in mind. As for the slightly inappropriate content... Violence/Scariness: The violence is very cartoony, there is no blood and while some parts may be scary to younger kids (like the levels where Crash/Coco are running from the T-Rex), they aren't extremely scary or anything. That said, the game very clearly states that there is at least one timeline where Crash and Coco died and it's shown that their friend Tawna still misses them, which could be potentionally upsetting. Bad language: The game contains words like "bastards", "kickass", "bloody", "buggers", "bollocks" and "hell". One of the skins is called "Mother Clucker". At one point, Cortex (the main villain of the franchise) almost says that he wants to shove something up another character's butt, but is interrupted. Sex: Nothing explicit, but the game is filled with some innuendos and jokes that were clearly more aimed at adults. There are levels called "Booty Calls" and "Rock Blocked", as well as a skin called "Big Horn Energy". Also, there is a scene where two characters flirt with each other in a rather suggestive manner (which is even worse when coupled with the fact that they are alternate universe versions of themselves). So yeah, while the game is still cartoony and fun, younger players may need some parental guidance. However, if your kid is fine with a bit of difficulty in their games, some swearing and some dirty jokes, they shouldn't have problems with this game.
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

The first new Crash Bandicoot game in more than a decade, CRASH BANDICOOT 4: IT'S ABOUT TIME lets you star as the zany orange marsupial (or his sister Coco), once again out to stop the malicious Dr. Neo Cortex and other villains. This time around, a hole is ripped in space and time, and it's your job to find four powerful Quantum Masks to restore order to the universe -- before it's too late. Played from a third-person perspective, the gameplay includes jumping and swinging, collecting items, defeating baddies, finding shortcuts and secrets, and other "platforming" challenges that require timing, precision, and coordinated button presses. At times, you can manipulate time, change dimensions, race across rails, and outrun huge boss characters. Along with Coco, gamers can play as other characters (each with their own unique skills), as well as unlock Time Trials, and skins, accessories. An all-new style of mirrored play (called N. Verted mode) delivers alternate perspectives, music, sound effects, and other fun ways to change up the gameplay (without giving away too much). Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time also offers Modern and Retro modes, a competitive four-player Bandicoot Battle mode or Pass N. Play co-op mode.

Is It Any Good?

Fans of the original games (released as a trilogy in 2018) and newcomers alike will fall for the charm of this colorful platformer. While it remains faithful to what made this series so popular -- accessible gameplay, responsive controls, imaginative (and varied) environments and high replayability -- Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time introduces clever ideas, multiplayer support, and a ton of collectibles, secret areas, and more. As you embark on this time-traveling adventure -- with the story told through several cut-scene sequences -- you'll visit worlds ranging from Road Runner-like desert environments and futuristic cities to prehistoric lush jungles and underwater scenes. And it's not just a cosmetic change, but the goals and many of the gameplay mechanics change as well to keep the gameplay fresh. The quantum masks you find, when activated, will also give you new abilities in the level, which adds even more fun. At the end of each level, you'll see how many items you've collected (in case you want to go back and do a better job), while also unlocking Time Trials, extra costumes, and more. And why not go back and play as Dr. Cortex, Dingodile, Tawna, Coco, and others? Each character adds something new, too.

While the game can be picked up easily by younger or novice players, some levels may frustrate you as you die again and again (hopefully after crossing a Checkpoint) until you master the moves or timing just right. While you might want to throw you controller on occasion, it doesn't make you want to abandon the game altogether. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is the sequel gamers want: It doesn't mess with the original formula but provides enough new features and variety to keep you engaged for hours on end.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time affected by the cartoonish nature of the gameplay? Would it have a larger impact if the violence was more realistic?

  • Do you prefer playing games by yourself, or with others? Do you think you'd enjoy playing a game with someone else if that was the only way you could bypass difficult sections?

Game Details

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