Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time are generally positive. Many critics appreciate the continuation of the classic Crash Bandicoot storyline, with familiar villains like Neo Cortex and N. Tropy causing chaos across different dimensions. GameSpot praises the time-traveling aspect of the story, adding depth to the narrative and taking players to vibrant environments. Worth Playing highlights the theme of defeating the forces of evil and restoring order to the world, which resonates with fans of the series. Additionally, Softpedia mentions the engaging plot of Crash and Coco teaming up to thwart the plans of Neo Cortex and his allies, providing a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for players. On the other hand, some critics express mixed feelings about the story of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. God is a Geek describes the story as throwaway, indicating that it may not be a significant aspect of the game for all players. The Sydney Morning Herald mentions that while the story involves collecting Quantum Masks to fix tears in space and time caused by villains, it may feel scattered between diverse eras and settings, potentially confusing newcomers to the series. These opinions suggest that the narrative may not resonate equally with all players and could be improved in terms of coherence and impact. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time delivers an enjoyable and engaging storyline that continues the legacy of the series. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and GameSkinny appreciate the introduction of new characters and gameplay elements, adding depth to the familiar conflict between Crash and his adversaries. While some critics point out shortcomings in the storytelling, such as lack of significant impact or clarity, the majority acknowledge the game's ability to provide a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise. The diverse settings, humorous character interactions, and creative use of Quantum Masks contribute to a compelling narrative that keeps players invested in Crash's latest adventure.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for its challenging platforming, responsive controls, and the introduction of new mechanics that added variety and depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like The Games Machine and VideoGamer highlighted the solid gameplay that gratified different types of players, while Screen Rant and GameSpot appreciated the addition of new elements like Quantum Masks and playable characters that stayed true to the original Crash Bandicoot classics. The inclusion of new abilities, such as wall-running and mask-powered segments, as mentioned by Shacknews, added a fresh twist to the classic Crash formula, making the gameplay engaging and exciting for fans of the series. On the downside, some critics, such as NintendoWorldReport and Gfinity, found the platforming to be frustrating at times due to unpredictable mid-air movements and difficult level design. Additionally, some new mechanics, like the time travel element, as noted by God is a Geek, were mentioned as not meeting the expectations set by the rest of the gameplay. The challenging and unrelenting difficulty, as highlighted by PlayStation LifeStyle and Screen Rant, may also pose a barrier for some players, especially in the late-game challenges that rely heavily on trial-and-error gameplay. The introduction of the N. Verted mode, as mentioned by Wccftech, was also noted as potentially frustrating for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. The game successfully blends the classic Crash Bandicoot gameplay with new mechanics and features, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers. The mix of traditional and modern gameplay styles, as highlighted by GameSkinny, provides a well-rounded experience with plenty of content to explore and replay. Despite some minor issues with difficulty spikes and frustrating mechanics, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be excellent, with GamingTrend even describing it as "excellent" overall. Ultimately, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time delivers on its promise of delivering a fun and engaging platforming experience that stays true to the series' roots while introducing fresh elements to keep players entertained.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, highlighting its vibrant colors, expressive animations, and diverse environments. Trusted Reviews noted that the characters are brighter and more expressive than ever before, while GamesRadar+ appreciated the colorful environments and clever twists on Crash's classic theme, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, COGconnected commended the game for its gorgeous visuals, brilliant lighting, supreme color palette, and smart level design. TheXboxHub mentioned enhanced visuals on Xbox Series X|S with improved loading times, 4K resolution, and 60fps, maintaining a high-quality visual experience. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with the graphics and visual design of Crash Bandicoot 4. Gaming Nexus mentioned concessions in terms of frame rate, resolution, and texture quality on the Nintendo Switch version, which were noticeable to a discerning eye. GamingTrend and TheGamer both highlighted the visual downgrade on the Switch version, with lower resolution, darker levels, and blending colors that could make the character get lost in the environment. God is a Geek also noted that the Switch version lacked the graphical clout of the PS5 or PS4 versions, especially in handheld mode, although it was still considered playable and enjoyable. Overall, despite some criticisms, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. Critics like Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and Push Square praised the game for its vibrant and detailed art, gorgeous animations, and expressive character models. The game's unique art styles, engaging environments, and attention to detail were widely appreciated, with many critics acknowledging the visual charm and modern revamp of the beloved franchise. The diverse and visually distinct environments, along with the seamless mix of 2D and 3D areas, were highlighted as key strengths of the game's visual presentation. Overall, the majority of critics found the graphics and visual design of Crash Bandicoot 4 to be very good, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and staying true to the series' aesthetic.

The Sound Design and Music of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time received a lot of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the immersive experience created by the sound effects and music. Critics like Game Over Online praised the strong sound design, punchy music, and effective voice acting, contributing to the grand adventure feel of the game. Additionally, reviewers such as Game Revolution and Screen Rant appreciated the whimsical and dynamic soundtrack that evolved with the gameplay, enhancing the overall charm and experience. The inclusion of Quantum Masks that changed gameplay dynamics, as noted by GameSkinny, added an extra layer of depth to the sound design and music, making it a standout feature for several critics. On the flip side, some critics expressed mixed or negative opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Crash Bandicoot 4. COGconnected described the music as mundane and forgettable, lacking standout tracks, which they felt made it uninspired despite capturing the essence of the original game. Easy Allies also mentioned that while the musical score was decent, it lacked standout tracks and failed to rise above mediocrity. TheSixthAxis provided limited detail on the overall sound design and music, suggesting a lack of emphasis on these aspects in their review. These criticisms indicate that not all reviewers were equally impressed with the sound design and music of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side when it comes to the Sound Design and Music of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. The majority of reviewers appreciated the immersive experience created by the sound effects and music, with many praising the dynamic soundtrack, voice acting, and how the music complemented the gameplay. Critics like Shacknews and Impulsegamer highlighted the nostalgic elements, gorgeous cutscenes, and sparkling sound effects that enhanced the overall fun factor of the game. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of standout tracks and uninspired music, the overall sentiment suggests that the Sound Design and Music of Crash Bandicoot 4 contributed positively to the gameplay experience and captured the spirit of the original games, resonating well with series veterans and newcomers alike.

The voice acting in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has received predominantly positive feedback from critics. GamingTrend praises Coco's new voice actress for effectively capturing her personality, while Video Chums and Gamers' Temple describe the voice acting as spot-on, adding personality to the cutscenes and fitting the characters perfectly. Gfinity specifically highlights the excellent voice acting for characters like Cortex and his minions, showcasing standout performances within the game. These positive remarks indicate that the voice work in Crash 4 successfully enhances the overall experience by bringing the characters to life and immersing players in the game's world. On the other hand, COGconnected criticizes the disparity in voice roles, noting that Crash Bandicoot still does not have a speaking role while other characters do. This observation highlights a potential negative aspect of the voice acting in the game, as it creates a noticeable inconsistency in character portrayal. While this criticism is not echoed by other reviewers, it raises a valid point about the lack of development in Crash's character through voice acting, which could potentially detract from the overall cohesion of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a strong aspect of the game. Game Over Online commends the effective portrayal of characters and how they contribute to the overall experience, while Shacknews praises the commendable performances from all voice actors. The dialogue and voice acting are noted to enhance the bright and breezy caper of the game, as mentioned by GamesRadar+. Despite some criticisms regarding the disparity in voice roles, the general sentiment is that the voice acting in Crash 4 adds depth to the characters, enriches the storytelling, and contributes positively to the immersive nature of the game.

The Technical Performance of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has been positively received on the PlayStation 5. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Gamers Heroes highlight the smooth 60 frames-per-second gameplay and snappy load times on the PS5, with enhancements such as improved animations and DualSense controller features. CGMagazine and Push Square also praise the faster load times and rock-solid 60fps presentation on the PS5, showcasing the game's optimization for the new generation hardware. On the flip side, some negative aspects of the Technical Performance are noted on the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Critics like Gamers' Temple and GamingTrend mention framerate issues, glitches, and subpar controls with the Joy-Con thumbsticks impacting the gameplay experience. Despite efforts to maintain a solid 30fps, issues like misplaced kill zones affecting gameplay and visual downgrades in lighting and texture quality on the Switch version detract from the overall technical quality of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time's Technical Performance across different gaming platforms. The game excels on the PlayStation 5, with enhancements like smoother animations, faster load times, and optimized performance for the new hardware, as acknowledged by reviewers such as GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle. However, the Nintendo Switch version faces challenges with framerate issues and control issues, as highlighted by critics like Gaming Nexus and TheGamer. Despite some platform-specific drawbacks, the game's overall technical performance is well-received, offering an enjoyable experience with notable improvements on newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, highlighting the abundance of content and incentives for players to revisit levels. Critics such as GameSpot and COGconnected commended the game for offering a plethora of collectibles, challenges, and unlockable content like character skins, time trials, and hidden gems, providing a perfectionist's delight and adding depth to the gameplay experience. The inclusion of additional modes like N. Verted levels, Flashback Tapes, and multiplayer options was also lauded by reviewers such as Softpedia and Game Revolution, further enhancing the replayability of the game. The variety of objectives in each stage, special costumes, and the ability to bring over save data, as mentioned by Worth Playing and PlayStation Universe, were also highlighted as positive aspects contributing to the game's replay value. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in Crash Bandicoot 4's replay value. While the game offers a significant amount of content and challenges, Game Rant noted that the multiplayer modes were underwhelming, and unlocking secret endings required extreme challenges, which could be off-putting for some players. Additionally, App Trigger mentioned that while there are unlockable costumes, no actual gameplay is locked behind completionist challenges, potentially limiting the long-term appeal for certain players. The sharp difficulty spikes and commitment required for completion, as highlighted by Switch Player, may also pose a challenge for some players, impacting the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. The game's extensive content, including multiple collectibles, challenges, hidden gems, unlockable skins, and various game modes, provides players with ample reasons to revisit levels and strive for completion. Critics appreciated the diverse range of gameplay elements, such as time trials, N. Verted levels, Flashback Tapes, and multiplayer options, which contribute to a rich and engaging replay experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding difficulty spikes and multiplayer modes, the general sentiment is that Crash Bandicoot 4 offers a compelling and rewarding experience for both new and returning players seeking hours of gameplay and exploration.