Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Image Courtesy of Toys for Bob
As a long time Crash Bandicoot fan, I never expected for his big return to consoles to be so controversial to the Busch League crew. All I could remember was how much the original trilogy meant to me as a kid, and how, at the time, it was the greatest game I had ever played. Rose-tinted glasses... maybe... but I know I’m not the only person that felt that way. Twenty years later (We won’t count the 2001-2008 dark ages) and I now understand Crash is not a game for everybody. It’s not that Toys for Bob (Crash 4’s developer) did anything wrong. In fact, they nailed what the original Crash games were all about. It’s more that they did their job too well. Toys for Bob captured the same gameplay we got in 1996, and many that jumped into the series for the first time were not used to how unforgiving Crash Bandicoot can be.
If your goal is to complete this game as fast as possible and move along with your life then I suggest you reconsider. Crash doesn’t like that. The timing and rhythm in this game can be really hard to adjust to, especially when you always need to be considering your position (even in air). Crash’s world is saturated with enemies willing to go high, low, left, right, back and forth just to kill your momentum. Another factor is the exactness of the controls. Unlike in the Mario world, there is no “sliding” in this game. Meaning: you stop precisely where you are the second you let off that joystick. This is a feature that frustrates many, as they are used to forgiveness and space to jump or land without too much precision. I can imagine it feels unnatural to new players.
Aside from the classic controls, Toys for Bob added a lot to this game that set it apart among the original three. There are 4 masks in this game that alter the world around you, adding even more layers to the experience. I felt these were welcomed additions. One mask alters gravity, another slows down time. The third causes platforms to appear or disappear as you traverse the stage. The fourth gives Crash a super powerful spin that allows him to glide long distances but detonates any Nitro boxes in the vicinity. Perhaps the most unique new feature to Crash 4 is the ability to play each level in "N. Verted" modes. They are hard to describe so I recommend watching the video below starting at about 3:55. Essentially, the world design changes and physics are altered to add another layer of difficulty (which is not necessarily what this game needed). The modes are each a treat in their own way if dying a lot doesn’t infuriate you.
To the surprise and delight of long-time fans, beloved characters make their come-back in this game and are even playable. Run through a bayou as the retired villain Dingodile. Grapple across perilous platforms as Crash’s long-time girlfriend Tawna. Shoot lasers as the notorious Neo Cortex. All of them are unique and worth trying. My only regret is not getting to control Tiny Tiger. Maybe in Crash 5.
Besides gameplay, the level design stands out in this game. Some worlds pay homage to original Crash themes, while others take Crash places we have never seen. My personal favorite, “Off Beat”, is a New Orleans style level with Mardi Gras themed enemies, colors, and music. It is quite the experience and the most fun I had in the entire game.
Perhaps the most differentiating aspect of Crash 4 is how insanely difficult it is. It is really hard. Like, crazy hard. Jacob Busch of BLG died over 130 times in one level (I only died 61 times in that level btw). Although that proves my point. I’ve played Crash games my entire life, going back many times to the original PS1 and playing the wumpas out of the N. Sane Trilogy remaster. Even still, I died more in this game than probably any other platformer and I’VE PLAYED SUPER MEAT BOY. While I’m a glutton for punishment (ask my therapist), this was the undoing for Crash 4 among the other BLG members and for many people across the world. Not everyone wants to be kicked in the teeth over and over and over like that, and Toys for Bob just rubs your face in it. To quote Nick Beaird, of Busch League Gaming: “I forgot how hard these games were and never realized how badly they whooped my butt.”
Look at that death count! Note the shear disappointment from Coco.
Suffice to say, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time holds a special place in my heart, but I now understand I’m one of the few willing to die on that ship. I will love Crash forever for what it has been for me, but I must respect that it is more niche than I ever realized and did not hold up to my praises as my friends were forced to watch their own deaths hundreds of times. It is with a heavy heart and a salute that we at BLG gave Crash 4: It’s About Time a 7 out of 10.
