Have we been here before? No, you haven’t gone back in time, this is a brand new review of Crash Bandicoot 4. This time we’re tackling the Switch version because with a game like Crash Bandicoot, designed for the PlayStation, I was curious. Would the Switch be able to deliver a solid experience with less processing power? Would the loading screens be ridiculous?

The answer to these questions surprised me. First off, the loading times aren’t that much longer than on PS4. Secondly, the idea of taking the Nintendo Switch on the go and being able to play Crash on it is a fantastic thing. Before we get too deep into the nitty-gritty though, let’s talk about what Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is all about.

Crash 4 puts Crash and Coco into an all-new adventure, as Neo Cortex and N.Tropy have broken a hole in the fabric of space and time. It is up to the two of them (and their allies) to collect four Quantum Masks, which give them special abilities. Gathering the Quantum Masks is the only way for them to take on the threats the multiverse now faces.

You can play Crash 4 in two modes (aside from multiplayer), either Retro mode or Modern mode. Retro mode plays like classic Crash games where you have limited lives. The Modern mode gives you unlimited lives but provides a death counter. Each level has different requirements to get gems, which unlock special skins for Crash and Coco. One of these requirements is dying less than 3 times, which isn’t always easy.

There are also two versions of the main levels. There is the normal version and then the Inverted version, which has a different visual style and a different sort of layout. You can also do Flashback levels by collecting Flashback Tapes. Flashback levels have Crash or Coco going through Neo Cortex’s experiments prior to the first game in the series.

Aside from the main levels, there are “alternate timeline” levels that allow you to play as Tawna, Dingodile, and Neo Cortex. These levels usually coincide with the main levels, letting you see the events of them from a different perspective. Tawna, Dingodile, and Neo Cortex all play very differently from Crash and Coco, and I absolutely love it.

There are time trials and other familiar mainstays of the series. On top of that, the developers at Toys for Bob added in new mechanics like wall-running, slowing down time, etc. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time feels a lot like Sonic Mania, in the taking of what came before and bringing it into the modern age. Playing Crash 4 on Nintendo Switch takes that even further.

Being able to play such a high-quality Crash game on the go or at home on your television is a surprisingly great thing. The Switch also makes multiplayer a breeze too. Granted, this game is by no means easy, and the processing power does mean that occasionally you’ll get a lengthy loading screen. However, there isn’t really much of a difference between this version and other versions.

The visuals are bright and colorful, and the voice acting is top-notch. The love and care that went into this game are palpable from the very first level. The Inverted Levels are a feast for the eyes too. Honestly, I can’t really complain about anything that Toys for Bob presented visually with Crash 4.

I don’t really have anything negative to say about the Nintendo Switch version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time that I didn’t criticize it for the first time around. Other than the difficulty being a bit high, it is everything I was hoping it would be and more. The accessibility options from the PS4 version regarding text size and colorblindness are still there, and it is just a fantastic game on a hybrid console. If you haven’t had the chance to play Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, I highly recommend it.

A Nintendo Switch review copy of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, was provided by Activision for this review.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

$39.99 USD

9.5

Score

9.5/10

Pros

• Lots of Content for Completionists
• Fun, Colorful Level Designs
• Great Single and Multiplayer Gameplay
• Fun Characters and Story
• Feels Like the Best Parts of Crash Games

Cons

• Difficulty is High