Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Game images by RAWG

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Toys for Bob (with support from Beenox, Activision Shanghai, Hardsuit Labs, Iron Galaxy)

PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; Xbox One; Xbox Series X|S; Nintendo Switch; Windows (Steam/Battle.net)Paid (one-time purchase; no microtransactions in base game)

Health Score

DECENT

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time delivers a vibrant, challenging platforming adventure where players guide Crash, Coco, and new characters through fantastical, time-bending levels. While its cartoonish humor and classic jump-and-spin action are family-friendly, the game's demand for precise timing and quick reflexes means it's a qualified fit, best suited for patient players or those with adult supervision to navigate its often-frustrating difficulty spikes.

Super Review

Parent verdict

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a decent choice for families, particularly for children aged 9 and up. Its appeal lies in its colorful, lighthearted presentation and pure, skill-based platforming without the distractions of microtransactions. However, the game's significant challenge, especially for achieving full completion, means it works best for children who are comfortable with repetition and overcoming frustration. Parents should consider supervising early sessions, especially with younger children, to ensure the difficulty doesn't outweigh the fun.

What kids actually do

Players control Crash, Coco, or other characters, using jumps, spins, and unique Quantum Mask abilities to navigate complex 3D environments, exercising reflexes and timing.
Players collect Wumpa fruit, break boxes, and uncover hidden gems and collectibles, encouraging exploration and attention to detail within each level.
Players overcome environmental hazards, solve movement puzzles, and engage in boss battles, requiring pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and persistence through trial and error.

Where it shines

The game boasts a bright, family-friendly cartoon aesthetic and humorous tone, creating an engaging and visually appealing world without realistic violence.
It offers pure, skill-based platforming challenges with a one-time purchase model, meaning there are no additional microtransactions to worry about after buying the game.
Local pass-and-play competitive modes and online leaderboards foster friendly competition and provide opportunities for shared play experiences within the household.

Parent watch-outs

The precision platforming can be intensely frustrating and repetitive, especially for younger children or those aiming for 100% completion, leading to potential meltdowns.
The game includes mild profanity and references to alcohol, as noted by its E10+ and PEGI 12 ratings, which parents should be aware of.
While primarily a solo experience, the game includes online leaderboards, exposing children to usernames from other players, though direct interaction is not possible.

Family rules worth setting

Establish a time limit for play sessions to prevent excessive frustration from challenging levels and to encourage breaks.
Encourage children to try other characters or explore alternate paths if they get stuck on a particular section, fostering problem-solving beyond brute force.

Talk about this

Discuss the difference between cartoon violence and real-life actions, reinforcing that the game's slapstick doesn't reflect actual harm.
Talk about persistence and patience: how feeling frustrated is okay, and sometimes stepping away from a difficult challenge and returning later can help.

Play style

Crash Bandicoot 4 offers a fast-paced session rhythm, with levels typically lasting 5-15 minutes, though perfectionists may spend much longer. The difficulty is high for completionists, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes. Children will primarily play solo, but local pass-and-play options allow for sharing the controller. Younger or less experienced players may need significant parental help or guidance through frustrating sections and boss fights, as mistakes are often punished instantly.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

0/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

1/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

0/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

1/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

3/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

0/5

Crash Bandicoot 4 is designed as a pure entertainment platformer, not to impart educational lessons. Its gameplay focuses on dexterity and puzzle-solving without a specific curriculum or learning objectives.

Addictive Monetization

0/5

This game features no microtransactions, loot boxes, or premium currencies within its base game, earning a score of 0. It is a one-time purchase, providing a complete experience without additional costs or pressure for in-game spending.

Content Intensity

3/5

The game contains mild profanity, as indicated by its PEGI 12 rating for bad language, and alcohol references, contributing to a score of 3. While the violence is cartoonish, these elements elevate the content intensity beyond a purely benign experience.

Negatives

•Precision platforming can be frustrating/repetitive for younger players or completionists
•Contains mild profanity and alcohol references and limited online features (leaderboards) rather than cooperative online play.

Positives

•Bright, family-friendly cartoon presentation and humorous tone
•Skill-based platforming with local pass-and-play and leaderboards
•No microtransactions in the base game.

Gameplay Videos

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time - Full Game Walkthrough

ProsafiaGaming

1 of 3

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Official Ratings

E10+

ESRB

Alcohol ReferenceCartoon ViolenceComic MischiefLanguage. citeturn0search0

No Interactive Elements. (Online leaderboards / Activision account features exist but ESRB lists no interactive elements). citeturn0search0turn1search4

PEGI

Bad language (PEGI 12 in Europe for use of mild profanity). citeturn3search2turn2search1

Age Fit

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not recommended — gameplay requires quick reflexes and precise timing that most children aged 3–5 won't have; mild language and cartoon hazards present.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Generally not recommended for most children in this age group, unless they have exceptional reflexes and patience, or are playing closely with an older sibling or parent. The core mechanics are too punishing for typical younger players, leading to frustration.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Suitable for many players in this range with parental guidance. The E10+ content is mild, but the game's difficulty and repetition for achieving all collectibles can be challenging. Supervision in early sessions is advisable to manage frustration.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Appropriate and enjoyable for teens. The high difficulty and collectible-focused goals provide a substantial long-term challenge without relying on exploitative monetization tactics. Teens can appreciate the skill-based gameplay.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Appropriate for older teens and adults. It serves as a fine solo experience or for casual local multiplayer. The mild language and cartoon violence are unlikely to be a concern for this age group, and the challenge is engaging.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

About This Game

Super Review

What kids actually do

Where it shines

Parent watch-outs

Family rules worth setting

Talk about this

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Risk Factors

Why this rating

Educational Value

Addictive Monetization

Content Intensity

Negatives

Positives

Gameplay Videos

Crash Bandicoot 4: It&#39;s About Time - Full Game Walkthrough

Other Recommended Games

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

LEGO Harry Potter Collection

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Spiritfarer

Official Ratings

Age Fit

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time - Full Game Walkthrough