Game images by RAWG
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Toys for Bob (with support from Beenox, Activision Shanghai, Hardsuit Labs, Iron Galaxy)
About This Game
Super ReviewCrash 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 players 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
Risk Factors
Why this rating
Educational Value
0/5Crash 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
0/5This 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
3/5The 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.
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Official Ratings
No Interactive Elements. (Online leaderboards / Activision account features exist but ESRB lists no interactive elements). citeturn0search0turn1search4
Age Fit
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