Activision just announced Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time for PS4 and Xbox One - here's everything we know

(Image: Activision)(Image: Activision)
(Image: Activision)

A brand new game in classic platforming series Crash Bandicoot has been announced as coming to consoles in just a few short months.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is being developed by Toys for Bob – who brought us the critically acclaimed ‘N. Sane Trilogy’ remaster of Crash’s first three games in 2017 – and will be released in October 2020.

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For many, It’s About Time will represent the first ‘true’ sequel in the classic platforming franchise in over 20 years.

The game’s ‘story’ (used in the loosest sense of the word, as it’s really all about the gameplay) picks up shortly after the events of Warped, which saw antagonists Neo Cortex, Dr. N. Tropy and Uka Uka stranded on a remote planet.

They’ve now escaped, tearing a hole in the very fabric of reality. Expect hi-jinks to ensue.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What happens in It’s About Time?

Crash Bandicoot 4 – the first numbered sequel since 1998’s Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped – retains the classic gameplay of the first few games of the orange marsupial’s career.

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That means you’ll be running away from and towards the camera in mostly linear levels, avoiding obstacles and enemies with well timed jumps and spins, and collecting apples and other bonuses as you go.

Like those original games, there’ll be bonus side-scrolling sections, as well as boss battles to contend with at the conclusion of each of the game’s areas.

Expect “an intense and hilarious 3D platforming experience,” say publishers Activision, “defined by a certain marsupial’s brash attitude.”

What’s new?

(Image: Activision)(Image: Activision)
(Image: Activision)

You’ll get the chance to play as both Crash and his sister Coco, and where It’s About Time mixes things up, is in the special abilities it grants that duo through collectable masks.

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Four guardians of space-time – known as the ‘Quantum Masks’ – will allow players to slow time to dodge fast-moving enemies, and alter the direction of gravity to run on the ceiling, among other abilities.

You’ll also be able to switch between Modern and Retro modes of play, designed to allow longtime fans and new players alike to enjoy Crash’s latest adventure, and the whole package comes with a reimagined and updated art style.

“Expect to see new worlds, lush vistas, and an absurd variety of enemies and hazards in a style and visual fidelity fit for the modern gaming experience,” say Activision.

When can I play It’s About Time?

(Image: Activision)(Image: Activision)
(Image: Activision)

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time will be released on Friday 2 October.

It will be available for PS4 and Xbox One.

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There’s no word yet on whether the game will be compatible with next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, nor whether it will see a release on PC.

Likewise, a Nintendo Switch version of the game has not been confirmed, but since Toys for Bob’s remaster of the original Crash trilogy made its way to Nintendo’s hybrid console, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see It’s About Time head that way eventually.

Where’s the cheapest place to pre-order the game?

At the time of writing, the cheapest place to pre-order Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is ShopTo.net, who have both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game listed for £49.85.

It's early days though, and considering ShopTo’s ‘deal’ is one of the only pre-orders we can find, it could just be a placeholder price until something more concrete is confirmed nearer release day.

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