While it was leaked earlier this week one of the announcements that we got at the IGN Summer of Games event today was that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is going to be releasing this year. This will be the first numbered Crash Bandicoot title since the original 3 titles for PlayStation 1 (which were subsequently remade recently for current-gen systems.) Unlike the remakes Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is being developed by Toys for Bob, developers of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and Skylanders titles.
According to the official release the game will be about a new set of masks that get discovered. These Quantum Masks cause all kinds of portals to appear allowing Crash and company to travel to different times to stop those trying to harness the Quantum Masks power. The games official description reads as such:
Crash is relaxing and exploring his island in his time, 1998, when he finds a mysterious mask hidden away in a cave, Lani-Loli. The mask is one of the Quantum Masks and apparently knows Aku-Aku, Crash’s mask friend! With the Quantum Masks returning and a Quantum Rift appearing near our heroes, they decide to bravely head through to different times and dimensions to stop whoever is responsible.
A trailer was shown showing that It's About Time will be a classic Crash platformer. We see Crash making his way through forests, caves, and even the odd futuristic city. Much like Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped this title will be themed around time likely giving plenty of freedom to level settings. The gameplay also shows off Crash wearing a suit with a headpiece that matches that of the Quantum Mask Lani-Loli. It's likely that as more masks are collected more abilities will be unlocked for Crash. There is also some gameplay shown for players controlling Cortex but that wasn't expanded on too much.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time will release on Xbox One and Playstation 4 on October 9th, 2020. There is no word yet whether this game will receive a full next-gen port being so close to the new generation, or if it will be coming to Nintendo Switch or PC at all. The trailer also ends with a pre-order bonus that if you purchase the game digitally you'll unlock a "tubular" retro skin for Crash and Coco to wear.
While there is a lot of classic Crash returning the trailer also showed off Cortex as a playable character. Where the bandicoots can run, jump, and slide Cortex will approach obstacles using his science powers. An example of this will be being able to change hazards from normal platforms to bouncing platforms. Two new mechanics that will also be implemented is Time Mask and Gravity Mask. When going through a level you'll encounter portions where Crash or Coco will don these masks and be able to slow down time allowing to walk over Nitro crates or use the Gravity mask to flip the direction of gravity.
What do you think of the Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time reveal? Are you happy to see an original classic Crash Bandicoot title? Are you going to hold out for a next-gen release?
