Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (our previous review here) proved to be a solid and fun title. The modern re-adaptation of the saga by Toys for bob gave new light to the historic brand dedicated to the marsupial, which now enjoys a new life. Fans were able to hug an old friend again, setting off on an adventure that proved capable of being appreciated despite a good level of challenge. Given Sony's huge success and current policy, it was only a matter of time before the game even came up PlayStation 5 with the necessary improvements. The video game manages to capture even more attention, thanks to its bright colors and its unique and unmistakable style. Those who have had the pleasure of playing this product already on PlayStation 4 will not wait to try it again on the current flagship, while for those who have not yet had the opportunity to buy it, the time has come to give us a great thought. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is available for free for next gen for those who already own the old version and, although the DualSense support still does not shine, playing it stably and without technical hitches is really more fun.
We have already met
As it is easy to guess, the playful offer offered by Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time on PlayStation 5 is the same as its old edition, without, however, those small technical defects that did not fully enjoy the experience. Those who have "ignored" the game so far, will be happy to know that the Toys for Bob creature has kept the spirit of the old Naughty Dog episodes, but transported them to the present, taking advantage of all the new means that the developers have at their disposal. today. What immediately catches the eye from the very first levels is the way in which the level design has been thought, since from the beginning to the end you will never have the feeling of playing two sections the same. Each area puts more and more meat on the fire, each checkpoint will be the start of a discovery. Precisely for this reason you will never have to let your guard down, keeping your attention high in some moments will be decisive as you will often find yourself testing your skills.
The game jokes a lot about the factor nostalgia, there will be moments that will remind you of the old chapters, but everything is well mixed resulting in a real tribute to the times that were. If the basic sequences aren't enough for the "real" Crash players, there will be some really nasty and well-crafted optional stages, which will satisfy even the thirst of the most demanding and seasoned players. Don't underestimate Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time due to its platforming nature, as it also proved surprisingly long-lived. The final result is a style that perfectly mixes old and new school, proposing a new and refined game but that has the sweet aftertaste of the 90s.
What improves on PS5
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time was already an aesthetic show on PlayStation 4, now the improvement is not striking, but the colors are still brighter and more impactful. 4K makes its figure, further enhancing the artistic side of the entire production. The things that benefit most from the graphic upgrade are undoubtedly the details, both those of the environments and those in the background.
The real plus that the PlayStation 5 version gives to the game is on the stability front: if the past version had made many turn up their noses, but this does not admit excuses. The game flows smoothly, stable, free from any hitch that affects performance. Now, when you end up badly in a ravine, you can safely blame yourself and no longer with the title. The thing that most disappointed us, however, is the DualSense, a revolutionary pad that still fails to give that something extra to the experience. There are small situations in which it is exploited, but they are so minimal that for some they may be almost imperceptible. From this point of view, we expect much more in the future.
