Several video gaming news outlets and content creators (Canadian Guy Eh, Dengeki Online, Destructoid, Famitsu, Game Informer, GameSpot, GamesRadar, IGN, Kinda Funny Games, PlayStation Access) have just released new gameplay previews for upcoming action-adventure platformer Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. The gameplay clips include footage from the levels ‘Snow Way Out’ and ‘Dino Dash’, and give the first look at the beloved villain Dr. Neo Cortex’s playable level.
Let’s first dive into the Snow Way Out level, which is filled with classic platforming challenges along with new and crazy concepts that I can’t wait to try. There are annoying ice floors that make movement unbearable, moving ice platforms, and a lot more. Most interesting perhaps is what we can say for our first look into the game’s “It’s About Time” theme with Crash’s ability to slow down time for specific parts of the level. This ability can be gathered by picking up masks then pressing the triangle button during the appropriate time, such as during fast enemy animations or platforms that deactivate quickly.
Snow Way Out is also home to Dr. Cortex’s first playable level. This is basically the players apprehending Crash in the same timeline. Cortex has at his disposal multiple platforming tools such as a dash that can go either left or right and a gun that can either ‘blockify’ or ‘gelatinize’ targets. For example, huge gaps which cannot be jumped or dashed over usually have enemies jumping up and down between two patches of solid ground. With the press of the square button (once or twice), these enemeis can be turned solid or into trampoline-like platforms for Cortex to use.
Next is Dino Dash, which involves navigating through lava rivers, being chased by a T-rex, and swinging and sliding on vines and branches. Similar to Snow Way Out slowing time mechanic, Dino Dash also includes an ability which allows Crash to go into the Phase World. For any box or obstacle that is highlighted and unreachable in the default state, players can activate this ability to change to the Phase World. This is especially useful for players who want to collect all boxes and wumpas in the level, or during platforming sequences wherein they just can’t be bothered to time their jumps anymore and just phase obstacles out of their way.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is set to launch for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 2.
