Crash is back, turns to Sony’s next generation console and looks better than ever before. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PS5 the wheel does not reinvent itself. It’s generally the same game you played on PS4 (you did play it on PS4, right?). With that in mind, we are not going to review the content of the game, which remains very much the same as what our initial review said. It’s still so classic Collapse goodness, chock-full of content and playability, and sometimes cruelly difficult and relentless. That said, the PS5 version brings some major changes that could affect how the game looks and feels.
First is the required 4K resolution and 60 fps that makes Crash really look and feel at home on the new console. It’s not a shockingly big difference – it is Crash Bandicoot 4 already looked good on the PS4 – and you probably won’t see the difference outside the A / B comparisons of the two versions, but Crash just looks good with the power of the new technology behind jump, move, and turn.
On the PS5 specifically, Crash Bandicoot 4 supports unique features such as the DualSense haptic feedback and customizable triggers, activity maps, and the console’s unique 3D sound features. The DualSense features are average. It’s certainly not the pinnacle of implementing the haptic feedback and adaptive trigger technology – Sony’s own first party games do the hard work there – but all that DualSense features use is an improvement over the DualShock 4, so it’s a welcome change nonetheless.
Activity maps really help guide players what to play next. Given the sheer amount of levels and challenges, this is a small but welcome feature that creates a kind of useful roadmap to completion. If you, like me, did not get your Platinum on the PS4 version, Activity Cards are a great way to help narrow the gap (though you still need to demonstrate excellent platforming skills to achieve the finish).
If we are honest, the real winning feature of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PS5 is not the footage or unique PS5 enhancements. This is the loading time. Those myriad challenges and levels require many repetition and reload levels. Whether it’s trying to master the time trials for Relics, tying the gems for level completions under three deaths, or finding the flawless classic ties, one of the best aspects of Crash Bandicoot 4 PS5 is the funny charge, which means you do not spend much time waiting around in case you should fail. The PS4 version may feel particularly disappointing when failure means a long charging time to get going again, but the PS5 keeps you playing the game, making trying out difficult challenges much less.
Saving the file transfer from the PS4 version is easy enough, as long as you have access to the PS4 version of the game and your PS4 storage. You need your PS4 disturbance with the cloud of the Crash Bandicoot 4 PS4 version main menu and then use the PS5 version to enter your savings. I had to download the PS4 version of the game on my PS5, sync my storage from the PS Plus cloud storage, upload it via the Crash 4 select, then select it with the PS5 version of the game. The hassle was mostly due to issues I had with the PS5 that support external storage devices for PS4 games, but not about the way the game handles save transfers. Your experience will depend on the availability of your PS4 version and your storage file. It will also pop up all the trophies you have already unlocked, so there is no need to repeat any difficult challenges you have already completed.
In addition, players who already own Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PS4 get a free upgrade to the PS5 version. It’s a nice touch that is definitely not universal at every game that improves the next generation.
In his heart it is the same Crash Bandicoot 4 which we loved last year when it came to PS4. The enhanced loading times alone are enough to make the PS5 version stand out, and the enhanced footage is an added treat as Crash is seen in native 4K at 60 fps. Additional PS5 features complete the package, but as I played, it was mostly just the enhanced charging that really stuck with me as the defining feature of this next-gen port.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time PS5 revision code provided by publisher. Review on PS5. Read our review policy for more information on points.
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9.5
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