Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timeis finally available to play, and has fans barreling through space and time on a wacky platforming adventure. Crash and Coco are in pursuit of Neo Cortex and Dr. N. Tropy yet again, and between the standard game, N. Verted Mode, and Flashback levels, players have quite some ground to cover.
This long-awaitedCrash Bandicootsequel features 43 standard stages, including the five main boss battles. This may seem basic to the experienced gamer, butCrash Bandicoot 4gives players an additional shot at redesigned versions of each of those stages, as well as 21 secret Flashback levels, bringing the grand total to just over 100.
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As mentioned above, each of the regular stages is accompanied by a “redesigned” version. This is known as the game’s N. Verted Mode, which tasks players with taking on a mirror-image version of each stage (in which everything appears “reversed,” as if by a mirror) that features atotally unique art style. For example, some stages may turn on cel-shaded graphics, whereas others may appear to be sinking underwater. This mode becomes available once players complete the story mission titled “Trouble Brewing.”
In addition to these N. Verted stages, the game challenges players with locating 21 hidden VHS Flashback Tapes, each of which unlocks a Flashback level. These stages give players a fresh new perspectives on the in-game events fromcharacters other than Crash and Coco. Collecting the tapes is slightly trickier than simply scavenging, due to the fact that Flashback Tapes will only appear on a stage if a player hasn’t already died.
While players in search of a Flashback Tape should be sure to find them before losing an in-game life, once they’ve been collected players are welcome to proceed without fear.Flashback Tapes will remain in possession once found, even if the player loses. These are probably going to be one of the biggest post-game challenges for many players.
Between the Flashback Tapes, N. Verted Mode, and standard levels,Crash Bandicoot 4tasks players with completing 107 total stages. Considering the myriad of other completion collectibles, like hidden gems and time trials, it’s safe to say thatCrash Bandicoot 4is a lengthy game for fans. Though it may seem like N. Verted Mode is basic at first glance, the art style switch-ups can make stages truly challenging compared to other titles with similar concepts likeMario Kart’sMirror Mode.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timeis available now on PS4 and Xbox One.
