Toys for Bob, the developer of Crash Bandicoot 4 and Crash Team Rumble, is officially independent of Activision and Microsoft. Despite the split, the studio hasn’t ruled out working with those companies in the future.

Crash Bandicoot developer Toys for Bob splits from Activision after 19 years

Toys for Bob’s separation from Activision goes into effect today, February 29. The divorce also appears to be an amicable one, according to the studio’s official statement. “Our friends at Activision and Microsoft have been extremely supportive of our new direction, and we’re confident that we will continue to work closely together as part of our future,” Toys for Bob wrote. The company, which closed its physical office earlier this month, also says it is exploring a possible partnership with Microsoft, which acquired Crash Bandicoot publisher Activision last year.

If this partnership works out, it could mean that Toys for Bob isn’t done with the Crash Bandicoot series. Unfortunately, the company’s statement didn’t detail its future plans, but it promises to give more updates soon.

Founded by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford in 1989, Toys for Bob released its first game, Star Control, in 1990. Decades later, it developed the Skylanders series, released from 2011 to 2016. It later released the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited Trilogy before launching Crash Bandicoot 4 in 2020. Its last game as the primary developer was 2023’s Crash Team Rumble, though it also assisted on Modern Warfare III.

While Toys for Bob’s relationship with Activision lasted almost 20 years, the studio expressed excitement for its new opportunities. “With the same enthusiasm and passion,” it says, “we believe that now is the time to take the studio and our future games to the next level. This opportunity allows us to return to our roots of being a small and nimble studio.”

The post Crash Bandicoot Dev Toys for Bob Goes Independent appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Update:

Sony has now confirmed the leaked lineup.

Original story:

PS Plus Essential July 2022 games lineup has leaked. We’re confident about this one because it comes from the same Dealabs user, billbil kun, who has been accurately leaking the service’s monthly lineup for eons now. It looks like the most basic tier of the revamped service is due to receive Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan, and Arcadegeddon.

When will PS Plus Essential July 2022 games go live?

As a reminder, the Essential tier is PS Plus as we knew it before. You’ll get Cloud saves, some basic membership bonuses like discounts, and monthly games. We’re assuming that Essential will follow the same format as before, which means that the aforementioned games will go live on the first Tuesday of the month. That falls on July 5th.

Man of Medan is also part of PS Plus Extra lineup but the other two games aren’t. Nevertheless, the difference between PS Plus Essential and Extra/Premium is that the former allows you to keep the games forever and play whenever you want provided you are an active member. Games in the Extra/Premium tiers aren’t yours to keep. So you shouldn’t really be worried about Essential offering games that have appeared in Extra/Premium. There will inevitably be some dupes considering the sheer amount of games offered in Extra/Premium and the fact that there will be plenty of users who are only subscribed to Essential, so we have to be a bit reasonable with our expectations here.

As previously mentioned, given billbil kun’s track record, we are fairly confident that this leak is accurate. As usual, we’ll update our readers when the lineup is officially confirmed this week.

In other news, Square Enix’s Naoki Yoshida has said that Final Fantasy 16 will not feature American accents at all, and here’s how you can find out what games are set to leave PS Plus Extra/Premium and when.

[Source: Dealabs]

The post PS Plus Essential July 2022 Lineup Has Leaked (Updated) appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

PlayStation Store’s mid-year promotion has gone live, offering discounts of up to 60 percent on a variety of titles including Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, Outriders, and more.

Check out the full list of discounted titles below. Prices vary by region so make sure to log into your local store. The promotion will end on July 7th.

• 428: Shibuya Scramble
• Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown – Deluxe Edition
• AI: The Somnium Files
• Alien: Isolation
• Alphadia Genesis
• Anthem
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Mosasaurus Skin
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Parasaur Skin
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Quetzal Skin
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Raptor Skin
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Stegosaurus Skin
• ARK: Survival Evolved – Bionic Trike Skin
• Ary and the Secret of Seasons
• Asdivine Dios
• Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla + Immortals Fenyx Rising Bundle
• Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla + Watch Dogs®: Legion Bundle
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Deluxe Edition
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Ultimate Edition
• Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
• Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – Gold Edition
• Assassin’s Creed Triple Pack: Black Flag, Unity, Syndicate
• Assassin’s Creed Unity
• Assetto Corsa
• Assetto Corsa – Season Pass
• Batman: Return to Arkham
• Ben 10: Power Trip
• Big Bud Pack
• Blood & Truth
• Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
• Bravo Team
• Call of Duty: WWII – Digital Deluxe
• Challenger MT700E Field Viper
• Challenger MT800E Field Python
• Challenger MT900E Field Anaconda
• Chasm
• Cold Sun cosmetic pack
• Conception Plus: Maidens of the Twelve Stars
• Control
• Control – Expansion Pack 1 ‘The Foundation’
• Control – Season Pass
• Control Expansion 2 “AWE”
• Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled – Nitros Oxide Edition
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled + Spyro Game Bundle
• Crystar
• Crystar – 4 Panel Comic Collection
• Crystar – Clothing Swap Collection
• Crystar – Holiday Collection
• Crystar – Second Summer Collection
• Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online
• Danganronpa 1-2 Reload
• Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
• Dark Rose Valkyrie
• De Blob
• de Blob 2
• Death Squared
• Deemo -Reborn-
• Deemo -Reborn- Aioi Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- Classic Song Packs Season Pass
• Deemo -Reborn- Cytus Selection Vol.1
• Deemo -Reborn- Cytus Selection Vol.2
• Deemo -Reborn- Egoist Special Selection
• Deemo -Reborn- Eshen Chen Collection Vol.1: Transmission
• Deemo -Reborn- Knight Iris Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- Knight Rosabell Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- M2U X Nicode Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- MILI Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- N.M.S.T. Collection
• Deemo -Reborn- Rayark Selection Vol.1
• Deemo -Reborn- Rayark Selection Vol.2
• Deemo -Reborn- Rayark Selection Vol.3
• Degrees of Separation
• Deluxe Kit
• Detroit: Become Human
• Detroit: Become Human – Digital Deluxe Edition
• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Digital Deluxe Edition
• Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition – Demon Hunter Bundle
• Devil May Cry HD Collection & 4SE Bundle
• Dishonored & Prey: The Arkane Collection
• Dishonored® The Complete Collection
• Don’t Starve: Reign of Giants Console Edition
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Android 17
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Bardock
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Broly (Dragon Ball Super)
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Commentator Voice Pack
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Cooler
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – FighterZ Pass
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – FighterZ Pass 2
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Gogeta (SSGSS)
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Goku
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Goku (GT)
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Janemba
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Jiren
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Kefla
• DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ – Master Roshi
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – SSGSS Goku and SSGSS Vegeta Unlock
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – SSGSS Lobby Avatars
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Stamps: Girls Pack
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Vegeta
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Vegito (SSGSS)
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Videl
• Dragon Ball FighterZ – Zamasu (Fused)
• Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver The Shooter
• Earth Defense Force 5
• Earth Defense Force 5 – Additional Mission Pack 1: Extra Challenge
• Earth Defense Force 5 – Additional Mission Pack 2: Super Challenge
• Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS Season Pass
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE:WORLD BROTHERS
• El Hijo – A Wild West Tale
• Elite Forces cosmetic pack
• Euro Fishing: Urban Edition
• Everybody’s Golf VR
• Extinction: Deluxe Edition
• Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 4 – Season Pass
• Farming Simulator 15
• Farming Simulator 15 – Official Expansion (Gold)
• Farming Simulator 15: Complete Edition
• Farming Simulator 17
• Farming Simulator 17 – Platinum Edition
• Farming Simulator 17 – Platinum Expansion
• Farming Simulator 17 – Premium Edition
• Farming Simulator 17 – ROPA Pack
• Farming Simulator 19 – Alpine Expansion
• Farming Simulator 19 – Anderson Group Equipment Pack
• Farming Simulator 19 – Bourgault DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – CLAAS Dominator 108 SL Maxi DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – CLAAS Torion 1914 Dev Mule DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – GRIMME Equipment Pack
• Farming Simulator 19 – John Deere Cotton DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – Kverneland & Vicon Equipment Pack
• Farming Simulator 19 – Mahindra Retriever DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – Platinum Expansion
• Farming Simulator 19 – Rottne DLC
• Farming Simulator 19 – Season Pass
• Farpoint
• FAST & FURIOUS CROSSROADS
• FAST & FURIOUS CROSSROADS: Deluxe Edition
• Fendt 900 Black Beauty
• FIFA 21 Champions Edition PS4 & PS5
• Fighting Road: NJPW 2017 Junior Heavyweight
• Fire Pro Wrestling World – Digital Deluxe Edition
• Fire Pro Wrestling World – Entrance Craft
• Fire Pro Wrestling World – Fighting Road: Champion Road Beyond
• Fire Pro Wrestling World – World Wonder Ring Stardom Collaboration
• Fire Pro Wrestling World – World Wonder Ring Stardom Collaboration Part 2
• Fire Promoter DLC
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Big Fish Lure Pack
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Collector’s Edition
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Giant Carp Pack
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Lake Nelson
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Lough Kerr + Talon Fishery
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Quad Lake Pass
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Tackle Box Equipment Pack
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour – Tournament Bass Pack
• Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour + The Catch: Carp & Coarse
• Five Famous Swords Set DLC
• FUSER
• Ghostrunner
• Gigantosaurus: The Game
• Holmer DLC
• Hood: Outlaws & Legends
• Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition
• How to Survive: Storm Warning Edition
• Hunt: Showdown – Blood and Bone Bundle
• Hunt: Showdown – The Uncanny Bundle
• Illusion of L’Phalcia
• InnerSpace
• ITRunner
• JankBrain
• JCB
• Journey: Collector’s Edition
• Jumanji: The Video Game
• Just Cause 3: XXL Edition
• Just Cause 4 – Black Market Pack
• Just Cause 4 – Expansion Pass
• Just Cause 4: Reloaded
• Katamari Damacy REROLL
• Katana Kami: A Way of the Samurai Story
• Kerbal Space Program Enhanced Edition Complete
• Killing Floor 2
• Klassic MK Movie Skin Pack
• Knack
• Knockout City
• Knockout City Deluxe Edition
• Kuhn Equipment Pack
• Labyrinth Life
• Lamborghini Nitro 120
• LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham – Premium Edition
• Lethal VR
• Let’s Sing 2020
• Let’s Sing 2021
• Life is Strange 2 – Complete Season
• Little Big Workshop
• Little Nightmares
• Little Nightmares II Deluxe Edition PS4 & PS5
• Lock’s Quest
• Mad Rat Dead
• Madden NFL 21 PS4 & PS5
• Mark of the Ninja: Remastered
• Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – Deluxe Edition
• Mascot Costume Collection
• Masquerade Skin Pack
• Mega Dimension Neptune VIIR
• Mega Man 30th Anniversary Bundle
• Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2
• Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
• Monster Hunter: World – DLC Collection
• Monster Jam Steel Titans 2
• Mortal Kombat 11
• Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack 2
• Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack
• Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Expansion
• Moss Soundtrack
• Moss Theme
• Motorbike Racing Bundle
• Murdered: Soul Suspect
• MXGP 2019 – The Official Motocross Videogame
• Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy
• Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker – Deluxe Edition
• Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker – Season Pass
• Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker – Season Pass 2
• NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER Season Pass 3
• Necromunda: Underhive Wars – Cawdor Gang
• Necromunda: Underhive Wars – Van Saar Gang
• Necrosphere Deluxe
• Need for Speed Heat: Deluxe Edition
• New Holland
• Next Up Hero
• NHL 21 Deluxe Edition
• NHL 21 Great Eight Edition
• Ninjin: Clash of Carrots
• Niva
• Omega Quintet
• One Piece: World Seeker – Deluxe Edition
• OUTRIDERS PS4 & PS5
• Overcooked! + Overcooked! 2
• Override 2: Super Mech League
• Override 2: Super Mech League Ultraman Deluxe Edition
• Override: Mech City Brawl – Super Charged Mega Edition
• Overruled!
• PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
• Peddler Collection
• Persona 5 Royal – Digital Ultimate Edition
• Persona 5 Royal – Persona Bundle
• PERSONA 5 THE ROYAL
• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
• PixelJunk Monsters 2
• PixelJunk Monsters 2 – Danganronpa Pack
• PixelJunk Monsters 2 – Deluxe Edition
• PixelJunk Monsters 2 – Season Pass
• Planet Coaster: Premium Edition
• Premium Cosmetic Bundle
• Project CARS 2
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 PS4 & PS5
• Race With Ryan Road Trip Deluxe Edition
• Raging Justice
• Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne
• Rebel Cops
• Remothered: Broken Porcelain
• Resident Evil 3 – Raccoon City Edition
• ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH
• ROBOTICS;NOTES DOUBLE PACK
• ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
• Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break
• Ryu ga Gotoku 5
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered
• Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
• Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin – Digital Deluxe Edition
• Sakura Wars
• Season 1 cosmetic pack
• Shao Kahn
• Shenmue III
• Shenmue III – Complete DLC Collection
• Shenmue III – Story Quest Pack
• Skater XL
• Skully
• Skyforge: New Horizons – Collector’s Pack
• Skyforge: Starter Pack 2.0
• Skyforge: Starter Pack 3.0
• Sleeping Dogs – Definitive Edition
• SnowRunner – Clasico Pack
• Snowrunner – DLC 1
• Snowrunner – High Roller Pack
• Snowrunner – Loaded Dice Vinyl Wrap
• Snowrunner – Scorched Vinyl Wrap
• SnowRunner – Season 1: Search & Recover
• SnowRunner – Season 2: Explore & Expand
• SnowRunner – Season 3: Locate & Deliver
• Snowrunner – Season Pass
• Snowrunner – True Colours Vinyl Wrap
• SnowRunner – Western Star 49X
• Soulcalibur VI – Deluxe Edition
• Standard Cosmetic Bundle
• Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
• Steins;Gate Elite
• Steins;Gate: My Darling’s Embrace
• Stifled
• Street Fighter V
• STREET FIGHTER V – Capcom Pro Tour 2016 Pack
• STREET FIGHTER V – Capcom Pro Tour: 2017 Premier Pass
• STREET FIGHTER V – Capcom Pro Tour: 2018 Premier Pass
• STREET FIGHTER V – Capcom Pro Tour: 2019 Premier Pass
• Street Fighter V – Capcom Pro Tour: 2020 Premier Pass
• Street Fighter V – Champion Edition Upgrade Kit
• Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
• Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse
• SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris Deluxe Edition
• The Catch: Carp & Coarse – Jezioro Bestii
• The Crew 2
• The Crew 2 – Gold Edition
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
• The Dwarves
• The Jackbox Party Pack 6
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III: Digital Deluxe Edition
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV Digital Deluxe Edition
• The Midnight Sanctuary
• The Outer Worlds: Board-Approved Bundle
• The Sims 4
• The Surge – A Walk in the Park
• The Surge – CREO Special Employee Kit
• The Surge – The Good, the Bad and the Augmented
• The Surge 2 – Jericho’s Legacy Gear Pack
• The Surge 2 – Public Enemy Weapon Pack
• The Surge 2 – The Kraken Expansion
• The Surge 2 – URBN Gear Pack
• The Survivalists – Deluxe Edition
• The Witch and the Hundred Knight – Wicked Bundle
• The Yakuza Remastered Collection
• Thief – Including ‘The Bank Heist’ DLC Mission
• Tiny Metal
• Tokyo Dark: Remembrance
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands – Ultimate Edition
• Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
• Torn
• Tractor Pack DLC
• Trails of Cold Steel IV: Standard Costume Bundle
• Train Sim World – Amtrak SW1000R Loco Add-on
• Train Sim World – Caltrain MP15DC Diesel Switcher
• Train Sim World – Caltrain MP36PH-3C ‘Baby Bullet’
• Train Sim World – Hauptstrecke Rhein-Ruhr: Duisburg – Bochum
• Train Sim World – Main Spessart Bahn: Aschaffenburg – Gemünden
• Train Sim World – Northern Trans-Pennine
• Train Sim World – Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco – San Jose Route
• Train Sim World – Ruhr-Sieg Nord
• Train Sim World – Tees Valley Line: Darlington – Saltburn
• Train Sim World 2020 – Rhein-Ruhr Osten: Wuppertal – Hagen
• Train Sim World 2020: Collector’s Edition
• Train Sim World® 2: Arosalinie: Chur – Arosa
• Train Sim World® 2: Caltrain MP15DC Diesel Switcher
• Train Sim World® 2: Caltrain MP36PH-3C ‘Baby Bullet’
• Train Sim World® 2: Clinchfield Railroad: Elkhorn – Dante
• Train Sim World® 2: Collector’s Edition
• Train Sim World® 2: DB BR 101
• Train Sim World® 2: Deluxe Edition
• Train Sim World® 2: Great Western Express
• Train Sim World® 2: Haupststrecke München – Augsburg
• Train Sim World® 2: Hauptstrecke Hamburg – Lübeck
• Train Sim World® 2: Hauptstrecke Rhein-Ruhr
• Train Sim World® 2: Isle Of Wight: Ryde – Shanklin
• Train Sim World® 2: LGV Méditerranée: Marseille – Avignon
• Train Sim World® 2: Main Spessart Bahn: Aschaffenburg – Gemünden
• Train Sim World® 2: Northern Trans-Pennine
• Train Sim World® 2: Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco – San Jose
• Train Sim World® 2: Rhein-Ruhr Osten: Wuppertal – Hagen
• Train Sim World® 2: Ruhr-Sieg Nord
• Train Sim World® 2: Southeastern BR Class 465 EMU
• Train Sim World® 2: Southeastern High Speed: London St Pancras – Faversham
• Train Sim World® 2: Tees Valley Line: Darlington – Saltburn-By-The-Sea
• TRANSFORMERS: BATTLEGROUNDS
• Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia
• Two Point Hospital: Close Encounters
• Two Point Hospital: Exhibition Items Pack
• Two Point Hospital: JUMBO Edition
• Two Point Hospital: JUMBO Edition Upgrade
• Two Point Hospital: Off the Grid
• Two Point Hospital: Retro Items Pack
• Underground Cosmetic Pack
• Unravel
• Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen
• UTAWARERUMONO: PRELUDE TO THE FALLEN – DLC
• Valentino Rossi The Game
• Valkyria Chronicles Remastered + Valkyria Chronicles 4 Bundle
• Valtra T-Series – Cow Edition
• Wanderer Set DLC
• Warface – 10,000 + 1,000 Kredits
• Warface – 2,500 + 125 Kredits
• Warface – 5,000 + 375 Kredits
• Warface – Godfather Luxury Pack
• WarframeⓇ: Deimos Hive Supporter Pack
• WarframeⓇ: Deimos Neophyte Supporter Pack
• WarframeⓇ: Deimos Swarm Supporter Pack
• Warlocks vs Shadows
• WWE 2K20: Deluxe Edition
• XING: The Land Beyond
• Yakuza 3 Remastered
• Yakuza 4 Remastered
• Yooka-Laylee – Buddy Duo Bundle
• Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Attachments Bundle
• Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Digital Deluxe Edition
• Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Avatar Pack
• YU-NO: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World
• Zanki Zero: Last Beginning

[Source: PS Blog]

The post PlayStation Store Mid-Year Promotion Offers up to 60% Off on Crash Bandicoot 4, Outriders, and More appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Crash is back again, spinning his way onto Sony’s next-gen console and looking better than ever before. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PS5 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. This is by and large the same game that you played on PS4 (you did play it on PS4, right??). With that in mind, we’re not about to re-review the content of the game, which remains much the same as what our initial review had to say. It’s still that classic Crash goodness, packed to the brim with content and replayability, and at times brutally difficult and unrelenting. That said, the PS5 version does bring some pretty big changes that can impact how the game looks and feels.

First up is the requisite 4K resolution and 60 fps that really makes Crash look and feel right at home on the new console. It’s not a shockingly big difference—after all, Crash Bandicoot 4 already looked great on the PS4—and you probably won’t notice the difference outside of side-by-side A/B comparisons of the two versions, but Crash just looks great with the power of the new tech behind ever jump, slide, and spin.

On the PS5 specifically, Crash Bandicoot 4 supports unique features like the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, Activity Cards, and the console’s unique 3D audio capabilities. The DualSense features are average. They certainly aren’t the pinnacle implementation of the haptic feedback and adaptive trigger tech—Sony’s own first-party games are doing the heavy lifting there—but anything utilizing DualSense features are an improvement over the DualShock 4, so it’s a welcome change nonetheless.

Activity Cards really help with guiding players through what to play next. Given the sheer amount of levels and challenges at hand, it’s a small but welcome feature that creates a kind of helpful roadmap to completion. If, like me, you didn’t get your Platinum on the PS4 version, Activity Cards are a great way to help close that gap (although you’ll still need to demonstrate some top-end platforming skills to cinch the finish).

If we’re being honest, the real winning feature of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PS5 isn’t the visuals or unique PS5 enhancements. It’s the loading times. Those myriad challenges and levels require a lot of replaying and restarting levels. Whether its attempting to master the time trials for Relics, nabbing the gems for level completions in under three deaths, or finding the flawless run classic tapes, one of the best aspects of Crash Bandicoot 4 PS5 is the snappy loading, meaning you don’t spend a lot of time waiting around should you fail. The PS4 version could feel particularly defeating when failure meant a long load time to get going again, but the PS5 keeps you playing the game, and makes retrying difficult challenges much less of a chore.

The save 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 save. You’ll have to sync your PS4 save to the cloud from the Crash Bandicoot 4 PS4 version’s main menu, and then use the PS5 version to import your save. I had to download the PS4 version of the game onto my PS5, sync my save from the PS Plus cloud storage, upload it via the Crash 4 menu, then retrieve it with the PS5 version of the game. The hassle was mostly owing to issues I’ve had with the PS5 supporting external storage devices for PS4 games, however, not with how the game handles save transfers. Your experience will vary depending on how available your PS4 version and save file is to you. This will pop any Trophies you’ve already unlocked too, so no need to redo any difficult challenges you’ve 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’s certainly not universal with every game that’s getting next-gen enhancements.

At its heart, this is the same Crash Bandicoot 4 that we loved last year when it came to PS4. The improved loading times alone are enough to make the PS5 version stand out, and the enhanced visuals are an added treat, seeing Crash in native 4K at 60 fps. Additional PS5 features round out the package, but as I played, it was mostly just the improved loading that really stuck out to me as the defining feature of this next-gen port.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time PS5 review code provided by publisher. Reviewed on PS5. For more information on scoring, please read our Review Policy.

The post Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About (Faster Load) Time(s) PS5 Review appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Crash Bandicoot is coming to next-gen. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and even a Nintendo Switch version are coming on March 12th, 2021. He’s even spinning his way onto PC via Battle.net later in the year. The next-gen upgrade will let players see Crash in full 4K resolution at 60 fps. It will also feature faster load times—perfect for retrying those tough levels faster—as well as 3D audio for a more immersive experience. Better still, for owners of the game on PS4 and Xbox One, it’s a free upgrade to the next-gen version. Save transfers will allow players to carry their progress over too, as long as it’s within the same console family.

PS5 players get even more features, with Crash Bandicoot 4 PS5 using unique features like the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, allowing players to feel things like Cortex’s DNA blaster or Tawna’s grappling hook in ways they can’t on other consoles. The PS5’s Activity Cards will help guide players through their progress in the games various worlds and activities. With last-gen saves transferring over, this will be the perfect way to figure out where you last left off in your pursuit of the game’s rather difficult Platinum Trophy.

And if you already have the Platinum, we’ve confirmed with Activision and Toys for Bob that all of the Trophies will pop for the PS5 version of the game once you transfer your save.

Activision promises even more “furtastic festivities” for Crash’s 25th anniversary this year, celebrating his debut on the original PlayStation back in 1996. From the Activision Blizzard earnings call, we know that Crash Bandicoot: On the Run, the mobile runner game, will also launch in March.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on March 12, 2021. It will retail for $59.99 on PS5 and Series X (with free upgrades for owners of the last-gen versions) and $39.99 on the Switch. It will come to PC via Battle.net at an unspecified date later this year.

The post Crash Bandicoot 4 Coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X, Free Next-Gen Upgrade and Save Transfers appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Best Family Game is a returning category that celebrates games that provided wider accessibility to everyone in the family, whether you’re an adult, a child, or somewhere in between. Best Family Game isn’t neccessarily about a game being “easy,” but rather having a family-friendly veneer that everyone can enjoy together. From the magic wonder of Dreams and Sackboy, to the cartoonish silliness of Crash, this year’s nominations told incredible stories, challenged players, and brought people together. As a quick reminder, here are the PlayStation LifeStyle nominations for Best Family Game in 2020.

• Dreams
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat
• Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Best Family Game 2020 Winner

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Read our review.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure was one of the PS5’s most understated launch titles, but one that delighted us the most. Untethered from the creative aspects that could weigh down LittleBigPlanet, Sackboy is free to simply be a wonderful platformer. Featuring up to four player cooperative play, bright and intricate visuals, and one of the best gaming soundtracks we’ve ever heard, Sackboy is a treasure that anyone can enjoy.

Reader’s Choice Winner

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

You overwhelmingly agreed with us on this one and chose Sackboy: A Big Adventure as the Reader’s Choice winner too. As a cross-generation game on both PS4 and PS5, and both online play and saves that carry between the two, it’s not just a great game for the whole family, but one that’s highly accessible for anyone who didn’t manage to pick up the new system this year, even if it’s notably one of the best PS5 launch titles.

Don’t miss our full lineup of nominees for the PlayStation LifeStyle Game of the Year awards. We’re just getting started with the winners and we’ll be revealing more all throughout the week, leading up to the Game of the Year on Friday January 1.

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The Art of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time has just been released in book shops across the world and it seems to contain the first official teaser for a new Spyro game. Originally spotted by @SpyroUniverse and @CrashyNews on Twitter, one of the book’s images shows the dragon hiding in the background with what looks like “Spyro 4” written underneath.

The first official hint for "Spyro 4" is here! The #Crash4: It's About Time Art Book has a quote which confirms the hint.

"… and a little hint at Spyro." #Spyro4 #SpyroTheDragon
Pictures provided by @CrashyNews. pic.twitter.com/1vLYh9uKzk

— Spyro Universe ? (@SpyroUniverse) December 7, 2020

The image is concept art for Frank’s Plump Wieners Kioskbot in The SN@XX Dimension. Nestled amongst the skyscrapers below the flow of traffic is a hologram of Spyro. Toys for Bob’s artist Brun Croes confirms the teaser. His full quote is:

In the far background is Dingo’s Diner, and Crash is trying to get there. This is a takeout where cars drive through, and Crash is jumoing between the cars that are having their orders taken. It was fun to combine Dingo’s Diner with the futuristic element, to have those cars flying with the city down below… and a little hint at Spyro.

New instalments of the main Spyro franchise were recently put on hold to make room for the Skylanders series. The toys-to-life franchise came to an end on consoles in 2016. Even the Netflix program Skylanders Academy was cancelled last year after three seasons. With Spyro currently relegated to making appearances in mobile games, it could be Activision is looking to revive the franchise in the same way they’ve breathed life into the Crash Bandicoot games.

The first three Crash games were remastered as part of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, with Crash Team Racing Nitro Refueled following two years later. These paved the way for the brand new game that was released a couple of months ago. Hopefully Spyro is on the same path. The first Spyro games were remastered in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, of course. Will we see a new game first or will we see more Spyro remasters, a possibility suggested by Activision’s Publishing President Rob Kostich. Hopefully it’s the former, but only time will tell.

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It’s important to remember that Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is the first piece of original platforming Crash Bandicoot content since 2008 (barring the all-new single level Vicarious Visions made for the N. Sane Trilogy). Of course there have been some fantastic victories reigniting the past with Nitro Fueled and the N. Sane Trilogy, but It’s About Time has to show that the old formula works whilst simultaneously trying to add enough to keep things fresh. This old bandicoot has a lot to prove. 

Crash Bandicoot 4 takes place directly after Crash’s victory against Cortex in Warped, meaning that everything from Wrath of Cortex onwards isn’t canon in this timeline. This small detail should show you how seriously Activision considers this as a true classic Crash Bandicoot sequel. Dr. Neo Cortex and N.Tropy have teamed up yet again to use quantum masks to rewrite history and cross dimensions in order to finally beat the bandicoot. Along the way Crash and Coco use the powers of these masks and join forces with an alternate-universe Tawna and a retired Dingodile in order to even the odds.

Although there isn’t really a plot per se, the levels are moved along by some pretty funny and well animated cutscenes that show off a bunch of character and charm. Don’t go expecting any big narrative twists, deep character stories, or canon changes, but there are a lot of cool moments for fans of the series and it’s certainly enough to catapult things from level to level. One of my particular favorites was Cortex mentioning how he should have stuck with the wombat, which was a nice little reference to Crash’s origins. 

One of the most immediately striking things with Crash 4 is its art style. Although it’s a bit of a departure from the semi-realistic style of the N. Sane Trilogy—leaning more towards what Toys For Bob did with Spyro Reignited—it’s unarguably the best the series has ever looked. It’s somewhere between Looney Tunes and the early Crash games, letting Toys For Bob respect the franchise’s history while adding their own unique flavor. All of the characters exude much more personality than they ever have before, with some really amazing stretch and bounce animations. The same amount of detail is applied to the levels as well, and It’s About Time is consistently beautiful. There are some really stand-out environments at hand here, such as an underwater alien world and a post-apocalyptic junkyard. In my opinion the music never really reaches the heights of the original games iconic accompaniments, but there are still some pleasant enough tracks here and it’s all very easy on the ears. 

Crash Bandicoot 4 It’s About Time Review – Tough as Ever

Fantastic presentation values aside, the most important thing Crash 4 needed to be is a fun platformer that shows that the old formula still works. Mission accomplished then, because It’s About Time is wonderfully fun and surprisingly deep.

On the surface most of what you’d expect to see is here. Crash runs and jumps through wacky stages smashing crates and bouncing off of enemies. All of this is just as fun as it was back on the PS1 (and subsequently, in the N. Sane Trilogy) thankfully, but there’s actually been quite a few changes to the formula to keep things fresh. For starters, Crash’s moveset has seen a bit of an overhaul. You can now double-jump from the start, but some moves have been removed like sprinting and the death tornado. Crash definitely feels a little different than he did in the other games, both feeling tighter to move and a bit heavier to jump with. The changes are pretty much all welcome, but sliding and slide-jumping feel like they’ve been done dirty. Sliding feels like it never travels far enough and slide jumping doesn’t feel like it gives you enough height or distance. Considering this was one of the most satisfying moves in the original trilogy, it’s a bit of a shame it feels almost useless here. Saying that, slide-spinning is absolutely awesome and easily the best little trick in Crash’s default moveset. 

Crash has also been given some new moves that more than make up for the nerfed slide. You can now swing off ropes, grind on vines and run across walls. All three of these are fantastic additions that make things feel a bit more modern, although I actually wish they were used a little bit more throughout the game. Wall-running in particular feels really good, and it’s a shame it only really shows up in a few of the levels. These additions feel like natural extensions to Crash and are excellent at mixing things up. 

The introduction of the quantum masks is arguably the biggest change-up made here. Surprisingly all four of them are a lot of fun and don’t feel too gimmicky or overbearing. They appear just enough to make things interesting, but not too much so that it feels like Wrath of Cortex all over again. I especially enjoyed Kapuna-Wa who lets you slow down time, which makes for some really interesting moments where you’re running on slowed objects as they fall away. Much like the new movement options, I’d argue that they could have actually been used even more.  

It’s About Time also features some other playable characters, although that feature is a bit more mixed than the other additions. Tawna is a lot of fun and feels like a more competent bandicoot that can do everything Crash can and more, but Dingodile and Cortex feel like pace-stoppers. Dingodile is fun enough but his levels drag on, whereas Cortex’s missions felt achingly slow and too easy to die on. Neither of them are bad per-say but they don’t hold a candle to the other characters with just how different their move sets are overall. If you don’t enjoy them though, most of their levels are held off as optional which is a great choice. 

With all of these new features and changes, it’s a wonder that It’s About Time feels so much like classic Crash. It’s got everything you loved about the originals, but just mixed up enough to feel like a modern continuation of the series. The quality of the platforming here is awesome too—there are moments of platforming perfection here and some devilish sections that really test you and make it clear that Crash is back and here to stay. 

Crash Bandicoot 4 It’s About Time Review – Tip of the Iceberg

One of the best things I can say with It’s About Time is that it is absolutely stuffed with content. For fans like me who have been waiting a long time for a proper sequel, you’ll have loads to get through. There are a ton of levels across a whole range of hub-worlds and none of them are quick affairs either. Each level will take you some time and once you’ve completed it you’ve also got the relic and gems to go for, alongside some secret gems that are much harder to find. Up to six gems can be earned by doing various different tasks like collecting enough Wumpa Fruit and not dying many times within a single run. These gems are used to unlock unique skins that are totally worth the effort and look awesome. Alternate skins are all unlockable in game, no microtransactions in sight.

Not only that but each stage also has an N. Verted variant that changes the graphics and adds some little gameplay tweaks here and there. These levels are just different enough to be worth replaying and they all come with their own gems too. There’s even a multiplayer mode and a retro mode that makes things more difficult, and honestly, the amount of time and effort that has been put into this game is incredible. When you combine all of this together, you’ve got a lot of content on offer here. Getting through the main story will take you about 8-10 hours but actually managing to get all of the gems and relics is easily going to triple that playtime thanks to how difficult each level is. 

There was a lot of laughter on the internet when the N. Sane Trilogy was compared to Dark Souls for its difficulty but after playing through It’s About Time I honestly don’t know if some people will be able to get through it. Although the first Crash Bandicoot could be  difficult in certain stages, It’s About Time is genuinely challenging throughout its whole playtime, with even more difficulty to be found in bonus levels and time trials. For the Crash die-hards it’s very cool to see this level of challenge front and center, but there were moments when I wondered if it was leaning a bit too hard into challenging the player, even at its most basic level.

There are times when the difficulty spike seems more like a mountain and it can actually sometimes feel a little cruel. This isn’t helped by the fact that some levels have pretty sparse checkpointing to the point where it can feel like a marathon to make it to a safe point. Combine this with the fact that each level can be pretty lengthy and there were a few times when I felt a little too challenged playing It’s About Time. I consider myself to be a pretty competent platformer fan and on my first run of some levels my death counter was going above 20. Thankfully the game includes a modern mode that doesn’t have limited lives (instead counting those deaths, but letting you retry infinitely), otherwise I think the challenge would be a bit too much. It’s also made pretty clear that this was the developer’s intention, in which case I’d say they’ve done a wonderful job. Just don’t expect Crash 4 to go easy on you. 

As a Crash Bandicoot fan, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is everything I’ve dreamed of since the original trilogy ended all those years ago. It’s a jam-packed, brutal platformer that expands on what makes Crash great with some really cool twists and turns. The challenge may get a little too much sometimes, but it is more than worth fighting through and proof that Crash Bandicoot is king of the platformers.

Crash Bandicoot 4 It’s About Time review code provided by publisher. Reviewed on PS4. For more information on scoring, please read our Review Policy.

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With a few days to go before launch, the complete trophy list for Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is live online. There are 52 trophies in total, including one Platinum, two Gold, nine Silver, and 40 Bronze. Much of the list doesn’t seem too bad, but there are a few trophies that could make the Platinum quite challenging to earn. For instance, players will need to 100% the game to “Watch the 100% bonus ending.” In addition, there’s a trophy for watching a similar “bonus ending” attached to completing the title on 106%. Suffice it to say, fans will have plenty to sink their teeth into.

Crash Bandicoot 4’s full trophy list is as follows, courtesy of Exophase.com:

• Master Marsupial: Get EVERY Trophy — Platinum
• Beat ‘Em Any Which Way: Beat any boss in N. Verted mode — Bronze
• Backwards & Forwards: Complete ALL levels in N. Verted mode — Silver
• IT’S MESSING WITH MY HEAD, MAN!!!: Beat a level in N. Verted mode — Bronze
• Taking the Side Road: Complete a Bonus Path — Bronze
• The Whole Picture: Complete all Timelines — Silver
• Putting Things in Perspective: Complete any Timeline — Bronze
• Fleet of Feet: Play a game of Checkpoint Race — Bronze
• Settle the Score: Play a game of Crate Combo — Bronze
• What Has Been, Will Be Again: Defeat Dr. Neo Cortex… again — Gold
• The Fourth Time: Defeat Dr. Neo Cortex — Bronze
• Master Mixologist: Defeat N. Brio — Bronze
• Beaten With His Own Drum: Defeat N. Gin and his Weapon of Mass Percussion — Bronze
• Twinsanity: Defeat the Doctors N. Tropy — Silver
• Overachiever: Watch the 100% bonus ending — Silver
• OVER-Overachiever: Watch the 106% bonus ending — Gold
• Sapphire-er Acquirer: Find the Hidden Blue Gem — Bronze
• Like a Rhinestone Bandicoot: Earn half of the Clear Gems — Bronze
• King of Bling: Earn ALL of the Clear Gems — Silver
• gnilB fo gniK: Earn ALL N. Verted Gems — Silver
• Emerald Gemerald: Find the hidden Green Gem — Bronze
• Ruby Red: Find the hidden Red Gem — Bronze
• Topaz Pizazz: Find the hidden Yellow Gem — Bronze
• Altitude Sickness: Crouch or slide into a double jump — Bronze
• Silent Protagonist: Meet ‘Akano — Bronze
• Ups & Downs: Meet Ika-Ika — Bronze
• Reality-Shattering Proportions: Meet Lani-Loi — Bronze
• I Can See Through Time: Meet Kupuna-Wa — Bronze
• No It’s MY TURN: Complete a level with Pass N. Play enabled — Bronze
• Ladies First: Complete a level as Coco — Bronze
• Sudden But Inevitable: Betrayed! By your worst enemy — Bronze
• Model Test Subject: Earn any Flashback Relic — Bronze
• Closing the Experiment Log: Earn ALL of the platinum Flashback Relics — Silver
• Perfectionist: Earn ALL N. Sanely Perfect Relics — Silver
• So-Called Perfectionist: Earn any N. Sanely Perfect Relic — Bronze
• Faster Than a Tortoise: Earn any Time Trial Relic — Bronze
• Faster Than Sound: Earn ALL of the platinum Time Trail Relics — Silver
• All Gussied Up: Try on a Skin — Bronze
• Whoa!: Pull off a Triple Spin — Bronze
• Showoff: Defeat an enemy Triple Spin — Bronze
• N. Vincible: Beat a story level without dying — Bronze
• A/V Club Founder: Acquire a Flashback Tape — Bronze
• Tree Droppings: Find the Source of Bumpa Berries — Bronze
• Here Kitty Kitty: Scare the cat hiding from a party — Bronze
• Give ‘Em a Broadside!: Aim and fire! — Bronze
• Bad Signs: Do some target practice — Bronze
• Junkyard Jams: Make music in an unlikely place — Bronze
• WOAH YEAH!: Grabbed a bushel of Bumpa — Bronze
• Silence the Scientist: Shut N. Brio up — Bronze
• Megaphoning It In: Shut N. Gin up — Bronze
• Hammer it Home: Make some noise! — Bronze
• Channel Surfer: Spend some time surfin’ the waves — Bronze

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time speeds onto the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in on October 2nd. Those who preordered a digital copy can play the game’s demo now.

[Source: Exophase]

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An IGN Spain article has revealed that Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time will offer local competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes for 2-4 players.

It looks like the article was published prematurely because IGN later took it down. However, ResetEra user Lant_War had already saved a copy of the article by then, and there’s a Google Cache version available as well.

According to a translation provided by Lant_War, the competitive multiplayer mode is called Bandicoot Battle, and it will include Checkpoint Race and Crate Combo. A description is as follows:

• Checkpoint Race – Players will compete for the fastest time in a level, but it’s not just about getting to the finish line at the end of the level first. Checkpoint Race is a series of races towards each control box on a level. Whoever gains the most checkpoints in a level is the ultimate winner. As you run, you will see a ghost of your previous competitors making their way through the level to give you a better idea of how you are doing right now. And by staying true to the time trials of previous Crash, the boxes that freeze the watch for several seconds, which are labeled on the box, can be broken to help you get a head start.
• Crate Combo – You want to score as many points by breaking as many boxes as possible, because with each one you break, the point value of each box increases, up to 32 points per box. And while it’s a bit surreal to see such a high number on a Crash box, you’ll have to keep up your combo by breaking them as fast as you can before the meter runs out and resets points. Your race ends when you hit a checkpoint or meet an early death.

The cooperative mode is called Pass N. Play. This mode allows up to four players to switch control from one to the other, and progress through the game’s campaign in either its standard form or in the N.Verted form, which adds unique twists to each level.

Neither of the aforementioned modes will come with online leaderboards at launch, and stats will be cleared after each session. Players will be able to play as Crash, Coco, Fake Crash, and Fake Coco.

[Source: ResetEra]

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