Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time demo is now live if you preorder, releases October 2

Crash Bandicoot 4 Image
Crash Bandicoot 4 Image (Image credit: Activision)

What you need to know

  • Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time marks the return of a gaming legend, Crash Bandicoot.
  • The platforming comes back in a big way, with old gameplay mixed with fresh mechanics and beautiful visuals.
  • Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time launches October 2 for Xbox and Playstation consoles.
  • If you preorder the game, you can play the demo right now, which includes three levels.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is almost upon us, but fans who have or are going to preorder can experience the return of a favorite platforming franchise a few weeks early with a playable demo that's now available, according to Xbox Wire. The game, which is coming to Xbox (including Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S) and Playstation on October 2 gives all players who preordered unfettered access to the demo, and there's a new trailer to boot.

The demo includes three different levels from the middle of the game that showcase various mechanics and gameplay features of the new Crash Bandicoot trial, two of which are from the focus of Crash himself. The third level is apparently about a "nefarious enemy," rather than the second playable character Coco. The three playable levels include:

  • Dino Dash. A more "traditional" level, this level involves Crash being chased down by a hungry T-Rex, and has to use a new phase shifting ability to navigate the tricky level. There's also apparently a secret on this level for further challenge, if players wish to look.
  • Snow Way Out. This level is from the perspective of Crash, and involves using the Time Mask to slow down ice blocks and platforms in order to progress. This level introduces the mechanic and hints at further use later on in the game.
  • Snow Way Out (Cortext Timeline). Finally, you get to play the Snow Way Out level again, but this time from the perspective of baddie Dr. Neo Cortex, who uses their abilities to turn enemies into usable platforms or cubes, and also has a nifty dash. Complete this level and unlock additional challegenges for Crash.

Players who preorder will also nab some exclusive "Totally Tubular Skins" for Crash and Coco, which is another neat perk for reserving this game a few weeks earlier than launch. Are you planning on grabbing this game, and will you preorder it for the demo access? Let us know in the comments below!

Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.