Gaming

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time review: Worth the 22-year wait

This should have been the proper sequel to the trilogy

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When Crash Bandicoot resurfaced in 2017, I felt utter joy and nostalgia at the same time. Even though Crash Bandicoot: Warped was the first Crash game I ever played, the franchise became a great part of my childhood. With the release of the N. Sane Trilogy, it now gave new players an opportunity to experience some hardcore platforming that most late 90s kids remember.

Earlier this year, they announced the arrival of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Activision, Vicarious Visions, Toys For Bob, and Beenox all came together to work on the trilogy’s “proper” platforming sequel. When I heard about this, I dropped everything and waited for as long as possible to get my hands on the game.

After finally playing, it’s honestly the Crash platforming sequel I had always wanted. There’s a big reason for that.

The original “Crash Bandicoot 4” just didn’t hold up well

See, before It’s About Time, there was actually another Crash Bandicoot dubbed as the fourth title: The Wrath of Cortex. It was released on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube back in 2001-2002, almost 3-4 years after the original trilogy. For this game, the story centered around the presence of Crunch Bandicoot, another bandicoot creation of the game’s main antagonist, Dr. Neo Cortex.

Crash in The Wrath of Cortex for the PlayStation 2

The game itself received relatively average reviews, with most people simply feeling like it was a downgrade from the original. I tried playing the game again recently, and by 2020 standards, it feels unpolished. Gameplay as a whole was fairly janky, the story just doesn’t seem to add up, and it’s just a carbon copy of Warped but more slippery.

Level design for Tornado Alley in The Wrath of Cortex

So when Activision and Vicarious Visions announced that another Crash Bandicoot 4 was coming out, I had hoped that it wouldn’t end up like Wrath of Cortex. And boy, was I ever relieved that it didn’t.

Taking the premise of Wrath of Cortex, but making it better

It’s About Time takes place directly after the events of Warped — specifically the secret ending of the game after getting all the collectibles. Essentially, Cortex and his crime partner, Dr. Nefarious Tropy decide to simply open time rifts across the continuum. Aku Aku, the all-powerful mask that protects Crash, senses the impending danger and alerts Crash about it.

The whole game takes you through different time periods, even going as far as more recent events in the Crash universe. You are tasked to awaken different Quantum Masks that will help you in your quest to stop Cortex and N. Tropy. I honestly thought that they did the masks thing better than Wrath of Cortex in this regard.

As you progress through each level, you face a ton of challenging platform segments and waves of enemies and death-inducing obstacles. Within every other time period, you have boss levels with major recurring characters from all other past Crash games. In essence, it tries to incorporate the classic Crash formula, but enhances the experience. 

Plus, you get to go on adventures as either Crash or Coco. In some cases, you even get to play as Tawna Bandicoot, Dingodile, and Cortex himself! 

Gameplay that’s as smooth and difficult as the N. Sane Trilogy

One of the main things I was looking for in It’s About Time was consistency. I wanted this new Crash game to remain consistent with the remastered trilogy in terms of gameplay, character movement, and relative learning curve. See, the original trilogy was not an easy set of games to get around, especially if it’s your first time playing.

For long time Crash fans like myself, I felt that this game was more pain-staking yet just as smooth to control as the trilogy. Crash keeps some of his skills that he earns from Warped like the Super Body Slam and Double Jump, which I thought were the two logical ones to keep. However, you’re going to need more than just those abilities since the game throws so many obstacles later on.

It’s a painful grind to finishing the game at 100% completion this time around. Instead of collection crystals, you collect gems from accomplishing certain tasks within each level. From breaking every box to not having more than three deaths, these would require several perfect playthroughs. Honestly, that’s just insanely difficult to accomplish, and I’m all for it!

The most vibrant and creative game design in any Crash game

The moment you start your adventure to N. Sanity Peak, you’re already greeted to the gorgeous and colorful level design. I felt that Toys For Bob took a page out of their work on the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy with all the colors for each level. As you progress through the game, you’ll have brief moments to just take all of that in.

In terms of overall level design, it is a big step up from the N. Sane Trilogy in my opinion. For the most part, it gives you a different variety of level styles you haven’t seen in the original trilogy. From vine-swinging to rail-riding, the developers went all out to give you a different Crash game all together.

Furthermore, they even managed to sneak in similar obstacle patterns from the previous games. Something silly like timing challenges or platforming segments are just a few examples of these. I felt that these were put in here to cater to the long-time or hardcore Crash platformer fans.

Great deal of fan service and easter eggs

Apart from the sneaky insertion of familiar segments from older games, they also added a ton of small details referencing other games, as well. I mean, I wouldn’t call the giant Spyro float or the Spyro inflatable by the beach small details. However, the developers really threw in a ton of easter eggs.

Because I took my sweet time trying to get through every level, I noticed most of these the moment they came up. Most levels are sprawling with references to the purple dragon, or characters from older Crash games like Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure. They even went all out to promote Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled in one time area.

Even if you’ve never played any Crash game before, you’d dart your eyes at them. I think Toys For Bob and Beenox made it a point to spoil you with all of these references. 

How things should have been

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time served its true purpose as the official fourth chapter of the Crash universe. It takes the core Crash formula and throws it into a brand new world, with a plot that makes sense in the grand scheme of things. I’d like to think that this whole game is just much more enhanced than the original trilogy all in all.

From the fantastic visuals to the difficult gameplay style, It’s About Time goes for an authentic yet novel approach. It will make you feel a great deal of awe while you constantly try to die less than 20 times every stage. It sticks to the brutal platforming mechanic it’s known for, while improving the experience.

I can honestly say that the absurdly long 22-year wait for a sequel to the trilogy was worth it. If you want to experience rage and fulfillment all in one game,  I highly suggest you pick this up.

Gaming

The quirky Legion Go Fold stole the show at MWC 2026

Is this the ultimate travel gadget?

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An all-in-one device is a pipe dream for many. Imagine a device that can turn into a tablet, a laptop, a phone, and a console with the flip of a switch. As showcased during MWC 2026, Lenovo wants you to stop imagining. A new concept called the Legion Go Fold is an all-around device you can take with you on travels.

On account of the lineup it’s associated with, the Legion Go Fold is, first and foremost, a handheld gaming console. Normally, it’s a sizable 7.7-inch screen you can attach the Legion Go’s recognizable controllers to.

However, as the “Fold” in its name is hinting, the screen can be unfolded into a much larger screen. At its quirkiest, the concept looks like a vertical tablet with controllers attached to either side. Lenovo says that this is best used in split-screen mode where you can split the display between a game and other media such as a walkthrough video.

Alternatively, you can just rotate the screen horizontally and attach the controllers to play with the maxed out 11.6-inch display.

Finally, the Legion Go Fold can be used as a laptop via the detached screen and an included wireless keyboard. Like the other devices in the Legion Go lineup, the right controller can be used as a makeshift mouse.

Because it’s a concept, the Legion Go Fold isn’t close to being released yet. However, it’s a good evolution of what the Legion Go can already do. As we said in previous reviews, the lineup can technically be a work laptop in a pinch. This just makes it easier.

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Automotive

Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026

Tech giant becomes first technology brand in Vision GT program

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Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo

Xiaomi has unveiled the full-scale concept model of the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo or Xiaomi Vision GT at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This marks the company’s official entry into the elite Vision Gran Turismo project.

Created for the legendary Gran Turismo franchise, the electric hypercar concept represents the first time a technology company has been invited to participate in the Vision GT program. Xiaomi now joins a select group of global automakers, becoming the 36th brand to take part and the creator of the 51st Vision Gran Turismo concept overall.

The project began at the GT World Series in London, where series producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally invited Xiaomi to design its own Vision GT car. For Xiaomi’s global EV design team, the opportunity meant rethinking hypercar development from a technology-first perspective, blending advanced aerodynamics with AI-driven intelligence.

Sculpted by the wind

At the core of Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo is aerodynamic balance. Instead of chasing extreme low drag or maximum downforce alone, Xiaomi pursued efficiency between the two.

The concept follows a “Sculpted by the Wind” philosophy. Its teardrop cockpit silhouette, integrated air ducts, and airfoil-shaped structural elements guide airflow seamlessly from front to rear. The body avoids excessive add-ons, relying instead on built-in aerodynamic solutions.

Signature design elements serve dual purposes. Cross-shaped headlights integrate into the airflow system, while the halo-shaped taillight sits within a massive rear air outlet. An Active Wake Control System surrounds the rear with micro-perforations that manage turbulent air using real-time speed and angle data.

The Accretion Rims feature vortex-style wheel covers that remain visually stationary while the car is in motion, reducing drag from rotating surfaces. Internal turbine fins help cool the brakes during operation.

Through iterative simulation testing, Xiaomi says the concept achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce of negative 1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency rating of 4.1 — figures that highlight balance rather than extremes.

A “sofa racer” interior

Inside, Xiaomi departs from the rigid, track-focused cabins typical of hypercars. The “Sofa Racer” concept emphasizes comfort without sacrificing control.

A ring-shaped cockpit architecture wraps around the driver, blending dashboard, doors, and seats into one continuous structure. Breathable 3D-knitted fabric materials aim to provide both support and warmth.

At the center is Xiaomi Pulse, an intelligent assistant integrated into the dashboard. Working alongside Xiaomi HyperVision and the company’s HyperOS platform, the system adapts displays and interactions based on driving mode and environmental data. Physical controls remain tactile and precise, including an infinite-shaped steer-by-wire wheel.

The concept also integrates into Xiaomi’s broader “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem. Powered by XiaoAi AI Assistant and the Xiaomi MiMo foundational model, the car connects with personal devices and smart home products, positioning itself as part of a unified digital lifestyle.

Xiaomi has also envisioned a companion driving simulator designed as furniture for the home, extending the Vision Gran Turismo experience beyond the vehicle itself.

Yamauchi praised the project, noting how the design successfully resolves the tension between low drag and high downforce. Further details about the car’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 will be announced at a later date.

With its Vision Gran Turismo debut, Xiaomi signals a broader ambition: redefining the electric hypercar through AI integration, ecosystem connectivity, and aerodynamic precision.

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Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem is out now

30 years later

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Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem is now available worldwide, marking the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s long-running survival horror franchise.

The game launches today on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GeForce NOW. Set 30 years after the Raccoon City Incident, the story returns players to the ruins of a city that defined the series’ legacy.

This time, players follow two protagonists: newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst investigating a string of mysterious deaths tied to her mother’s murder, and returning fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy. As their paths converge at the center of a new outbreak, both must confront the lingering trauma of Raccoon City and uncover the truth behind the incident that changed the world.

First-person or third-person

For the first time in the series, players can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, blending immersive horror with more dynamic action. Multiple difficulty settings are available, including a Casual mode with aim assist and a Standard (Classic) mode that reintroduces the Ink Ribbon save system while playing as Grace.

Editions available

Resident Evil Requiem is available in Standard and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe edition includes five costumes, four weapon skins, two screen filters, two charms, and additional bonus content. A Premium Steelbook Edition bundles the Deluxe content with a limited-edition lenticular card, available while supplies last.

Capcom is also celebrating the launch with a slate of collaborations and collectibles. These include a themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the franchise’s first-ever amiibo figures of Grace and Leon arriving July 30, 2026, limited-edition watches designed with Hamilton, a one-of-a-kind Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT created as Leon’s in-game vehicle, and 1/6 scale collectible figures launching this fall.

Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy

To mark the series’ 30th anniversary, the Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy orchestral concert series will tour Japan, North America, and Europe later this year. Meanwhile, Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition also arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 today, alongside a Generation Pack bundle exclusive to the platform.

With a return to Raccoon City and a new chapter in survival horror underway, Resident Evil Requiem ushers in what Capcom calls a new era for the iconic franchise.

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