Crash Bandicoot 4: Fourth Quantum Mask Gameplay revealed

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time introduces four Quantum Masks in Crash and Coco’s latest adventure. While developer Toys for Bob and Activision have previously detailed three of the masks, we now have a better look at what the fourth, 'Akano, does, and its power ties into one of Crash’s oldest skills — spinning a lot. Joining the other Quantum Masks (Lani-Loli, Kupuna-Wa, and Ika Ika if you haven’t been keeping track) is ‘Akano, the mask of dark matter. First revealed and explained by Game Informer, ‘Akano imbues Crash or Coco with a particularly powerful cyclone spin move. More powerful than their normal spins and seemingly even the death tornado spin in Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, ‘Akano’s spin can be seen above in the new gameplay for Crash 4. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crash-bandicoot-4-akano-screenshots&captions=true"] Imbuing Crash and Coco with a purple-colored aura and armor, players can use the lengthened spin to traverse long gaps or hover across bodies of water to avoid damage, even double jumping while mid-spin. ‘Akano’s power is NOT invincible, though. So while you will likely have to use this move to reach some pretty out-there crates, spinning into a TNT or Nitro crate will still cut your run short. Thankfully, the power can be used for combat purposes, as we see one example in the new gameplay of Crash bouncing an enemy projectile back at the foe. And, wonderfully, it doesn’t spin away Wumpa fruit. And according to Game Informer, the spin from ‘Akano can run indefinitely, but can also be cut short if needed. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-demo-17-minutes-of-gameplay"] This power joins the other masks and the new abilities they offer Crash and Coco, including Lani-Loli’s ability to shift the player between phases or different versions of the same level; Kupuna-Wa’s power to slow down time; and Ika Ika’s gravity-defying skills. The four masks aren't the only new addition to the sequel — Crash 4 features flashback levels that offer punishing trials for players, N. Verted mode is Crash 4's unique take on mirror mode that changes up every level; and new playable characters like Neo Cortex, Dingodile, and Tawna join the lineup. Crash Bandicoot 4 is set for an October 2 launch on PS4 and Xbox One. For more ahead of its launch, check out our hands-on preview of Crash Bandicoot 4, read about why Crash 4 won't feature microtransactions, and stay tuned to IGN for more ahead of launch. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor and host of Podcast Beyond! Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.