A set of images from the already leaked Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time have also found their way online, revealing new gameplay details and an imminent 2020 release date. Thanks to the massive success of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, a totally new entry in the series seemed like an inevitability, though franchise fans are divided as to whether a new Crash game should build upon the foundation of the classic PlayStation 1 games or explore a more modern approach in proper 3D space.

Thanks to a jigsaw puzzle sent to various media outlets, the announcement of a brand new Crash Bandicoot game was understood to be imminent. While that announcement still hasn't happened, an international ratings board accidentally revealed the existence of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. Now, a newer leak has revealed even more information about the orange Bandicoot's first new adventure in over a decade.

As reported by Gematsu, a leaked series of images emerged on 4chan, supposedly showing images from what's presumably the upcoming announcement trailer for Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. The images are low in resolution and detail, but they nonetheless look quite legitimate and clearly articulate some exciting new details fans can expect from the long-awaited sequel, including an October 9, 2020 release date. The screenshots feature new designs for its three main characters. By the looks of things, Crash, sister Coco, and nemesis Dr. Neo Cortex will all be playable in this adventure, which looks to feature linear levels like the series' most classic entries. Check out a handful of the images below:


The trio are instantly recognizable, but their look has been shifted somewhat. In fact, the art style for Crash 4 is reminiscent of Toys for Bob's most recent title, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and they're rumored to head up this new title. The images also show Crash decked out in a unique suit that appears to be based on one of the new Quantum Mask characters that will be introduced in the sequel. It's unclear what distinguishes this mask from the Aku Aku power-up of the classic games, other than its more armored appearance.

The leaked screenshots also indicate pre-order bonuses. Customers who buy the digital version of the game early will evidently receive a "Totally Tubular" skin pack. Fans of Crash Bandicoot have been waiting a long time for a new game in the series. The last mainline original Crash game was 2008's Crash: Mind Over Mutant, which isn't particularly well-remembered. To many, the last "true" Crash Bandicoot adventure was 1998's Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. Toys for Bob has big shoes to fill, following up on Naughty Dog's original trilogy with a title choice as bold as Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. If this leak is accurate, audiences will only have to wait until October 9, 2020 to discover if Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time can live up to Naughty Dog's enduring legacy.