Hands-on with “Future Tense,” a brand new level for Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Over the weekend, Vicarious Visions’ Jen Oneal and Kyle Martin let us take a look at Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy on Xbox One X in 4K and Nintendo Switch. Along with a demo of the game, we were given unexpected news of some additional content for the third game in the trilogy, Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Vicarious Visions has created “Future Tense,” a new level from the ground up to be added to the game for all players free of charge.

Unlike Crash Bandicoot’s Stormy Ascent, which was a cut level from the original game, Future Tense is a completely new level with new elements added into the game. This is the first new level added to the trilogy that was not present in some way prior. After downloading it, this level will be accessible from the beginning of the game via a new rising platform in the center of the level select area.

The aesthetic is similar to the other futuristic levels, but it is lit up more brightly. Lasers are also placed in ways not done in levels like Future Frenzy and Gone Tomorrow. According to O’neal and Martin, the level is designed with time trials in mind and that performing well enough could make one feel like “Neo from the Matrix.”

One of the new elements not present in any other levels in the game is the addition of a Crash Bandicoot 1 “waterfall wheel” inspired platform. After introducing this hazard to me, they immediately up the ante by throwing in a new wheel with a laser at the peak. Needless to say, I lost many lives to this dreaded death device.

While this level is available from the beginning of the game, not every secret can be accessed until most of the powerups have been obtained. According to Vicarious Visions, this level will have two gems, the gem for destroying the boxes and the path unlocked for reaching the platform without dying after a checkpoint.

In addition to announcing Future Tense, Vicarious Visions revealed that Stormy Ascent, formerly paid DLC for the first title in the trilogy, will be free for everyone starting on June 15th. The PlayStation 4 retail version of the game will be repackaged with both Future Tense and Stormy Ascent included.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy will be released on Xbox One, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch with the new “Future Tense” level for Crash Bandicoot: Warped on June 29th, 2018. PlayStation 4 owners of the N. Sane Trilogy can download Future Tense on the same day. Stay tuned to Gaming Trend for more news on everything E3 including Activision titles Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII, Destiny 2: Forsaken, and Spyro Reignited Trilogy.