Observe Enemies to Learn How To Defeat Them
There are many different kinds of enemies in Crash 4, but not all of them can just be run up to and Spun away. Keep an eye on how these enemies attack. If they slash swords in front of them them, you can't attack them head-on, and should instead bounce on their heads or attack them from behind. Conversely, if they have a hat with flamethrowers on them, bouncing on them will be lethal!
You Get Assistance When Dying a Lot
Don’t fret if you die frequently in Crash 4, because the game will offer assistance if you do so. Dying 5 times at a single Checkpoint will give you an Aku Aku mask, dying 10 times will give you a Golden Aku Aku, and dying 15 times will change a box up ahead into a Checkpoint Box. Note however that this assumes you're dying in the same general section of the level; if you make it past and die much later on, you may not get an Aku Aku on your return.