Crash Bandicoot#Animation

{{see also|List of Crash Bandicoot video games|List of Crash Bandicoot mobile games}}

{{Video game timeline

| range1 = 1996 -

|range1_color = #ffa500 #cc8400

| 1996 = Crash Bandicoot

| 1997 = Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

| 1998 = Crash Bandicoot: Warped

| 1999 = Crash Team Racing

| 2000 = Crash Bash

| 2001 = Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex

| 2002 = Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure

| 2003a = Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced

| 2003b = Crash Nitro Kart

| 2004a = Crash Bandicoot Purple and Spyro Orange

| 2004b = Crash Twinsanity

| 2005 = Crash Tag Team Racing

| 2006 = Crash Boom Bang!

| 2007 = Crash of the Titans

| 2008a = Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D

| 2008b = Crash: Mind over Mutant

| 2009 = Crash Bandicoot: Mutant Island

| 2010 = Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2

| 2017 = Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

| 2019 = Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

| 2020 = Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

| 2021 = Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!

| 2023 = Crash Team Rumble

}}

After presenting Way of the Warrior to Mark Cerny of Universal Interactive Studios, Naughty Dog was signed on to the company for three additional games.{{cite magazine |year=1998 |title=From Rags to Riches: Way of the Warrior to Crash 3 |magazine=Game Informer |volume=66 |issue=October 1998 |pages=18–19}} In August 1994, Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin began their move from Boston, Massachusetts to Los Angeles, California.{{cite web |url=https://www.naughtydog.com/crash/crash/timeline.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729045219/http://www.naughtydog.com/crash/crash/timeline.htm |archive-date=July 29, 2008 |title=[ Crash Bandicoot – Time Line ] |publisher=Naughty Dog |access-date=March 8, 2010}} During the trip, Gavin and Rubin decided to create a 3D action-platform game, taking inspiration from 16-bit-era game series such as Donkey Kong Country, Mario and Sonic.{{Citation|last=EPNdotTV|title=The First 3 years of E3 Exclusive Footage - S1:E1 - Electric Playground|date=November 26, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmBHPL5Kfc|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114110019/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmBHPL5Kfc|url-status=live}} Because the player would be forced to constantly look at the character's backside, the game was jokingly code-named "Sonic's Ass Game". The basic technology for the game and the Crash Bandicoot series as a whole was created somewhere near Gary, Indiana. The rough game theory was designed near Colorado. Soon afterward, Gavin and Rubin discarded their previous game design for Al O. Saurus and Dinestein, a side-scrolling video game based on time travel and scientists genetically merged with dinosaurs. After moving into the Universal Interactive backlot, Gavin and Rubin met with Mark Cerny, discussed the design of the game and made an agreement to go into production. In September 1994, Gavin and Rubin decided to develop their new game for the PlayStation, after which Rubin began character design. In November 1994, Naughty Dog hired Dave Baggett, their first employee and a friend of Gavin's from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Together, Gavin and Baggett created the development tool "Game Oriented Object LISP" (GOOL), which would be used to create the characters and gameplay of the game. In January 1995, Rubin became concerned about the programmer-to-artist ratio and hired Bob Rafei and Taylor Kurosaki as additional artists.

Needing a lead character for the game, Naughty Dog recruited artists Charles Zembillas and Joe Pearson and met with them weekly to create the characters and environments of the game, eventually creating a character named "Willy the Wombat".{{cite web |url=https://www.crashmania.net/?page=interviewcharles |title=Interview with Charles Zembillas |access-date=March 8, 2010 |publisher=Crash Mania |date=May 17, 2009 |archive-date=September 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923190301/http://crashmania.net/?page=interviewcharles |url-status=live }} The marketing director of Universal Interactive insisted that the character be named "Wez", "Wuzzles" or "Wizzy the Wombat".{{cite web |url=https://www.crashmania.net/?page=interviewjason |title=Interview with Jason Rubin |access-date=March 8, 2010 |publisher=Crash Mania |date=August 16, 2008 |archive-date=September 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923194851/http://crashmania.net/?page=interviewjason |url-status=live }} On creating the levels for the game, Zembillas and Pearson first sketched each environment, designing and creating additional individual elements later. They aimed for an organic, overgrown look to the game and worked to completely avoid straight lines and 90-degree corners. A Naughty Dog artist sketched every single background object in the game before it was modeled. The artists were tasked with making the best use of textures and reducing the amount of geometry. Dark and light elements were juxtaposed to create visual interest and separate geometry. The Naughty Dog artists would squint when sketching, texturing and playing the levels to make sure they could be played by light value alone. Correct use of color was an important goal for Naughty Dog's artists; for example, mutually accentuating colors were chosen as the theme for the "Lost City" and "Sunset Vista" levels. The interior of Doctor Neo Cortex's castle was designed to reflect Cortex's twisted mind.{{cite web |url=https://www.naughtydog.com/crash/crash/c1-background.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728232350/http://www.naughtydog.com/crash/crash/c1-background.htm |archive-date=July 28, 2008 |title=[ Crash Gallery – Background Studies – Crash 1 ] |publisher=Naughty Dog |access-date=March 8, 2010}}

After the main character's creation, the team went into three months of developing the game. The game first became functional in April 1995 and became playable in June 1995. The first 3 levels in the game were completed by August 1995. However, they were judged to be too difficult to appear so early in the game and were moved to the game's power plant area. Artist Charlotte Francis joined Naughty Dog at around this time. In September 1995, a videotape of Crash Bandicoot was shown to Sony Computer Entertainment behind closed doors. While playing the game during development, Rubin realized that there were many empty areas in the game due to the PlayStation's inability to process numerous on-screen enemy characters at the same time. Additionally, players were solving the game's puzzles too fast. Rubin soon came up with the idea of a box and putting various symbols on the sides to create puzzles. Breaking these boxes would serve to fill in the boring parts of the levels and give the player additional puzzles. The first "crate" was placed in the game in January 1996, and would become the primary gameplay element of the series. Willy the Wombat's destruction of the crates would eventually lead him to be renamed "Crash Bandicoot". In March 1996, Sony agreed to publish Crash Bandicoot, which went into the alpha stage in April 1996. Crash Bandicoot was first shown at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May 1996.

Development of Cortex Strikes Back began in October 1996. For the game, Andy Gavin created a new engine and scripting language named "Game Oriented Object LISP 2" (GOOL 2) that was three times faster than the previous game's engine, could handle ten times the animation frames and twice the polygon count. The jungle levels were originally to have featured ground fog, but this was abandoned when magazines and the public began to heavily criticize other developers for using fog to hide polygon count. Sunlight and depth accentuation was experimented with for these levels. Wanting to have some "dirty" locations in the game, Naughty Dog worked in the sewer levels and added color contrast to the levels to show depth and break up the repetitive monotony of the endless sewer pipes. A flat plane z-buffer was created for the game; because the water surfaces and mud in the jungle had to be a flat plane and be exactly flat on the Y-axis, there could be no waves and the subdividing plane could not be at an odd angle. The effect only worked on objects in the foreground and was only used on Crash, some enemies and a few boxes at the same time. The soundtrack of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back was provided by Mutato Muzika (consisting of Mark Mothersbaugh and Josh Mancell), while the sound effects were created by Universal Sound Studios (consisting of Mike Gollom, Ron Horwitz and Kevin Spears). The characters were designed by Charles Zembillas of American Exitus, Incorporated. Clancy Brown provided the voice of Doctor Neo Cortex, while Brendan O'Brien voiced the dual role of Doctor N. Gin and Doctor Nitrus Brio and Vicki Winters voiced Coco Bandicoot.Universal, pp. 14–15 The game was unveiled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Atlanta, Georgia in June 1997 to a positive response from the game industry. The game went into the alpha stage in August 1997. Around that time, Dan Arey, the lead designer of Gex: Enter the Gecko, joined Naughty Dog and streamlined the level design.

Like the first, the second game was a commercial success, green-lighting a third game. Production of Crash Bandicoot: Warped began in January 1998, with Naughty Dog given only 10½ months to complete the game. Programmers Andy Gavin, Stephen White and Greg Omi created three new gameplay engines for the game. Two of the three new engines were three-dimensional in nature and were created for the airplane and jet-ski levels; the third new engine was created for the motorcycle levels in the style of a driving simulator. The new engines combined make up a third of the game, while the other two-thirds of the game consist of the tweaked engine used in the previous games. Jason Rubin explained that the "classic" engine and game style was preserved due to the success of the previous two games and went on to say that "were we to abandon that style of gameplay, that would mean that we would be abandoning a significant proportion of gamers out there". An arbitrary plane z-buffer was created for the jet-ski and flooded Egyptian hallway levels of the game. To create a completely fluid feel for the water on these levels, an environment map that reflects the sky was fitted onto the surface of the water. A real shadow was given to the Crash character at the request of the Sony Computer Entertainment America producers, who were "sick of that little discus that's following him around." To create an "arcade" experience in the airplane levels and to differentiate them from flight simulators, the enemy planes were programmed to come out in front of the player and give the player ample time to shoot them before they turn around and shoot the player rather than come up behind the player and hit them from behind. The Relic system was introduced to give players a reason to return to the game after it has been completed.{{cite web |url=https://www.crashbandicoot3.com/english/crashframe.html |title=Crash Bandicoot: Warped |publisher=Naughty Dog |access-date=April 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209222345/http://www.crashbandicoot3.com/english/crashframe.html |archive-date=February 9, 2005 |url-status=usurped }}

Also in 1998, Tiger Electronics released a series called 99X, each containing a black and white video game as opposed to the LCD games they were commonly known for. These were handhelds fitted with a dot-matrix screen, allowing for a wide variety of backgrounds and gameplay for a single game. Although running a software program stored in ROM, the systems were dedicated consoles, similar to the plug-and-play TV games of the 2000s decade.[https://web.archive.org/web/19990504091742/http://208.206.88.84/99x/default.htm Official Tiger 99X Website (Archived)] Retrieved November 11, 2018. A Crash Bandicoot game, simply titled Crash Bandicoot, was released as part of this series. Despite its name and being a platformer like its predecessors, it is not an adaptation of nor bears any relation to the 1996 game, instead featuring a plot of its own involving Crash retrieving treasure from a mansion haunted by a ghost named Mr. Crumb and his cronies.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/crash_bandicoot.pdf |title=Scan of the manual of Crash Bandicoot (Tiger 99X) |access-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117053619/http://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/Crash_Bandicoot.pdf |url-status=live }} This was the first handheld game to be released in the series, as well as the first to include a multiplayer mode.

While initially Naughty Dog was only signed on to make three games, Crash Team Racing was a possible Crash 3 as it started out in production after Crash 2 and the game which was finished first in production would be released first. However, Naughty Dog had already gotten far into the project and decided to finish it and release it. David Baggett produced the game's soundtrack, with Mark Mothersbaugh and Josh Mancell of Mutato Muzika composing the music. Sound effects were created by Mike Gollum, Ron Horwitz and Kevin Spears of Universal Sound Studios.Instruction Booklet, p. 26. This marked the end of Naughty Dog's Crash Bandicoot games.

With the release of Crash Bash, Universal Interactive's publishing deal with SCE had ended. Crash's prominent status within the video game community prompted the company to make Crash a multiplatform series, giving the series to Mark Cerny and Vicarious Visions to develop two separate but connected games.

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex was originally to be designed by Cerny and published by Sony. After a falling-out between Universal and the two entities, developer Traveller's Tales was forced to alter the game from a free-roaming title to a standard Crash title. Traveller's Tales had to begin development of the game from scratch and were given only twelve months to complete it.{{cite web |last=Wallis |first=Alistair |date=November 9, 2006 |title=Gamasutra – News – Playing Catch Up: Traveller's Tales' Jon Burton |publisher=Gamasutra |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/11640/Playing_Catch_Up_Travellers_Tales_Jon_Burton.php |access-date=May 25, 2011 |quote=This became even more clear in 2001, when the company worked with Universal Interactive for Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. "[It] was meant to be designed by Mark Cerny, who designed all the others, and published by Sony", says Burton. "Universal Interactive fell out with them and we had to go from a free roaming game to a standard Crash game with a reduced time-line – 12 months – and having to design the game ourselves from scratch." |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511064358/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/11640/Playing_Catch_Up_Travellers_Tales_Jon_Burton.php |url-status=dead }} The game was released in 2001 by Universal and Konami (who would publish the game in Japan) for the PlayStation 2, and was followed by ports for GameCube and Xbox in 2002; it received mixed reviews but made the Greatest Hits lineup due to strong sales.

The following year, Universal would release their first Crash Bandicoot game, a handheld exclusive called The Huge Adventure developed by Vicarious Visions for the Game Boy Advance and released to favorable reviews. It would warrant a sequel, N-Tranced, which would also be met to similar reception. During this time Traveller's Tales' Oxford Studio were developing a new Crash game for consoles. This game was to be Crash Nitro Kart but due to unknown circumstances Universal moved development of Crash Nitro Kart over to Vicarious Visions. Traveller's Tales Oxford Studio then moved on to their next project, Crash Bandicoot Evolution.

Crash Bandicoot Evolution was set to create a new form of gameplay for Crash, with the game planned to be a platformer/RPG with many different elements planned for the game; it eventually became Crash Twinsanity. Although Traveller's Tales planned on creating a Crash Bandicoot game titled Cortex Chaos and a sequel to Crash Twinsanity, Universal never picked up the games, effectively cancelling them. Vicarious Visions's fourth and final game was Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage for the Game Boy Advance, a crossover with the Spyro franchise and companion game to Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy.

Although Cortex Chaos and the sequel to Crash Twinsanity were cancelled, Traveller's Tales was nonetheless commissioned to develop one final Crash Bandicoot game. It was to be a kart racing game titled Crash Clash Racing. However, Traveller's Tales was taken off the project as it was given to Radical Entertainment. The new studio proceeded to change the project into an entirely new game, keeping only two core ideas, clashing and fusion. The game marked the first game published under Universal's Sierra Entertainment brand, and the first game to use Radical's Titanium Engine, receiving the title Crash Tag Team Racing.

The following year Dimps developed Crash Boom Bang!, which was released on July 20, 2006 for the Nintendo DS. Due to the game being developed in Japan it features redesigns of the characters originally used in Japanese promotion artwork of the original PlayStation games, though Crash's model was altered to resemble his Twinsanity model in international releases.{{cite video game |title=Crash Boom Bang! |developer=Dimps |publisher=Sierra Entertainment |date=October 10, 2006 |platform=Nintendo DS |level=Credits}} The game received highly negative reviews from critics and is considered one of the worst Crash games of all time.{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=October 18, 2006 |title=Crash Boom Bang! Review |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/740/740212p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026074143/http://ds.ign.com/articles/740/740212p1.html |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=April 7, 2007 |website=IGN}}{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Lesley |date=November 19, 2006 |title=Review - Crash Boom Bang! |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=69920 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070617141640/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=69920 |archive-date=June 17, 2007 |access-date=October 14, 2007 |website=Eurogamer}}

Development on Crash of the Titans, Radical's second title, began after the completion of Crash Tag Team Racing.{{cite web |publisher=Crash Mania |author=JumpButton |date=April 24, 2007 |title=Crash Mania official interview with Radical Entertainment |url=http://hpzr.freeweb7.com/interviewtitans.htm |access-date=July 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929120042/http://hpzr.freeweb7.com/interviewtitans.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }} The graphics of the Wii version of the game was one of Radical Entertainment's main focuses in the game's development,{{cite web |date=April 19, 2007 |last=Harris |first=Craig |title=IGN: Crash of the Titans Preview |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/782/782068p1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=July 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105065018/http://wii.ign.com/articles/782/782068p1.html |archive-date=November 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }} with Radical stating that the Wii has "a lot of horsepower under the hood" and expressing their desire to make full use of it.{{cite web |publisher=Codename Revolution |date=March 2, 2007 |title=Wii has a lot of Horsepower says Radical |url=http://www.codenamerevolution.com/?p=4393 |access-date=July 13, 2007 |quote=The Wii has a lot of horsepower under the hood and we're making full use of it. We've overhauled our graphics engine to get the most out of the console by updating the shaders responsible for rendering the environment, vehicle, and characters. In many ways Scarface looks sharper on the Wii than it does on the PS2 and Xbox. |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023151242/http://www.codenamerevolution.com/?p=4393 |url-status=live }} They also considered implementing a feature to connect the Wii to DS during gameplay, but stopped due to technical issues and time limitations.{{cite web |author=JumpButton |date=July 12, 2007 |title=Crash Mania official interview with Amaze Entertainment |publisher=Crash Mania |url=http://hpzr.freeweb7.com/interviewamaze.htm |access-date=July 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929103134/http://hpzr.freeweb7.com/interviewamaze.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2007}} The Xbox 360 version got a few extra months of development time to improve its graphics before setting a final release date.{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=April 26, 2007 |title=Eurogamer's preview of Crash of the Titans |publisher=Eurogamer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sierra-showcase-first-impressions |access-date=July 13, 2007 |archive-date=June 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629130846/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=75703 |url-status=live }} The game was the last of the series to be published by Vivendi Games before its merge with Activision.

While the game was being developed, the title's main character, Crash Bandicoot, became the new mascot of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "School and Youth" programs in an effort to promote the battle against blood cancer.{{cite web |date=August 6, 2007 |title=Video Game Hero Crash Bandicoot Urges Kids to Join the Fight Against Leukemia |publisher=GoNintendo |url=https://gonintendo.com/?p=22481 |access-date=August 19, 2007 |quote=The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Vivendi Games today announced that Crash Bandicoot, the valiant, action hero of the highly popular video game series, is the new national champion for the Society's School & Youth programs. |archive-date=August 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830122321/http://gonintendo.com/?p=22481 |url-status=live }} In a bid to further promote the game, a Hummer was painted with imagery from the game and displayed at the Annual Balloon Fiesta in Bristol, United Kingdom.{{cite web |last=De Marco |first=Flynn |date=August 12, 2007 |title=Crash of the Titans: The Hummer |publisher=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/beer-and-tractor-pulls/crash-of-the-titans-the-hummer-288623.php |access-date=August 19, 2007 |quote=Has spinners, the works. All with a Wii on the inside that people can play. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930224322/http://kotaku.com/gaming/beer-and-tractor-pulls/crash-of-the-titans-the-hummer-288623.php |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }} A "Monster Edition" of the game was released exclusively in Europe on October 12, 2007 for the PlayStation 2. This special edition of the game features "Making-of" videos, water-on tattoos, game hints, a cheat code list, and the game's E3 and theatrical trailers in multiple languages. Due to its "mild cartoon violence and language", the game received a PG rating from the BBFC.{{cite web |date=July 31, 2007 |title=Crash of the Titans: Monster Edition rated PG by the BBFC |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/5710805319AAAE5080257329003EA50B?OpenDocument |access-date=September 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106085324/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/5710805319AAAE5080257329003EA50B?OpenDocument |archive-date=January 6, 2008 }}

Development on Crash: Mind over Mutant, Radical's third and final Crash title, began immediately after the completion of Crash of the Titans. The idea of preserving a Titan for later use came from the play testing sessions of Crash of the Titans, in which the testers were found to be reluctant to leave the Titans behind after an epic battle was won. Fans of the series were also a source of inspiration for Crash: Mind over Mutant, having such wishes as a free-roaming environment, Coco Bandicoot being a playable character and the return of the character Doctor Nitrus Brio. Full camera control was considered for the game, but was rejected for graphical reasons and to avoid having to insert a split-screen view in the cooperation mode.{{cite web |date=May 8, 2008 |title=Crash Mania - Interview with Radical (Mind Over Mutant) |publisher=Crash Mania |url=https://www.crashmania.net/interviewradical-2.php/ |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223142245/http://crashmania.net/interviewradical-2.php |archive-date=December 23, 2008}} Online gameplay was also considered as a feature in the finished game,{{cite web |last=De Marco |first=Flynn |date=April 28, 2008 |title=Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant Impressions |publisher=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/384311/crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant-impressions |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-date=August 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810075936/http://kotaku.com/384311/crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant-impressions |url-status=live }} but was omitted due to the brief development schedule.{{cite web |title=Overview: Crash: Mind Over Mutant Q&A |publisher=Gamer's Hell |url=http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/454094.html |access-date=July 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228065201/http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/454094.html |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Coco Bandicoot as a playable character was omitted from the PlayStation 2 version of the game due to her distinct animations taking up much of the console's memory. The Wii version of Crash: Mind over Mutant was created first, with the graphics scaled up for the Xbox 360, and scaled down for the PlayStation 2.{{cite web |last=Stern |first=Zack |date=April 28, 2008 |title=Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii) |publisher=Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant/ |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501080412/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant/ |url-status=live }}

In 2010, rumors appeared that Radical Entertainment was developing a fourth Crash Bandicoot title, under the name Crash Landed, but due to large layoffs in the studio, the game was cancelled with all remaining developers put to work on Prototype 2.{{cite web |url=https://www.unseen64.net/2011/07/25/crash-bandicoot-2010-cancelled-xbox-360-ps3-wii/ |title=Crash Bandicoot 2010 [Cancelled - Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii] | Unseen 64: Beta, Unreleased & Unseen Videogames! |publisher=Unseen 64 |date=July 25, 2011 |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104185152/http://www.unseen64.net/2011/07/25/crash-bandicoot-2010-cancelled-xbox-360-ps3-wii/ |url-status=live }} The DS edition of this game would be in development by Renegade Kid for approximately two weeks before similarly being cancelled by Activision.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/32940/never-before-seen-renegade-kid-developed-crash-bandicoot-ds-demo-revealed |title=Never-Before-Seen Renegade Kid-Developed Crash Bandicoot DS Demo Revealed |access-date=February 15, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=January 10, 2013 |archive-date=November 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124000653/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/32940 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JoolsWatsham/status/289409822657507331|title=Jools Watsham on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209043350/https://twitter.com/JoolsWatsham/status/289409822657507331|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JoolsWatsham/status/289418982744788995|title=Jools Watsham on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209043350/https://twitter.com/JoolsWatsham/status/289418982744788995|url-status=live}} High Impact Games was developing a reboot of Crash Team Racing for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, but the game was cancelled by Activision before the initial prototype. Several ideas for the game eventually made it into DreamWorks Super Star Kartz.{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Crash-Team-Racing-2010-Screenshots-Show-Cancelled-Kart-Game-46448.html |title=Crash Team Racing 2010 Screenshots Show Cancelled Kart Game |publisher=Cinemablend.com |date=September 3, 2012 |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905043021/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/crash-team-racing-2010-screenshots-show-cancelled-kart-game-46448.html |url-status=live }}

On a Kotaku interview with then-Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg regarding the future of the Crash series, he said, "I don't have anything official to announce, but I can speak as an individual, I love Crash Bandicoot. Those were some of my favorite video games growing up. And I would love to find a way to bring him back, if we could."{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/5857454/waiting-for-a-crash-bandicoot-comeback |title=Waiting for a Crash Bandicoot Comeback |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=November 8, 2011 |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117152648/https://kotaku.com/5857454/waiting-for-a-crash-bandicoot-comeback |url-status=live }} Andy Gavin, co-creator of Crash Bandicoot, has said that he would love to see an HD version of the marsupial's first four games, or even a full-blown reboot.{{cite web |url=http://beefjack.com/news/crash-bandicoot-co-creator-id-love-to-see-an-hd-version/ |title=Crash Bandicoot co-creator: 'I'd love to see an HD version' « BeefJack – The Gamer's Sauce |publisher=Beefjack.com |date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227063716/http://beefjack.com/news/crash-bandicoot-co-creator-id-love-to-see-an-hd-version/ |archive-date=December 27, 2012 }} Jason Rubin, co-creator of Crash Bandicoot, said he was hopeful that Activision would "bring Crash back to their glory days and that the character is still very dear to fans between 18–49 years".{{cite web |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/naughty_dog_co-founder_hopeful_activision_can_return_crash_bandicoot_to_former_glory.html |title=Naughty Dog co-founder hopeful Activision can return Crash Bandicoot to former glory |date=June 28, 2012 |publisher=VideoGamer.com |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-date=October 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029032045/http://www.videogamer.com/news/naughty_dog_co-founder_hopeful_activision_can_return_crash_bandicoot_to_former_glory.html |url-status=live }} A new design of Crash Bandicoot was spotted in a photo from the Vicarious Visions's studio, raising rumors that a new game might have been in development,{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/4439-crash-bandicoot-sports-new-look-at-vicarious-visions |title=Crash Bandicoot Sports New Look At Vicarious Visions |access-date=February 15, 2014 |publisher=Game Revolution |date=January 7, 2013 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221225017/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/crash-bandicoot-sports-new-look-at-vicarious-visions-16845 |url-status=live }} though this was later confirmed to be concept art from a previous Crash Bandicoot cancelled game.{{cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/02/05/skylanders-swap-force-preview-and-interview-toy-story-3381219/ |title=Skylanders: Swap Force preview and interview – toy story |access-date=February 15, 2014 |publisher=Metro |date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223011743/http://metro.co.uk/2013/02/05/skylanders-swap-force-preview-and-interview-toy-story-3381219/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2013, co-creator Andy Gavin suggested ways to revitalize the series. "Crash needs a total reboot. There's an opportunity to reset the history, and go back to his creation story and the original conflict with Cortex. In that context, you could reprise classic Crash 1 and 2's settings and villains. It would make sense to use a more modern, free-roaming style. I would concentrate on Looney Tunes-esque animation and really addictive action. That's what we did with the original Crash, and there's no reason it couldn't be done today. Given the current Crash games, people forget that he was once cool. Our Crash had a certain whimsical edge to him. Sure, it was goofy—but it wasn't dumb.".{{cite web|url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2013/05/07/the-other-naughty-dog-co-founder-of-the-uncharted-studio-chats-next-gen-the-last-of-us-and-how-hed-fix-crash-bandicoot/2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614004826/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2013/05/07/the-other-naughty-dog-co-founder-of-the-uncharted-studio-chats-next-gen-the-last-of-us-and-how-hed-fix-crash-bandicoot/2/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 14, 2013|title=The other Naughty Dog: co-founder of the Uncharted studio chats next-gen, The Last Of Us, and how he'd fix Crash Bandicoot|work=PlayStation Official Magazine|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=June 5, 2013}}

In November 2013, rumours began circulating that Sony bought the rights to the franchise from Activision.{{cite web |url=https://www.justpushstart.com/2013/11/rumor-sony-buying-crash-bandicoot/ |title=Rumor: More On Sony Buying Crash Bandicoot |access-date=February 15, 2014 |publisher=Just Push Start |date=November 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228033921/http://www.justpushstart.com/2013/11/rumor-sony-buying-crash-bandicoot/ |url-status=usurped }} Speculations were fueled after the release of PlayStation 4's #4ThePlayers campaign, featuring a road sign with a silhouette of Crash, and an arrow pointing towards the orange diamond logo of Sony Computer Entertainment.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/22/did-sony-buy-crash-bandicoot-from-activision |title=Did Sony Buy Crash Bandicoot From Activision? |access-date=December 8, 2020 |publisher=IGN |date=November 22, 2013 |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701222008/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/22/did-sony-buy-crash-bandicoot-from-activision |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/video-games/crash-bandicoot-making-comeback/79392 |title=Is Crash Bandicoot Making a Comeback on the PS4? |access-date=February 15, 2014 |publisher=Unleash The Fanboy |date=November 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230214/http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/video-games/crash-bandicoot-making-comeback/79392 |url-status=live }} Publications such as IGN reported that Crash was removed from Activision's official website,{{Cite web |url=https://www.activision.com/search?cc=US;i=1;q=crash%20bandicoot |title=Search for Crash Bandicoot on Activision's website |access-date=April 2, 2014 |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233611/https://www.activision.com/search?cc=US;i=1;q=crash%20bandicoot |url-status=live }} which seemed to add further credibility to the rumor. However, shortly after, this was proven false, as an Activision representative told Game Informer that "[Activision still owns] Crash Bandicoot and we continue to explore ways in which we could bring the beloved series to life".{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/activision-states-it-still-owns-the-crash-bandicoot-ip-266399.phtml|title=Activision states it still owns the Crash Bandicoot IP|date=November 25, 2013|last=Zeidler|first=Brett|website=Destructoid|access-date=August 28, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821195313/https://www.destructoid.com/activision-states-it-still-owns-the-crash-bandicoot-ip-266399.phtml|url-status=live}}

In July 2014, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House revealed that reviving the Crash Bandicoot series was something that they have been thinking about, saying "It's never off the table.", and Naughty Dog also revealed through an IGN interview the possibility that they may revive both series of Crash Bandicoot as well as Jak & Daxter.{{cite web |title=Naughty Dog Talks New Crash Bandicoot, Jak 4 and Uncharted Remastering |date=July 22, 2014 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/22/naughty-dog-talks-new-crash-bandicoot-jak-4-and-uncharted-remastering |publisher=IGN |access-date=August 6, 2014 |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315193614/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/22/naughty-dog-talks-new-crash-bandicoot-jak-4-and-uncharted-remastering |url-status=live }} In January 2015, however, Naughty Dog's Josh Scherr stated in an interview with Game Informer that Naughty Dog did not miss working on either series and had no intention of bringing them back to life.{{cite web|title=Doesn't Look Like Crash Bandicoot PS4 Will happen|date=February 3, 2015|url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/02/02/doesnt-look-like-crash-bandicoot-ps4-will-happen/|publisher=PlayStation Lifestyle|access-date=May 17, 2015|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608103045/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/02/02/doesnt-look-like-crash-bandicoot-ps4-will-happen/|url-status=live}} Despite this, Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells stated that the company would love to return to Crash Bandicoot but did not see it as viable.{{cite web |title=Naughty Dog 'Would Love' to Return to Crash Bandicoot |url=http://powerupgaming.co.uk/articles/667-naughty-dog-would-love-to-return |publisher=Power Up Gaming |access-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524011058/http://powerupgaming.co.uk/articles/667-naughty-dog-would-love-to-return |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

On December 5, 2015, rumors of a possible Crash Bandicoot return flared up once again when SIE Worldwide Studios Chairman and SCEA President and CEO Shawn Layden appeared onstage at PlayStation Experience wearing a Crash Bandicoot shirt. Layden, however, never mentioned the series at the event, and has yet to address why he wore the shirt.{{cite web|title=Shawn Layden Trolled Us All with Crash Bandicoot Shirt|date=December 5, 2015|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/12/psx_2015_shawn_layden_trolled_us_all_with_crash_bandicoot_shirt|publisher=Push Square|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414053638/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/12/psx_2015_shawn_layden_trolled_us_all_with_crash_bandicoot_shirt|url-status=live}} In February 2016, a new Crash game appeared to be on the horizon when NECA Director of Product Development Randy Falk stated in an interview with YouTuber Pixel Dan that the company had "a lot of stuff going on with Sony" before mentioning that "I see they're bringing Crash Bandicoot back, so there's some great stuff there."{{cite web|title=NECA Toys Says Sony is Bringing Back Crash Bandicoot|date=February 14, 2016|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/14/neca-toys-says-sony-is-bringing-back-crash-bandicoot|publisher=IGN|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=May 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515231534/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/14/neca-toys-says-sony-is-bringing-back-crash-bandicoot|url-status=live}} Shortly after, however, an NECA representative clarified with GameSpot that Falk's comments were misunderstood, and that Falk was only speaking of a hypothetical return of the series after seeing a fan-made Crash art just before being interviewed.{{cite web|title=Crash Bandicoot Revival Mentioned by Director of Toy Company [UPDATE]|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crash-bandicoot-revival-mentioned-by-director-of-t/1100-6434783/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310182355/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/crash-bandicoot-revival-mentioned-by-director-of-t/1100-6434783/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b|url-status=live}}

Naughty Dog's 2016 game Uncharted 4: A Thief's End features protagonist Nathan Drake playing a level from the original Crash Bandicoot, further adding to the rumor that a return for the series was imminent.{{cite web|title=Uncharted 4 Easter Egg is the Best in Playstation History|date=May 2, 2016|url=https://segmentnext.com/2016/05/02/uncharted-4-easter-egg-best-playstation-history/|publisher=SegmentNext|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012041630/http://segmentnext.com/2016/05/02/uncharted-4-easter-egg-best-playstation-history/|url-status=live}} Speculation was fueled even further when it was discovered that Activision's legal ownership of the franchise was not mentioned anywhere in the game's credits, sparking rumors that the franchise had been purchased by Sony.{{cite web|title=Does Sony Own Crash Now?|date=May 5, 2016 |url=https://www.crashmania.net/en/blog/does-sony-own-crash-now/|publisher=Crash Mania Blog|access-date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508140949/http://www.crashmania.net/blog/does-sony-own-crash-now/|url-status=live}} Lex Lang, the then-most-recent voice actor of Dr. Neo Cortex, also hinted on Facebook that he was asked to reprise his role.{{cite web|title=Lex (Cortex VA) rumored to be returning a role for Neo Cortex|date=May 6, 2016|url=https://crashynews.wordpress.com/2016/05/05/lex-cortex-va-rumored-to-be-returning-a-role-for-neo-cortex/|publisher=Crashy News|access-date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012104239/https://crashynews.wordpress.com/2016/05/05/lex-cortex-va-rumored-to-be-returning-a-role-for-neo-cortex/|url-status=live}} However, shortly after, the rumors and speculations were derailed when Sony VP of Publisher Relations Adam Boyes confirmed on Twitter that Activision still owns the rights to the franchise,{{cite web|title=Crash Bandicoot Rights Still Belong To Activision, Sony Confirms|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crash-bandicoot-rights-still-belong-to-activision-/1100-6439612/|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004091947/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crash-bandicoot-rights-still-belong-to-activision-/1100-6439612/|url-status=live}} and Lang clarified that he was not teasing a Crash Bandicoot revival, and that he had not been asked to return to the series, but would be open to potentially lending his voice to a new Crash game in the future.{{cite web|title=Voice Actor Says He Wasn't Teasing Crash Bandicoot Revival|date=May 7, 2016|url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/05/07/voice-actor-not-teasing-crash-bandicoot-revival/|publisher=PlayStation Lifestyle|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022224236/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/05/07/voice-actor-not-teasing-crash-bandicoot-revival/|url-status=live}}

At E3 2016 during Sony's press conference, after years of rumors, speculation and outcry, Crash Bandicoot finally made his official return when it was announced, in a timed partnership with Activision, that the first three games from the original PlayStation would be remade from the ground up. Crash would also be a playable character in Activision's then-upcoming toys-to-life game Skylanders: Imaginators, released on October 16, 2016. It was announced at Gamescom 2016 that Dr. Neo Cortex would also be playable in Imaginators, and that a Crash-themed level was created for the game, "Thumpin' Wumpa Islands".{{cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160816005592/en/Skylanders-Imaginators-Unleashes-Kaos-Gamescom-2016|title=Skylanders Imaginators Unleashes Kaos at Gamescom 2016 - Business Wire|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701144436/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160816005592/en/Skylanders-Imaginators-Unleashes-Kaos-Gamescom-2016|url-status=live}} The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, a collection of remasters of the first three games in the series, was developed by Vicarious Visions and released for the PlayStation 4 on June 30, 2017.{{cite web|title=Crash Bandicoot is Back in Skylanders Imaginators and in Remastered Classics!|date=June 14, 2016|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160613006571/en/|publisher=Business Wire|access-date=June 14, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617134958/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160613006571/en|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA UNVEILS EXTRAORDINARY GAMING EXPERIENCES FOR PLAYSTATION 4 AND PLAYSTATION VR AT E3 2016|url=https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/release/2016/160614b.html|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|access-date=June 14, 2016|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616081942/http://www.sie.com/en/corporate/release/2016/160614b.html|url-status=live}} Vicarious Visions had also expressed interest in making a new Crash Bandicoot game following the N. Sane Trilogy{{'}}s release.{{cite web |date=June 5, 2017 |title=New Crash Bandicoot game has not been ruled out |url=https://www.psu.com/news/new-crash-bandicoot-game-has-not-been-ruled-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710023740/http://www.psu.com/news/33133/new-crash-bandicoot-game-not-ruled-out- |archive-date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=PSU.com}} Two additional levels were added as post-launch downloadable content, and the N. Sane Trilogy was eventually ported to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows on June 29, 2018 with assistance from Skylanders developer Toys for Bob.

During an interview with Metro Game Central, Vicarious Visions producer Kara Massie refused to rule out the possibility of a remaster of Crash Team Racing for the PlayStation 4. Massie has also acknowledged that she was repeatedly asked about revivals of Crash Team Racing and Spyro the Dragon by fans.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} At the time, Massie had not confirmed if the games would be in the works following the release of N. Sane Trilogy.{{cite web|title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy DLC Teased; 'Crash Team Racing' PS4 Remaster Coming Soon?|work=Telegiz: The Latest Technology News and Cool Stuff |date=June 26, 2017 |url=http://www.telegiz.com/articles/25781/20170626/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-dlc.htm|publisher=Telegiz|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704075752/http://www.telegiz.com/articles/25781/20170626/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-dlc.htm|url-status=live |last1=Togonon |first1=Miguel Paolo }} A remake of Crash Team Racing was teased on December 4, 2018 when then-PlayStation Access presenter Hollie Bennett shared an image of two orange fuzzy dice on Twitter, with an announcement to come two days later at the 2018 Game Awards. The remaster, titled Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, was formally revealed at the awards show and released on June 21, 2019 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is the PS1 fan favorite, remastered |url=https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/2018/12/6/18130033/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-remaster-trailer-release-date-tga-2018 |website=Polygon |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207071353/https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/2018/12/6/18130033/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-remaster-trailer-release-date-tga-2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Dornbush |first1=Jonathon |title=Crash Team Racing Remaster Announced, Release Date Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/crash-team-racing-remaster-announced-release-date-revealed |website=IGN |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207072356/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/crash-team-racing-remaster-announced-release-date-revealed |url-status=live }} with no current plans for a PC version. The remaster was developed from the ground up by Beenox, another subsidiary of Activision, and also incorporates remastered characters, tracks & karts from Crash Nitro Kart (previously developed by Vicarious Visions){{cite web |title=Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Gets a Turbo Boost with Remastered Racetracks, Arenas, Karts and Battle Modes from Crash Nitro Kart! |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190325005801/en/4543189/Crash-Team-Racing-Nitro-Fueled-Turbo-Boost-Remastered |website=Business Wire |date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=25 March 2019 |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325231803/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190325005801/en/4543189/Crash-Team-Racing-Nitro-Fueled-Turbo-Boost-Remastered |url-status=live }} as well as remastered characters, karts, and skins from Crash Tag Team Racing.{{cite web|url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/11/06/ctr-nitro-fueled-adds-the-neon-circus-grand-prix-this-friday/|title=CTR Nitro-Fueled Adds the Neon Circus Grand Prix This Friday|last=Wilson|first=Thomas|website=PlayStation Blog|date=6 November 2019|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106164318/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/11/06/ctr-nitro-fueled-adds-the-neon-circus-grand-prix-this-friday/|url-status=live}} The game also features retro-themed content exclusive to the PlayStation 4 version and monthly timed Grand Prix races with additional unlockable characters at no extra charge.{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=2018-12-07 |title=Crash Team Racing Remake Will Release In June 2019 |url=https://kotaku.com/crash-team-racing-remake-will-release-in-june-2019-1830921546 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-has-a-ton-of-tracks-and-it-ll-keep-adding-more-556985.phtml|title=Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled has a ton of tracks, and it'll keep adding more|last=Nakamura|first=Darren|website=Destructoid|date=15 June 2019|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626223419/https://www.destructoid.com/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-has-a-ton-of-tracks-and-it-ll-keep-adding-more-556985.phtml|url-status=live}}

On June 21, 2020, the official Crash Bandicoot social media channels posted a teaser revealing the title of the next Crash Bandicoot game, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time;{{cite tweet |user=CrashBandicoot|number=1274759990193127424 |date=June 21, 2020 |title=🌀😮🌀 Tune in June 22 @ 8AM PDT / 4PM BST for Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It's About Time reveal. Official reveal > leaks, promise 😉}} the game was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 2, 2020,{{Cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/06/22/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-is-coming-october-2/ |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming October 2 |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |date=June 22, 2020 |website=VentureBeat |access-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622175642/https://venturebeat.com/2020/06/22/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-is-coming-october-2/ |url-status=live }} and for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S on March 12, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/crash-bandicoot-4-comes-to-ps5-xbox-series-x-s-and-swi-1846228890 |title=Crash Bandicoot 4 Comes To PS5, Xbox Series X{{!}}S And Switch March 12 |last=Fahey |first=Mike |work=Kotaku |publisher=G/O Media |date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210052257/https://kotaku.com/crash-bandicoot-4-comes-to-ps5-xbox-series-x-s-and-swi-1846228890 |url-status=live }} Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, an endless running game for Android and iOS, was announced in July 2020,{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/9/21317994/crash-bandicoot-mobile-ios-android-candy-crush-saga-temple-run |title=Crash Bandicoot is getting a new mobile game by the creators of Candy Crush Saga |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |work=The Verge |date=July 9, 2020 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710081858/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/9/21317994/crash-bandicoot-mobile-ios-android-candy-crush-saga-temple-run |url-status=live }} after soft launching on Android in select regions in Southeast Asia on April 22, 2020 under the title Crash Bandicoot Mobile.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-04-22-activisions-crash-bandicoot-mobile-auto-runner-has-soft-launched-across-select-regions |title=Activision's Crash Bandicoot mobile auto-runner has soft-launched across select regions |last=Wales |first=Matt |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=April 22, 2020 |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424084151/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-04-22-activisions-crash-bandicoot-mobile-auto-runner-has-soft-launched-across-select-regions |url-status=live }} The game, developed and published by King in collaboration with Activision, was released on March 25, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/76133/crash-bandicoot-on-the-run-launches-early-on-ios-races-to-number-one-on-app-store/ |title=Crash Bandicoot: On the Run launches early on iOS, races to number one on App Store |last=Forde |first=Matthew |work=Pocket Gamer |publisher=Steel Media |date=March 24, 2021 |accessdate=March 27, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327004631/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/76133/crash-bandicoot-on-the-run-launches-early-on-ios-races-to-number-one-on-app-store/ |archivedate=March 27, 2021 |url-status=live }}

In December 2022, multiplayer game Crash Team Rumble was announced for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, at The Game Awards. The game was released on 20 June 2023.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/crash-team-rumble-gives-the-bandicoot-a-competitive-multiplayer-twist/|title=Crash Team Rumble gives the bandicoot a competitive multiplayer twist|last=Minotti|first=Mike|website=Venture Beat|date=December 8, 2022|access-date=December 8, 2022}}

In 2024, video game leaker Liam Robertson claimed that Activision had cancelled what could have been a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4, submitting alleged artworks and story concepts as its proof. The project was pitched by Crash Bandicoot 4 developer Toys for Bob, and was to feature multiverse elements and a crossover with Spyro. Robertson argued that Activision canned the game in early stage of development because it considered Crash Bandicoot 4{{'}}s sales underwhelming and found live service games preferable.{{cite web|url= https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/activision-cancelled-crash-bandicoot-5-to-make-room-for-more-online-live-service-games-claims-report |title= Activision cancelled Crash Bandicoot 5 to make room for more online live service games, claims report |last= Evans-Thirlwell |first= Edwin |website= Rock Paper Shotgun |date= August 27, 2024|access-date= September 10, 2024}}{{cite web|url= https://www.eurogamer.net/crash-bandicoot-5-cancelled-in-favour-of-live-service-games-report-claims |title= Crash Bandicoot 5 cancelled in favour of live-service games, report claims |last= Kennedy |first= Victoria |website= Eurogamer |date= August 27, 2024|access-date= September 10, 2024}}{{cite web|url= https://www.gamesradar.com/games/crash-bandicoot/activision-reportedly-canceled-a-crash-bandicoot-5-that-also-starred-spyro-because-it-wanted-more-live-service-games/ |title= Activision reportedly canceled a Crash Bandicoot 5 that also starred Spyro because it wanted more live-service games |last= Serin |first= Kaan |website= GamesRadar+ |date= August 25, 2024|access-date= September 10, 2024}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2025}}

Crash Bandicoot is primarily a platforming series. The goal of each level is to guide Crash from the beginning to the end, travelling either into the screen, towards the player or left and right in a side-scrolling manner. Several levels place Crash in unique situations which require the use of motorbikes, jet skis, submarines and various wild animals to complete the level.

In the original Crash Bandicoot, Crash's move-set is rather limited; he can run, jump and spin his way through treacherous environments and hostile creatures. Cortex Strikes Back introduces several new moves for Crash to utilize, including a high jump, high spin jump, body slam and slide attack. Warped expands on this by awarding the player with new abilities after each boss is defeated, which was carried over to The Wrath of Cortex. The player can also spin and slide at the same time when pressing the right buttons.

The most common collectible in the series is Wumpa Fruit, which is found on the main path of most levels, as well as inside most crates. Collecting 100 Wumpa Fruits will award the player an extra life. Wumpa Fruit takes on other uses in most spin-off titles, such as restoring health in certain Crash Bash levels and increasing weapon power in Crash Team Racing. In recent titles, Wumpa Fruit is used to replenish Crash's health, with Mojo effectively replacing it as the new main collectible item. By collecting Aku Aku masks, Crash can be protected from harm from most enemies and obstacles (though certain elements such as bottomless pits will cause him to lose a life regardless). Crash can collect up to two masks for two extra hits of damage, with an additional mask granting him temporary invincibility. When Crash collects two masks, Aku Aku will turn gold in most games; however, in Crash Twinsanity, Aku Aku will sparkle.

The other major recurring valuables Crash finds on his adventures include Gems and Crystals. Most Gems in the series are won by breaking open every crate in a level. Starting with Cortex Strikes Back, an additional five colored Gems can be obtained by completing special tasks or finding hidden areas. Crash Twinsanity contains six colored Gems per level, most of which are earned by solving a small puzzle. Crystals, which play a key role in the plot of most Crash games following Cortex Strikes Back, are usually required to make progress through most games. Relics, first introduced in Warped, are earned in Time Trial modes, with more valuable relics earned for higher times. In the original game, players can also obtain two keys after completing two Cortex bonus rounds, which are used to unlock two extra levels.

Crates come in several varieties and can be found in abundance across Crash's world. Most crates will assist the player's journey through the game, providing Wumpa Fruit, additional hit points in the form of Aku Aku masks and extra lives. In most games, players will be awarded a gem if they break all the crates in a level.

TNT and Nitro Crates are the only boxes that can damage Crash. TNT Crates have a three-second fuse when jumped on, but Nitro Crates will explode instantly upon any contact with Crash or anything else that runs into them. Switch Boxes (distinguished by an exclamation mark) are used to make previously invisible crates appear. A green Switch Box will detonate all Nitro Crates in the level.

Crates marked with a "C" are checkpoints that Crash will return to if he is killed during play. Locked Crates are protected by a metal casing that can only be destroyed with Crash's body slam move, while Spring Crates allow him to reach high up areas by bouncing on them. Slot Boxes rapidly switch between multiple types of crates, and if they are not broken in time, will become metallic and indestructible. Time Boxes are a special crate found exclusively in Time Trial mode. They will freeze the clock for the number of seconds displayed on the box, increasing the player's chance of beating the time trial.

The original Crash Bandicoot uses a fairly linear structure in which Crash clears through levels on a map, with some areas accessible by locating gems. Beginning with Cortex Strikes Back, the game usually takes place in a hub world called a Warp Room, with levels divided up into sets of five. To progress, the player must find and collect a Crystal within each of the stages, which can be played in any order, before facing the boss of each room. From Twinsanity onwards, the games took a more free-roaming approach, with Crash travelling various areas on foot.

Numerous composers have contributed music to the Crash Bandicoot series. Mutato Muzika's Josh Mancell was responsible for the music of the first four games. After the fourth game, numerous other composers were responsible for the music in other games. Steve Duckworth composed music for Crash Bash, Andy Blythe and Marten Joustra for The Wrath of Cortex, Ashif Hakik and Todd Masten for Crash Nitro Kart and Spiralmouth composing a cappella for Twinsanity. The music for Tag Team Racing was composed by both Spiralmouth and Marc Baril, while Crash of the Titans and Mind Over Mutant were composed by Baril alone.

The first four Crash Bandicoot games were developed by Naughty Dog. Bash was developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software. The Wrath of Cortex and Twinsanity were respectively developed by Traveller's Tales and its Oxford studio. The Huge Adventure (Crash Bandicoot XS in Europe), 2: N-Tranced, Nitro Kart, Purple: Ripto's Rampage (Crash Bandicoot Fusion in Europe) and N. Sane Trilogy were developed by Vicarious Visions. Tag Team Racing, Crash of the Titans and Mind over Mutant were developed by Radical Entertainment. Boom Bang! was developed by Dimps. Team Racing Nitro-Fueled was developed by Beenox. It's About Time was developed by Toys for Bob.

The first five Crash titles were published worldwide by Sony Computer Entertainment. Wrath of Cortex up until Twinsanity were published by Universal Interactive (now the defunct Vivendi Games). Tag Team Racing, Boom Bang! and Crash of the Titans were published by Sierra Entertainment. All games since Mind over Mutant have been published by Activision.{{cite magazine |last1=Dealessandri |first1=Marie |title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: Vicarious Visions talks history and return |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-vicarious-visions-talks-history-and-return/ |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |date=30 June 2017 |access-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612122620/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-vicarious-visions-talks-history-and-return/ |url-status=live }}

From Wrath of Cortex until Nitro Kart, Konami handled publishing and distribution for the Japanese market and also co-published the worldwide release of The Wrath of Cortex for PS2. The Japanese versions of N. Sane Trilogy were published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS4{{cite web |last1=Barker |first1=Sammy |title=N. Sane Trilogy Plots the Return of Japanese Crash Bandicoot |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2017/06/n_sane_trilogy_plots_the_return_of_japanese_crash_bandicoot |website=Push Square |access-date=28 June 2021 |date=23 June 2017}} and by Sega of Japan for Nintendo Switch;{{cite web |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Sega To Publish The Former Sony Exclusive Crash Bandicoot On Nintendo Switch In Japan |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/sega_to_publish_the_former_sony_exclusive_crash_bandicoot_on_nintendo_switch_in_japan |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=July 25, 2018 |date=July 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153619/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/07/sega_to_publish_the_former_sony_exclusive_crash_bandicoot_on_nintendo_switch_in_japan |url-status=live }} Sega subsequently handled Team Racing Nitro-Fueled for Japan as well.{{cite web |title=Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled hits Japan on Aug. 1st, 2019 |url=https://gonintendo.com/stories/336361-crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled-hits-japan-on-aug-1st-2019 |website=GoNintendo |access-date=28 June 2021 |date=29 May 2019}}{{clear}}

In 1998, Coro Coro Comics developed a manga series titled Crash Bandicoot—Dansu! de Jump! na Daibōken, loosely based on the events of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back. The series was drawn and produced by Ari Kawashima, with only two manga volumes being published to date, leaving the total number of comics unknown.

During the production of Crash Bandicoot, a pair of cutscenes featuring hand-drawn animation were produced by Universal Animation Studios to serve as the game's intro and outro, as well as act as source material for a potential animated series if the game was well-received and commercially successful. The hand-drawn cutscenes were dropped after Sony Computer Entertainment picked up Crash Bandicoot for publication, as Sony desired to push the PlayStation's 3D polygonal graphics. The cutscenes were uploaded to YouTube by producer David Siller in 2015.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/crash-bandicoot-could-have-had-these-sweet-animated-cut-1718880217 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721194615/http://kotaku.com/crash-bandicoot-could-have-had-these-sweet-animated-cut-1718880217 |title=Crash Bandicoot Could Have Had These Sweet Animated Cutscenes |last=Fahey |first=Mike |website=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |date=July 19, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/7/19/9000385/crash-bandicoot-cartoon-scenes-animation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721062329/http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/19/9000385/crash-bandicoot-cartoon-scenes-animation |title=Long-lost Crash Bandicoot animation was for the game first, a cartoon series second |last=Good |first=Owen S. |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=July 19, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |url-status=live}}

In 2007, The Animation Picture Company produced four web-short films, to promote the game Crash of the Titans, titled Crash Bandicoot: No Use Crying, Crash Bandicoot Monster Truck, Crash Bandicoot – Titan Idol and Crash Bandicoot – Have Another, all lasting for about three minutes. These are available for free download on the Xbox 360 video service or are available to watch on the web, originally available for viewing on the Crash Bandicoot official website.

Crash also makes a guest appearance in the Skylanders Academy animated series. At the end of the episode "The Skylands Are Falling!", due to the actions of the Skylanders, Crash is inadvertently pulled through a dimensional rift while battling Cortex, ending up in the Skylands. The episode "Crash Landing" features Crash allying with Spyro and the Skylanders to recover the dark relic needed to return him to the Wumpa Islands. Crash's appearance in Skylanders Academy differs from his appearance in Skylanders: Imaginators, but unlike other appearances, he is capable of speaking full sentences with an Australian accent. The third season of Skylanders Academy brought the character back starring Rhys Darby, who replaces Eric Rogers due to stepping down as a showrunner.Trumbore, Dave (August 22, 2018). [https://collider.com/skylanders-academy-season-3-interview/#netflix "New 'Skylanders Academy' Showrunners Tease the Adventures Ahead in Season 3"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830043304/http://collider.com/skylanders-academy-season-3-interview/#netflix |date=August 30, 2018 }}, Collider. Retrieved on September 8, 2018. Crash returned in the episode "Days of Future Crash", in which Dark Spyro and Eruptor brought him to the future for different reasons, messing up their timeline in the process. After retrieving a new time travel device, they sent him home. Crash appeared again in the season finale, "Raiders of the Lost Arkus, Part II", where he and Coco (voiced by Tara Strong) were brought from the Wumpa Islands by the Skylanders and Flynn to stop Kaos from destroying the Core of Light. Coco's appearance in the series is speculated to be a combination of her Titans and Mind over Mutant design: like Crash, she also speaks in an Australian accent and is only capable of building her own weapons but able to control technology to the point of utilizing a thought-controlled boomerang in battle.

On January 13, 2021, test footage from a scrapped Crash Bandicoot series was leaked on Reddit. The series would have been a co-production between Activision and Amazon Studios. The series was allegedly canceled due to a script dispute.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/rumour_looks_like_crash_bandicoots_cartoon_series_has_been_cancelled|title=Rumour: Looks Like Crash Bandicoot's Cartoon Series Has Been Cancelled|date=January 13, 2021|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=January 13, 2021|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113110022/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/rumour_looks_like_crash_bandicoots_cartoon_series_has_been_cancelled|url-status=live}}

The earliest-known bandicoot fossil, from the Miocene of Australia, has been given the binomial Crash bandicoot.{{cite journal|author=Travouillon, K.J.| s2cid = 85622058 | year = 2014 | title= Earliest modern bandicoot and bilby (Marsupialia, Peramelidae and Thylacomyidae) from the Miocene of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland, Australia | journal = Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology | volume = 34 | issue = 2 | pages = 375–382 | doi = 10.1080/02724634.2013.799071| bibcode = 2014JVPal..34..375T | url = https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Earliest_modern_bandicoot_and_bilby_Marsupialia_Peramelidae_and_Thylacomyidae_from_the_Miocene_of_the_Riversleigh_World_Heritage_Area_northwestern_Queensland_Australia/963509 |display-authors=etal| url-access = subscription }}{{cite web|url=https://palaeoevolving.passle.net/post/vp38va/the-real-crash-bandicoot#|title=The real Crash bandicoot! (via Passle)|access-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213142717/http://palaeoevolving.passle.net/post/vp38va/the-real-crash-bandicoot|archive-date=February 13, 2016|url-status=dead}}

{{VG Series Reviews

| game1 = Crash Bandicoot

| gr1 = (PS1) 80%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196986-crash-bandicoot/index.html |title=Crash Bandicoot Reviews |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012018/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196986-crash-bandicoot/index.html |url-status=live }}

| game2 = Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

| gr2 = (PS1) 89%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196987-crash-bandicoot-2-cortex-strikes-back/index.html |title=Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back Reviews |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012037/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/196987-crash-bandicoot-2-cortex-strikes-back/index.html |url-status=live }}

| game3 = Crash Bandicoot: Warped

| mc3 = (PS1) 91/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-warped/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Crash Bandicoot: Warped Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124233546/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/crash-bandicoot-3-warped |url-status=live }}

| game4 = Crash Team Racing

| mc4 = (PS1) 88/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ctr-crash-team-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Crash Team Racing Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307084823/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/crash-team-racing |url-status=live }}

| game5 = Crash Bash

| mc5 = (PS1) 68/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bash/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Crash Bash Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303101137/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/crash-bash |url-status=live }}

| game6 = Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex

| mc6 = (GC) 62/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092612/https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex |url-status=live }}
(PS2) 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092617/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex |url-status=live }}
(Xbox) 70/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042650/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/crash-bandicoot-the-wrath-of-cortex |url-status=live }}

| game7 = Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure

| mc7 = (GBA) 78/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-the-huge-adventure/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231032543/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/crash-bandicoot-the-huge-adventure |url-status=live }}

| game8 = Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced

| mc8 = (GBA) 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-2-n-tranced/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042656/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/crash-bandicoot-2-n-tranced |url-status=live }}

| game9 = Crash Nitro Kart

| mc9 = (GBA) 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-nitro-kart/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Crash Nitro Kart Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042647/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/crash-nitro-kart |url-status=live }}
(GC) 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-nitro-kart/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Crash Nitro Kart Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042659/https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/crash-nitro-kart |url-status=live }}
(PS2) 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-nitro-kart/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash Nitro Kart Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214181854/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-nitro-kart |url-status=live }}
(Xbox) 70/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-nitro-kart/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Crash Nitro Kart Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042644/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/crash-nitro-kart |url-status=live }}

| game10 = Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage

| mc10 = (GBA) 67/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-purple-riptos-rampage/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307040229/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/crash-bandicoot-purple-riptos-rampage |url-status=live }}

| game11 = Crash Twinsanity

| mc11 = (PS2) 64/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-twinsanity/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash Twinsanity Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307050245/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-twinsanity |url-status=live }}
(Xbox) 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-twinsanity/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Crash Twinsanity Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092609/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/crash-twinsanity |url-status=live }}

| game12 = Crash Tag Team Racing

| mc12 = (GC) 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-tag-team-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Crash Tag Team Racing Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224161509/https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/crash-tag-team-racing |url-status=live }}
(PS2) 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-tag-team-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash Tag Team Racing Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304042653/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-tag-team-racing |url-status=live }}
(PSP) 68/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-tag-team-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Crash Tag Team Racing Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307084826/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/crash-tag-team-racing |url-status=live }}
(Xbox) 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-tag-team-racing/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Crash Tag Team Racing Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205194251/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/crash-tag-team-racing |url-status=live }}

| game13 = Crash Boom Bang!

| mc13 = (NDS) 37/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-boom-bang/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Crash Boom Bang! Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204955/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/crash-boom-bang! |url-status=live }}

| game14 = Crash of the Titans

| mc14 = (NDS) 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-of-the-titans/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Crash of the Titans Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307044739/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/crash-of-the-titans |url-status=live }}
(PS2) 70/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-of-the-titans/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash of the Titans Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303093823/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-of-the-titans |url-status=live }}
(Wii) 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-of-the-titans/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Crash of the Titans Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092620/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/crash-of-the-titans |url-status=live }}
(X360) 65/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-of-the-titans/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Crash of the Titans Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092604/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/crash-of-the-titans |url-status=live }}

| game15 = Crash: Mind over Mutant

| mc15 = (NDS) 45/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-mind-over-mutant/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Crash: Mind over Mutant Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328235859/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/crash-mind-over-mutant |url-status=live }}
(PS2) 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-mind-over-mutant/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Crash: Mind over Mutant Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303101143/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/crash-mind-over-mutant |url-status=live }}
(Wii) 70/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-mind-over-mutant/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Crash: Mind over Mutant Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303101140/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/crash-mind-over-mutant |url-status=live }}
(X360) 60/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-mind-over-mutant/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Crash: Mind over Mutant Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306210114/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/crash-mind-over-mutant |url-status=live }}

| game16 = Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2

| mc16 = (iOS) 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-nitro-kart-2/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303092615/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/crash-bandicoot-nitro-kart-2 |url-status=live }}

| game17 = Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

| mc17 = (NS) 78/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226041936/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy |url-status=live }}
(PC) 76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307120358/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy |url-status=live }}
(PS4) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310062448/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy |url-status=live }}
(XONE) 79/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303091059/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy |url-status=live }}

| game18 = Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

| mc18 = (NS) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730213255/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled |url-status=live }}
(PS4) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624062422/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled |url-status=live }}
(XONE) 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626223417/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/crash-team-racing-nitro-fueled |url-status=live }}

| game19 = Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

| mc19 = (PS5) 86/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for PlayStation 5 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429005836/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}
(PS4) 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006173523/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}
(XSXS) 86/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for Xbox Series X Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503032605/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}
(XONE) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for Xbox One Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004112849/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}
(PC) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for PC Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611110042/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}
(NS) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time for Switch Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611110032/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time |url-status=live }}

| game20 = Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!

| mc20 = (iOS) 68/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/crash-bandicoot-on-the-run/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Crash Bandicoot: On the Run for ios Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=March 30, 2021 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418062146/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/crash-bandicoot-on-the-run! |url-status=live }}

}}

The Crash Bandicoot series has been a commercial success. As of 2007, the series altogether has sold over 40 million units worldwide{{cite web |url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14894/Sierra-Ships-Crash-of-the-Titans/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304110424/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14894/Sierra-Ships-Crash-of-the-Titans/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2008|title=Sierra Ships Crash of the Titans |date=October 23, 2007 |publisher=Vivendi|access-date=December 9, 2018}} and grossed over $1 billion.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/crash-bandicoot-returns-to-mobile-phones-in-the-exciting-new-adventure-crash-of-the-titans|title=Crash Bandicoot Returns to Mobile Phones in the Exciting New Adventure Crash of the Titans|website=Gamesindustry.biz|date=October 25, 2007|accessdate=November 21, 2022}} According to Gamasutra, the first Crash Bandicoot game had sold 6.8 million units as of November 2003,{{cite web |url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20060804/boutros_06.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018132300/http://gamasutra.com/features/20060804/boutros_06.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2006|title=Crash Bandicoot |work=A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games |page=6 |author=Daniel Boutros |date=August 4, 2006 |access-date=December 23, 2018}} making it the tenth-best-selling PlayStation game of all time. Cortex Strikes Back sold 3.85 million units in the U.S.,{{cite web|date=December 27, 2007 |publisher=The Magic Box |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |access-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007 }} while Warped sold 3.74 million. The last 2 games on the PlayStation console, Crash Team Racing and Crash Bash, sold 1.9 and 1.1 million units in the U.S., respectively. According to a Sony press release, the first four titles had sold over 20 million units altogether worldwide by July 2000.{{cite press release |date=July 18, 2000 |title=Naughty Dog Inc.'s Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy™ Provides the Next Generation in Action-Adventure Gaming |url=https://www.sony.com/content/sony/en/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-computer-entertainment-america-inc/2000/naughty-dog-incs-jak-and-daxter-the-precursor-legacy-provides-the-next-generation-in-actionadventure-gaming.html |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. |access-date=2023-05-16}} Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex has sold 1.56 million units in the U.S.

On February 12, 2019, Activision announced in a press release for its "4th quarter and 2018 Financial Results", that N. Sane Trilogy has sold-in over 10 million units since its initial release in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-blizzard-announces-fourth-quarter-and-2018-financial|title=Activision Blizzard Announces Fourth-Quarter and 2018 Financial Results|website=Activision Blizzard, Inc.|language=en|access-date=2019-02-13|archive-date=February 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213123824/https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-blizzard-announces-fourth-quarter-and-2018-financial|url-status=live}}

The Crash Bandicoot series is one of the few Western video game series to find blockbuster success in Japan. Cortex Strikes Back and Warped sold 1.3 and 1.4 million units in the country, respectively,{{cite web |publisher=The Magic Box |title=Japan Platinum Game Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213230402/http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm |url-status=live }} while the PlayStation 2 version of Wrath of Cortex sold 212,000 units.{{cite web|publisher=Japan Game Charts |title=Sony PS2 Japanese Ranking |url=http://japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |access-date=December 23, 2018|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230005343/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |archive-date=December 30, 2008 }}

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite magazine|last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=2016-09-09 |title='Crash Bandicoot' at 20: An Oral History |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/crash-bandicoot-at-20-an-oral-history-127814/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.crashbandicoot.com/}}
• {{moby game|-group/crash-bandicoot-series|Crash Bandicoot series}}

{{Crash Bandicoot series}}

{{Naughty Dog}}

{{Activision}}

{{Universal Interactive}}

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