Only 90’s kids will remember this cartoon…but actually, no one will.
[dropcap size=small]B[/dropcap]elieve it or not, Crash Bandicoot was once a big deal. Back in the 90’s, he was the star of four successful games developed by Naughty Dog, and the unofficial mascot for Playstation.
While Crash hasn’t appeared since 2008, at one point, he was to be the star of more than just video games.
David Siller, former designer at Universal Interactive Studios, has recently uploaded test footage for an animated series based off that crazy bandicoot to his YouTube channel. Check it out below:
Siller explains in the video’s description that the footage was created early in the development of the original game. He goes on to explain that the footage “was based on ideas for where we were going with this IP at that time. It was probably too ambitious in nature and was also trying to be humorous. It was never used or even embedded in the game as a hidden “easter egg” treat.”
The test animation shown in the video is clearly inspired by other popular cartoons of the time. The wacky theme song and fourth wall-breaking jokes are very similar to something out of Warner Bros. shows like Tiny Toon Adventures, or Animaniacs, which Siller admits was an influence in a comment to the video.
In the same comment, Siller further elaborates on the history behind the footage. He explains that, “this animation was a somewhat prototype to further flesh out ideas for a possible cartoon series and inclusion into the game.” Siller also alludes to Sony’s involvement with the franchise as a possible reason why the cartoon was never fully developed.
The last thing Siller revealed was that a Crash Bandicoot attraction for Universal theme parks was in the cards around the same time as this cartoon. This is slightly ironic, considering Nintendo is partnering with Universal Studios to create rides based off of their franchises.
Perhaps this footage will help renew interest in Crash, and hopefully, we may see our old friend in a new game for the PS4. Maybe.
