Today is the third day for the special multi-interviews for Crash Bandicoot on Crashy News, it is quite important to note that the format may fluctuate and change over time from deadlines, structure and publications, so keep that in mind. On another note, please know that some of these questions were done in assumptions rather than knowledge of any leak or rumor from 2018. The third wave of fans have answered the questions.
Navigation:
- Discovery and Experiences
- Retrospect, Definition of the Games
- Approaching the Next Game
- Reincorporation of the Past
- Platform Exclusivity & expansibility
- Other Mediums
Let’s begin:
Discovery and Experiences
Before we start, can you tell when and how did you discover Crash, and what’s your favourite experiences with the games?
Crashpunk:
Crash Bandicoot 1 was the first video game I played. I vaguely remember watching him play it on Christmas Day at my uncle’s thinking “What is this” and him giving me the controller. I wish I remembered more.
Eventually, he gave me his PS1 with the games and it all started from there. I was obsessed with Crash. But sadly, no one I knew at school played it. So I just ended up being a die-hard fan on my own.
My favourite experience is of my late Granddad. We used to make little papercraft Crash boxes together. He never played the games but he knew of the characters from me. So much so he brought me a Wrath of Cortex shop poster for my birthday. If he was still with us. He wouldn’t have seen a difference in my younger self when N.Sane Trilogy came out!
AbdulTheArabGuy:
I first got into Spyro actually way before I got into Crash back in 2002 (I was 5 at the time). Then my mum bought me Crash 2 and I just immediately fell in love with the series. It was that simple. From my experience, I would say that my all time favourite Crash game is undoubtedly Crash 3, because of the game’s overall challenges, simplicity and the fun it offers.
Retrospect, Definition of the Games
What do you think in retrospect, defines a good Crash game? How do you think it should feel and look?
Crashpunk:
A good Crash game needs excellent level design, and the original games got it right. Linear levels with some difficult jumps, backtracking and good box placements. Crash 2 is Crash perfection (Aside from the jetpack levels!)
AbdulTheArabGuy:
What makes Crash well, really… Crash, is the fact that it can implement new things, new characters, a potential new story, while keeping the big ideas of what makes a good Crash game (simplicity, fun characters, and level design).
Approaching the Next Game
How should Activision approach the next game after N. Sane/CTR for commercial and critical success? How can the classic formula evolve from there?
Crashpunk:
Sticking with the N. Sane formula is a must. But it also needs something new to keep it fresh. For example Expanded levels, whilst also keeping the excellent level design. New mechanics, new box types and perhaps old characters returning.
The second thing is for the game to improve upon N.Sane. Such as tweaking the controls and making the jumping feel better.
AbdulTheArabGuy:
Personally, I would love to see a new iteration that continue’s Warped’s storyline even further. I’ve thought about it multiple times and having Crash 2 N. Tranced from GBA universe introduced into the 3D universe with a slight change with the story, it can make a really damn good sequel and fits perfectly within the storyline. It follows the exact formula of a warp room style arena and the levels follow-up with its predecessor (Warped) with newer levels.
Reincorporation of the Past
Even though the N. Sane Trilogy has reset the franchise back to the beginning, do you think it can still re-incorporate characters, lore and gameplay ideas from the PS2-era games, or should it be left behind for brand new ideas?
Crashpunk:
Yeah, I think they could. Just not all the characters and lore. Crunch, Nina, N-Tranced would be fine and nothing else. I’m a little biased because I wasn’t the biggest fan of the PS2-era. A lot of the games do nothing for me.
And as for gameplay. They could try (and) to improve upon Twinsanity’s because I feel it had a lot of potential. However, I’d rather they stick the Naughty Dog’s style.
AbdulTheArabGuy:
I would to see the Mutant era return and mixed with the classical formula we all know and love. It would certainly bring 2 good worlds into a big clusterf**k of fun!
Platform Exclusivity & Expandability
What do you think about the franchise possibly becoming exclusive to PlayStation again? Do you think it should expand into other platforms?
Crashpunk:
Hehe. About that.
I’ve always said from the start that Crash should be multiplatform. Gone are the days of exclusive mascot characters and companies fighting. Crash reaching Switch, PC and Xbox is only a positive for consumers and the industry.
AbdulTheArabGuy:
Judging from the recent announcement of N. Sane Trilogy being on the Switch, Xbox One and PC, as well as Activision being a multi-platform machine, I can safely say that with any and every future release, they will be multi-platform. Furthermore, I love the fact that other people get to enjoy what we PS peeps got a taste of. It would just unite the fanbase more and more.
Other Mediums
Are you supportive of Crash being adapted into other media (TV, comic books, etc.)? If so, which direction should it take?
Crashpunk:
Absolutely. And I think a Crash Bandicoot cartoon and comic could work.
AbdulTheArabGuy:
Personally, I would love to see an anime-styled TV series of Crash Bandicoot, since I think it would benefit the people loving the games, as well as anime fans altogether. I can see the idea being vastly popular in Japan alone as well, since the classical manga was received rather well for its time.
We’re overall glad to have the third wave of fans give us their thoughts about Crash Bandicoot in terms of the past, the present and the future after N. Sane Trilogy’s success, readers, give us your thoughts and opinions about the overall format.
The forth wave will come out next week and if you’re interested, contact us via the site’s contact page or via private messaging on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.