Pre-release info
(This page was last updated on April 20, 2020)
Please note that this page was previouse titled as "Rumors" and was a collective list of Crash 4 IAT news tidbits. After the announcement, this page has been archived.
Crash Bandicoot going mobile
A new mobile game seems to be in development by King Digital Entertainmnent, the creators of Candy Crush, and scheduled to release in 2020. Candy Crush to Crash Bandicoot. The title is currently unofficial, however, it has been made known through advertising channels launched in Brazil, where King usually does the first tests of its games. Through Facebook, The company has been promoting a series of surveys in Brazil that pointed to a mobile version of Crash Bandicoot. The game is an endless runner, which, despite being a decade late, is set to be a nice addition to the collection of mobile Crash games. You can find more details about the dedicated page of the game here: Crash Bandicoot Mobile.
Pictures
The next mainline Crash game
A new game is presumably in development, and it could very well be handled by Toys for Bob, developers of the Skylanders series (2011-2018) and Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018), however other sources suggest that Vicarious Visions, the studio behind Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017), is working on it once again.
My guess is that it could very well be a co-production between the two companies. There is more than enough evidence to support a new game, and I collected some of these information here.
My guess is that it could very well be a co-production between the two companies. There is more than enough evidence to support a new game, and I collected some of these information here.
Story and gameplay
Various sources hint towards the new game revolving around masks with mysterious powers, just like in The Wrath of Cortex (2001), however, it is unknown whether or not the new title would incorporate ideas and characters (like Py-Ro, Lo-Lo, Wa-wa and Rok-ko) from that game.
Hints from Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
The Rustland Grand Prix of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, released in January 2020, added a new mask to the game called Apo-Apo, who design-wise seems to be a mixture of the Radical-era iterations of Aku Aku and Uka Uka designs. The word "Apo" derives from the word apocalypse, of which the Rustland Grand Prix he was introduced in is based on.
Mysterious mask from the PlayStation trailer
Another evidence verifying the premise of new masks comes from the PlayStation 4 ad, in which a mysterious mask follows either Coco Bandicoot or Dr. Neo Cortex as they race through a crowded parking lot. It's supposed to advertise Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, but the new mask is very likely alluding to the possibility of a new game.
Leaked Toys for Bob concept art
Toys for Bob artist, Nicholas Chole reacted to the PlayStation trailer over twitter.
This picture was posted on Toys for Bob's twitter account, but was quickly removed do to it being too revealing. You can clearly make out concept art for N. Tropy, Dingodile, Dr. N. Gin and Dr. Neo Cortex.
Activision's 5 year plan
Another information that suggests the possibility of a new game comes from the GB Eye licensing manager, Max, who accidentally spilled the beans back in November 2018.
Looking ahead to 2018 Max picks out Crash Bandicoot as one to watch: “The new game was a huge success at retail with no marketing spend. Next year it will be going broader (Switch and PC) and there will be another game in 2019. Activision have a five year plan for this and GB eye is delighted to be fully on board for all products.”
We did get a Switch and PC version for N. Sane Trilogy in 2018, and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled in 2019, which means that the plan is still in action, and a new game can possibly come in late 2020 or mid-2021.
Other tidbits from Twitter
According to reliable indutry leaker Sabi another Crash Bandicoot game is now in development under Activision and possibly Vicarious Visions. Unlike the past few Crash releases however, this rumored title will apparently be a totally new entry in the series – not just a remake! Sabi shared the following over Twitter:
Heard from a good Acti connection that Activision does have a new Crash game coming. And no, not specifically that 4chan leak that included World. Can’t deconfirm World, just know that’s not what I’m talking about. Vicarious seems to be it, but can’t be 100% on that part.
He later added:
They said new, not a remake.
Another person, called ViewerAnon also shred some information about the game over twitter, however, this seems less trustworthy according to the fans. I decided to share it here, because why not -- just remember to take it with a grain of salt, because it's not been supported by any other sources.
Scooping a different industry: not only is a new CRASH BANDICOOT game coming, I’ve heard from someone I trust the whole thing revolves around masks with special abilities and that there will be levels where you play as Cortex.
Just had some things clarified for me: You can play as Crash or Coco, the gameplay is Naughty Dog-like (no open world), and the progression system was described as like SUPER MARIO BROS. 3/WORLD - themed worlds with individual levels in each. And that's all I know!
Re: Cortex levels - Word is they tell the "full story" of Crash levels. So if something blows up to block Crash's progress, the challenge level will be you as Cortex setting off that explosion. I trust the source I got the info from.
Well, as of now, this is all the information we have on a future Crash game. Let's hope that a new game does indeed come.