Explore the complete history of games Crash Bandicoot — from its 1990s PlayStation roots to its modern revival. Discover how this iconic character shaped gaming history.
Introduction
When we talk about gaming icons of the 90s, names like Mario, Sonic, and Link come to mind. But among these legends, Crash Bandicoot stands tall as a beloved mascot who helped define the original PlayStation era. With a mix of high-speed platforming, quirky characters, and unforgettable levels, Crash carved out a permanent place in gaming culture. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history games Crash Bandicoot, tracing his rise, fall, and ultimate return to glory.
The Birth of a Bandicoot (1996)
The Crash Bandicoot franchise began in 1996 when Naughty Dog — a then-small game developer — created a unique 3D platformer exclusively for the Sony PlayStation. The goal? To compete with Nintendo’s Mario and Sega’s Sonic.
Developed under the codename “Sonic’s Ass Game” because of its third-person rear-view camera angle, the first Crash Bandicoot game introduced players to a mutated marsupial on a quest to stop the evil Dr. Neo Cortex. It featured:
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Linear, forward-scrolling levels.
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Challenging platforming sequences.
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A cartoonish art style powered by Sony’s hardware.
Crash was cheeky, agile, and silent — but full of personality. The original game was a commercial hit, selling over 6 million copies and becoming one of the PlayStation’s best-selling titles.
The Golden Era (1997–1999)
Following the success of the first game, Naughty Dog released Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back in 1997 and Crash Bandicoot: Warped in 1998. These sequels refined the formula with improved controls, deeper level design, and new gameplay mechanics such as:
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Riding animals like polar bears and tigers.
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Swimming and jet-ski levels.
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Time trial modes that added replayability.
Then came Crash Team Racing (CTR) in 1999 — a kart racing spinoff that rivaled Mario Kart. CTR featured tight controls, weapon-based combat, and both single-player and multiplayer modes. It was a critical and commercial success, cementing Crash’s status as more than just a platforming hero.
This era is often regarded as the golden age of Crash, and it’s a key part of the history games Crash Bandicoot.
The Fall from Grace (2000–2010)
After CTR, Naughty Dog moved on from Crash (they would later create Jak & Daxter and Uncharted). The rights to Crash were passed to Universal Interactive, then Vivendi, and eventually Activision. Multiple developers took a crack at keeping the franchise alive, including Eurocom, Traveller’s Tales, and Radical Entertainment.
Some notable titles from this era:
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Crash Bash (2000): A party game in the vein of Mario Party.
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The Wrath of Cortex (2001): Considered by many a weak follow-up to the Naughty Dog trilogy.
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Crash Twinsanity (2004): Introduced open-world levels and humor but lacked polish.
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Crash of the Titans and Mind Over Mutant (2007–2008): Introduced a beat ‘em up style and drastically changed Crash’s appearance and tone.
This period was marked by experimentation but also inconsistency. Fans were split, and Crash’s popularity declined significantly during the 2000s.
Dormancy and Fan Nostalgia (2010–2016)
Between 2010 and 2016, the Crash franchise went dark. There were no major releases, and many believed the character was lost to time.
But fans didn’t forget. Online petitions, nostalgic YouTube videos, and cosplay kept the spirit of Crash alive. The gaming community often referred to Crash Bandicoot as a “lost legend,” and demand for a proper return began to grow.
The Revival – N. Sane Trilogy and Beyond (2017–Present)
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In 2017, the gaming world finally got what it had been waiting for: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision, this collection remastered the original Naughty Dog trilogy from https://dadecitypestcontrol.com/ the ground up — new graphics, new audio, but the same beloved gameplay.
The N. Sane Trilogy was a massive success:
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It sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
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Received critical praise for staying faithful to the originals.
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Introduced Crash to a new generation of gamers.
Following that success, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled was released in 2019 — a remake of CTR with updated graphics and expanded content.
Then, in 2020, Crash made a full comeback with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Developed by Toys for Bob, this brand-new entry was a direct sequel to the original trilogy. It offered:
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Gorgeous visuals.
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New playable characters.
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Tight, challenging gameplay true to its roots.
Crash Bandicoot 4 showed that Crash wasn’t just a nostalgia act — he still had what it took to be a top-tier platformer in the modern era.
Crash Bandicoot in Popular Culture
Part of the reason Crash remains so iconic is his presence beyond the games. He starred in TV ads, especially the loud, hilarious “guy-in-a-Crash-suit” commercials during the 90s. These gave Crash a mischievous, rebellious personality that resonated with players.
Crash also appeared in Skylanders Imaginators in 2016, signaling Activision’s ongoing interest in the character even before the N. Sane Trilogy.
In the modern era, he’s been featured in merchandise, memes, fan animations, and even as a playable character in Super Smash Bros rumors — though he hasn’t officially joined the roster (yet).
Conclusion
The history games Crash Bandicoot is a story of innovation, identity, and resilience. From his PlayStation roots to his modern-day resurgence, Crash Bandicoot has remained a beloved figure in the hearts of gamers worldwide. His journey is proof that a great character, combined with fun and challenging gameplay, can stand the test of time.
Whether you grew up spinning through crates in the jungle or just discovered him in It’s About Time, Crash Bandicoot’s legacy is undeniable. And as long as there’s a love for platformers, there will always be a place for the wild, orange bandicoot who started it all.