Heads up for a surprise, PlayStation fans. The iconic Crash Bandicoot is set to make a cameo appearance in the upcoming PS5 exclusive, Astro Bot which launches on September 6, 2024.
Yes, you're totally not hallucinating. Crash is indeed currently owned by industry rivals Xbox following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, this crossover is as real as PC gamers already applying mods to Black Myth: Wukong.
Follow us as we let you in on the details of this exciting development and what it means for gamers.
A Blast from PlayStation's Past
Crash Bandicoot, the mischievous marsupial who once was PlayStation's unofficial mascot, is returning to his roots. Despite now being under the Xbox umbrella, Team Asobi, have found a way to incorporate the beloved character into their game.
Nicolas Doucet, director of Astro Bot, revealed in a PlayStation Blog interview that Crash will appear as a "VIP bot" in the game. However, fans shouldn't expect to see the familiar orange fur and blue shorts. Due to the unique design challenges of fitting Crash into the Astro Bot world, the team came up with an innovative solution.
"With all of these characters, the eyes are paramount," Doucet explained. "For more cartoony VIPs like Crash Bandicoot or characters from Ape Escape, the Bots are wearing a mask to help bridge that problem."
This should not be a big problem for fans. Look at it as a creative workaround which allows Crash to maintain his distinct personality while blending into the Astro Bot universe.
Crossing the Console Line
The inclusion of Crash Bandicoot in a PlayStation exclusive title, despite being owned by Xbox, shows the character's enduring appeal. But it also highlights the sometimes surprising collaborations in the gaming industry.
It's not the first time Crash has crossed console lines, either. The character previously made a cameo in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, another PlayStation exclusive.
Anyway, this unexpected appearance raises interesting questions about the future of gaming mascots and intellectual property in an era of industry consolidation. Could we see more cross-platform cameos in the future? Only time will tell.
What's Next for Crash?
While Crash's cameo in Astro Bot is exciting news, fans are still wondering about the future of the franchise. The last mainline entry, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, was released in 2020. Since then, there's been no official word on a new installment.
Rumors have circulated about a potential Crash Bandicoot 5 that was in development at Toys for Bob but was ultimately canceled. With Toys for Bob now independent from Activision, they're reportedly working on a Spyro game instead.
While the future of the Crash series under Xbox ownership remains uncertain, the homage is duly accepted. Crash's cameo shows that the character still holds a special place in the gaming world.
Whether you're a die-hard PlayStation or Xbox fan, this crossover is a nostalgic reminder that would bring excitement. So shelf your console allegiances and gear up as Crash Bandicoot continues to spin his way into our hearts.