Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time was developed by Toys For Bob and released in September. The Crash Bandicoot series has always been full of references and Easter eggs, and the latest title is no different. Crash Bandicoot 4 is full of hidden details including a giant Spyro the Dragon balloon, Guitar Hero-like gameplay, and a scene directly inspired by a level in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Now, to celebrate the holidays, a Crash Bandicoot ad has released that contains a few clever references.
The ad features Crash and his sister Coco relaxing on the couch while Coco plays video games. The TV reveals the Bandicoot siblings are playing a very stressful sequence from Naughty Dog's Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. Naughty Dog developed the original first three Crash Bandicoot games, so the reference pays homage to the original creators.
One great thing about the reference is that a similar scene took place in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End over four years ago. In the game, Nathan Drake says  he can beat Elena's high score on her "TV game thing." Players then watch the nostalgic PlayStation 1 start up, which launches into the first Crash Bandicoot game. Players get to play a level from the original Crash game, which has been regarded as one of the best video game Easter eggs of all-time.
Since Uncharted 4 came out, it has been revealed that the Crash level was not emulated; it was completely re-made using the Uncharted 4 game engine. Naughty Dog is known for slipping Easter eggs into titles that reference its other games. Naughty Dog's newest title The Last of Us 2 is filled with references, including a Crash Bandicoot Easter egg as well.
Although Naughty Dog no longer develops Crash Bandicoot titles, these references are a way to remember the past work on the franchise. Even though Uncharted 4 is not playable in the new Crash Bandicoot game, the ad referencing Uncharted seems like a special thank you to Naughty Dog. Many people will immediately notice Uncharted, but the ad does also contain another secret Easter egg.
At the end of the ad, the camera pans out to reveal a sign in the background that reads "Wumpa League." Wumpa League could be a reference to the Crash Team Racing series, which has a Wumpa Championship league. The sign may be a teaser for an upcoming Crash Team Racing title, or possibly just an ode to the Crash franchise.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.
