Eager fans of the beloved PlayStation icon Crash Bandicoot are on the edge of their seats as they test the beta for the franchise's next installment, Crash Team Rumble. Featuring a host of well-known and loved characters across the multitude of gaming titles, Crash Team Rumble pits teams offour against each other in the pursuit of banking the most Wumpa fruit.
The beta version, which went live between April 20-24, 2023, only gave players a sample of the Crash Bandicoot characters available in the game. There are a few inclusions that have yet to be announced for the game's full launch in June. Bearing in mind that the game will include multiple seasons, players hope that many of the franchise's familiar faces will be made available as playable characters.
10 Emperor Velo
Making his debut appearance in the 2003 hit Crash Nitro Kart, galactic tyrant Emperor Velo XXVII is the main antagonist of that game. Summoning Crash, Cortex, and a host of other popular characters from the series, Velo challenges them all to participate in his racing competition under threat of destroying the planet.
While it is later discovered that Velo's domineering size is controlled by a much smaller alien inside a cyborg, Velo's robotic husk would rival some of the other bigger characters. Given his hulking presence, the Emperor would rule the arena as an effective Blocker.
9 Fake Crash
At first glance, one might assume they were looking at the Crash Bandicoot series' title character...if not for the over-sized teeth and wild, unkempt eyebrows. Fake Crash, sometimes known as Trash Bandicoot, is a replica of the original character with a few notable differences. His origins are not completely clear, with some theories suggesting he was made by Neo Cortex and others by N. Trance. Nonetheless, he serves as an adversary at times and a gimmick at others.
Fake Crash is a major contributor to the storyline of Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced.Outside this title he appears as an Easter egg in multiple levels, and a playable character in some of the franchise's racing and party titles. Since his physical attributes mimic those of Crash, he would likely be a Scorer in Crash Team Rumble.
8 Pinstripe Potoroo
Rocking a suit and a Tommy gun that pays homage to the gangsters of the 1920s, Don Pinstripelli Potorotti is Dr. Neo Cortex's genetically engineered bodyguard. Originating in the very first Crash Bandicoot game, he is a prominent boss in the opening title.
While Pinstripe was not frequently included in subsequent Crash Bandicoot installments, he has often appeared as cameos in the other adventure and racing titles. Given Pinstripe's distinct character, Crash Team Rumble may be the perfect opportunity for players to reacquaint themselves with one of Crash's earliest adversaries.
7 N. Trance
While his comical appearance looks like a painted egg in a cup, N. Trance is a formidable adversary for Crash and his companions. He makes his debut in Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced, where he supports N. Tropy's efforts to overcome Crash. He is introduced to the fanbase as a master of hypnotism.
N. Trance would be a great addition to the Crash Team Rumble roster of playable characters, as he has plenty of potential as a Booster class character. Given his knack for all things hypnotism, his inclusion could pave the way for some powers that highlight these skills.
6 Nitrous Oxide
Unlike most other antagonists in the Crash Bandicoot franchise, Nitrous Oxide makes the first of many appearances in a racing game. In his debut in Crash Team Racing, he challenges Earth's racers to best him on the track or risk having their inhabitants enslaved.
Oxide is rarely seen outside a kart across his appearances in the series, so his inclusion in Crash Team Rumblewould likely include a vehicle. With his car as a point of difference, Oxide would make an effective Booster to support his Scorer companions on their quest to bank the most Wumpa.
5 Ripper Roo
On the theme of wacky marsupials, the original Crash Bandicoot featured a deranged blue kangaroo named Ripper Roo. Ripper was one of Dr. Cortex's first experiments with the Evolvo-Ray, which turned the once-gentle Australian icon into the straitjacket-wearing maniac.
Ripper Roo's resistance to pain, recklessness, and soft spot for explosives would make him an ideal Scorer character to face any threats head-on in the pursuit of Wumpa. While Ripper lacks dialogue, his maniacal laugh would be a welcome addition to the Crash Team Rumble roster.
4 Crunch Bandicoot
A foe turned adopted sibling, Crash Team Rumble feels a little lost without the third member of the bandicoot trio. A genetically altered bandicoot engineered by, that's right, Dr. Neo Cortex, Crunch Bandicoot was originally created to bring about Crash's demise. Making his debut in The Wrath of Cortex, Crunch is swayed from his path of destruction to join Crash and Coco.
Crunch's strengths lie in his size and power, making him a prime candidate to join the game as a Blocker. With his large muscle mass and cyborg arm, Crunch would be an effective guardian for his teammates looking to bank their Wumpa fruit.
3 Nefarious Tropy (Male)
Making his first appearance in Warped, Nefarious Tropy was enlisted by Uka Uka to rid him and Cortex of their bandicoot problem. He is pivotal in the narrative of the third Crash Bandicoot, as he is the mastermind behind the Time Twister Machine that grants passage to the different levels.
Given the Master of Time's aptitude with his fork-type weapon, Tropy could make a case as a Booster character. However given his size and the fact that his female counter-part is a Blocker, he would likely be used for his strength as a dominant physical presence. Since Tropy's female equivalent is already confirmed in Crash Team Rumble, it would be a surprise to not see the original appear as a playable character.
2 Tiny Tiger
Tiny may not be the smartest of Cortex's cronies, but a mere look at the over-sized cat would give away his role among Crash's adversaries. Making his debut in Cortex Strikes Back, Tiny Tiger makes more appearances than any of Cortex's other minions and often tries to best Crash in the most reckless and destructive way possible.
Tiny's size and strength make him an ideal fit among the Blocker characters, which would be fitting considering his "act now, think later" mentality. Given his fondness of gladiator-type attire, he would also inspire some popular costuming options.
1 N. Gin
Following the events of Crash Bandicoot, in which Dr. Neo Cortex was double-crossed by his friend and partner Dr. N. Brio, Cortex was on the market for a new right-hand man. Cue a pocket-sized, unhinged physicist with a rocket lodged in his head, Dr. N. Gin.
First appearing in Cortex Strikes Back and featuring in a plethora of titles since, the iconic raspy voice and missile in his head are a must-have in Crash Team Rumble. N. Gin is not known for being particularly agile, since most of his boss battles involve machinery. The physicist would be best suited as a Booster for Crash Team Rumble.
Crash Team Rumble will launch on June 20, 2023 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.