Since the release and subsequent success of both the N.Sane Trilogy and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fuelled, fans have been wondering when they'll finally see a brand new Crash Bandicoot game. Not only would the incredible sales' numbers of the remakes determine that a new title is likely to be on the way, but several leaks and rumors have hit the web that all but confirm Crash has a new adventure in the works.
It seems a far more official tease has just been released by Activision themselves, however, with the publisher behind the iconic platformer franchise sending a surprising Crash Bandicoot themed package to several media publications. The package in question contained a puzzle with a cryptic message attached, which, when assembled, creates a strange image of a brand new character.
"A little something to help you pass the TIME - Your favorite Bandicoot," reads the attached note, while the puzzle seems to highlight a strange new floating mask similar in design to that of Aku Aku, Uka Uka, and the Elementals. Strangely, the mask seems to bear a striking resemblance to one seen in a recent PlayStation trailer, with the character following Coco as she drives in a go-kart. The advert drew a lot of attention when it released, with many wondering whether the placement of the unknown mask was a tease for a sequel, however, discussions about the ad subsided when a new Crash game wasn't announced.
The cryptic note's emphasis on the word "time" could also indicate that it might look to follow in the footsteps of Crash Bandicoot Warped, seeing players jump into levels from the far-flung past and future. Seen as Warped's slate of missions are known to be some of the most creative in the series, it would make sense that an original, wholly new Crash game could do a lot with a similar time-traveling focus.
Regardless, it's definitely a clear tease that Crash is coming back to our screens sometime soon, perhaps as a launch title for next-generation hardware. With only a few big games currently slated for the end of this year, it would definitely make sense for a name as big as Crash Bandicoot to feature in the console's early lineup, with the success of his last two outings no doubt generating a lot of buzz for a full-on return. By the looks of things, fans won't have to wait long to find out, with this tease seemingly confirming that an announcement is well on its way.
A new Crash Bandicoot game is rumored to be in development.
Source: GamesRadar