The potential collaboration between two iconic gaming characters, Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot, in Crash Bandicoot 5 was a missed opportunity for fans of both franchises. Video game historian Liam Robertson’s deep dive investigation revealed extensive plans for the sequel, which promised to be the grandest adventure yet for the beloved characters.
Toys for Bob and Activision had high hopes for the success of Crash Bandicoot 5, with plans to reintroduce themes from previous games such as Twinsanity and explore new gameplay mechanics inspired by other successful titles like Psychonauts. One of the most exciting ideas was the inclusion of Spyro the Dragon, as he and Crash teamed up to restore peace across multiple dimensions.
Despite early projections for Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time being low, the game ended up selling as many as 5 million copies since its launch. However, it still underperformed in comparison to the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, leading Activision to cancel the sequel due to lower-than-expected sales results. This decision was made early on in the pre-production stage, halting the potential for a groundbreaking collaboration between Spyro and Crash.
The cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5 not only disappointed fans of the series but also left many wondering what could have been. The unique gameplay mechanics and collaborative elements promised in the sequel would have offered a fresh take on the beloved franchises, creating excitement and nostalgia for players who grew up with these iconic characters.
The cancelled Crash Bandicoot 5 featuring Spyro the Dragon represents a missed opportunity for the gaming industry. The potential for an epic adventure encompassing two beloved characters and exploring new gameplay mechanics was cut short due to lower-than-expected sales performance. Despite the setback, fans can only speculate on what could have been and hope for future collaborations between Spyro and Crash in the gaming world.