Are Crash Bandicoot 5 and Phoenix Labs Project Cancelled?

Crash Bandicoot fans may want to look away now as Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time former character designer and illustrator Nicholas Kole has confirmed that Crash Bandicoot 5 has been cancelled behind closed doors. It is shocking news considering Crash Bandicoot 4’s success in revitalising the beloved platformer franchise for a new generation by capturing the essence of the original series while introducing fresh and innovative elements.

Alright, let’s start things off 😭

Project Dragon was a cosy sandbox survival crafting multiplayer rpg- a buildable world made of blocks inspired by minecraft filled with fantasy characters and quests inspired by breath of the wild, and I loved working on it dearly https://t.co/KFMnuDnsWb pic.twitter.com/ZD0bckDpnH

— Nicholas Kole (@FromHappyRock) July 14, 2024

Besides the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5, Nicholas Kole also confirmed on his Twitter that Phoenix Labs Project has cancelled a game titled Project Dragon, a cosy sandbox survival multiplayer RPG. To note, this Project Dragon is different from the Project Dragon from Spyro and Rune Factory’s recently announced spin-off, as Kole clarified.

Regardless, Crash Bandicoot 5’s cancellation has led fans to speculate that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was to blame, as the developer’s Toys for Bob team lacks the resources to produce multiple games and is focusing on its Spyro 4 project.

Is There Still Hope for Crash Bandicoot 5?

While the current moment is all doom and gloom, the potential of a Crash Bandicoot 5 is not entirely impossible. Firstly, with developer Toys for Bob’s pulling out, other studios such as Beenox and Vicarious Visions could pick up the mantle for Crash Bandicoot 5, as both studios have prior experience with the acclaimed franchise.

Firstly, Beenox was the team responsible for Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, the remaster of the original 1999 Crash Team Racing. Released in June 2019, the game brought the beloved kart racing experience by combining nostalgia with modern enhancements to revitalise a beloved classic. As for Vicarious Visions, they were responsible for bringing the original trilogy developed by Naughty Dog back to life with enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and additional features.

Both games were a commercial success, topping sales charts in multiple regions and selling millions of copies worldwide. Thus, a reemployment of both studios could make the realisation of Crash Bandicoot 5 possible. However, this is a big maybe as both studios are currently occupied with projects. For context, Beenox is focusing on projects for Call of Duty, while Vicarious Visions is also having trouble with Blizzard for cancelling their new Donkey Kong project.

Nevertheless, the Crash Bandicoot franchise has faced countless troubles throughout the past decade. However, it eventually prevailed successfully with the releases of the Crash Bandicoot remake trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, showing that the game’s success, when done right, can still capture the hearts and minds of modern gamers.

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What We Can Expect In Crash Bandicoot 5 If It Does Happen?

We are masked up with our hopium tank as we write this. But if Crash Bandicoot 5 does happen along the line, we can expect the game will feature improved graphics, faster load times, and more immersive environments by leveraging the power of next-gen consoles.

Besides, the game should build on the mechanics introduced in “Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time,” such as wall-running, rope swinging, and different mask powers, and introduce additional abilities or even new characters with unique skills. Speaking of characters, a continuation or new twist in the storyline, possibly involving familiar villains like Dr Neo Cortex and our familiar Crash and Coco, is much welcome.

Lastly, our wishlist includes new levels with unique themes, each offering different challenges and obstacles, as the developers would likely create imaginative new worlds while maintaining the charm of the original series.

Parting Notes

With everything considered, the Crash Bandicoot community is still passionate and has high expectations for any new instalment despite the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5.

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