Spyro and Crash: The Cancelled Crossover You Never Knew Existed

Remember that tantalising glimpse of a "Crash 5 that never was" revealed by a character designer last month? Well, buckle up, because Did You Know Gaming has unearthed a treasure trove of information about this cancelled title, revealing a surprising crossover with the beloved Spyro the Dragon.

The project, in its early stages, envisioned a thrilling inter-dimensional adventure. Uka Uka, the mischievous villain from the Crash Bandicoot series, gains access to a portal, allowing him to travel to Spyro's world. Here, he manipulates the Dragon Elders, threatening both Crash and Spyro's realms. Our heroes, Crash and Coco, find themselves traversing between worlds, thwarting Uka Uka's schemes while encountering Spyro and restoring the Dragon Elders to their rightful place.

The creative team experimented with a variety of playable characters. Nina, Cortex, and Coco were all considered, while the possibility of controlling both Crash and Spyro simultaneously was explored. One concept involved Crash riding on Spyro's back, creating a dynamic duo with unique gameplay possibilities.

Beyond the captivating storyline and playable characters, the developers envisioned innovative gameplay mechanics. Collecting dragon feathers was explored, alongside a return of the "Realms" from the original Spyro game. They also considered introducing more alternate universe characters, similar to the gender-swapped versions featured in Crash Bandicoot 4, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to the game.

Sadly, despite the potential, this ambitious project never saw the light of day. Development, which began in summer 2020, lasted only a few short months before being abruptly halted in November. Activision's decision to cancel the game stemmed from Crash Bandicoot 4 failing to meet their sales expectations, coupled with their shift in focus away from high-budget single-player titles.

The concept art and early demo environments serve as a reminder of what could have been. Did You Know Gaming's video delves into the fascinating details, offering a glimpse into a lost world of gaming, where Spyro and Crash could have joined forces for an unforgettable adventure. The cancellation of this exciting crossover project is a testament to the fickle nature of the gaming industry, leaving fans with a lingering sense of "what if?"