David Siller, producer of 1996’s Crash Bandicoot, has uploaded a footage of unused test animation, which some believe was meant to be a cartoon while others believe was meant to be the game’s opening and closing cut-scenes. However, it seems that not only a cartoon was being considered at one point, but the animation shown above was also considered for inclusion in the game. A description by Siller reads:
This video is test animation that was done for Crash Bandicoot. Produced by Universal Animation early in the development of the game. It was based on ideas for where we were going with this IP at that time. It was probably too ambitious in nature and was also trying to be humorous. It was never used or even embedded in the game as a hidden “easter egg” treat.
Once UIS licensed the game to Sony for publication, Sony did not want it utilized since they were heavily pushing the “3D” agenda.
There are many close to the development of the original game that do not even know that this material even existed.
In a separate comment, Siller explained that this test animation was meant to serve as a prototype for a possible cartoon series, and that there were also discussions about a Crash Bandicoot attraction at a theme park.
The discussion at Universal at that time was if the game was successful (before Sony came a knockin’) then this animation was a somewhat prototype to further flesh out ideas for a possible cartoon series and inclusion into the game. This animation was influenced by Animaniacs and even a few others popular at that time. A Crash Bandicoot attraction was also discussed as our offices were right next door to where Universal Theme parks maintained a creative office to plan new park attractions. UIS even did some consulting for them.
Interesting!
What do our readers think of the clip?
[Source: David Siller (YouTube)]
