A little bit of context
Spinning into Action: Crash Bandicoot and his NECA Figure
Crash Bandicoot, the zany bandicoot who first crashed onto the PlayStation in 1996, has become a legendary figure in the gaming world. With his signature spin attack, vibrant levels, and challenging gameplay, Crash has won the hearts of gamers for almost three decades. This blog post dives deep into the history of Crash Bandicoot, exploring his origins, evolution, and enduring legacy. We’ll also examine the highly sought-after NECA Crash Bandicoot action figure, covering its different variations, features, and where you can grab one for your collection.
A Bandicoot’s Beginnings
Crash Bandicoot was the creation of Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin, the brilliant minds behind Naughty Dog. Their vision? A mascot character for Sony PlayStation to rival the likes of Nintendo’s Mario and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog. They wanted a hero that was both unique and unforgettable, and boy, did they deliver!
Initially, the game was jokingly referred to as “Sonic’s Ass Game” because of the unique perspective of following the character from behind. This perspective presented a challenge for Naughty Dog, as they had to find innovative ways to design levels and camera angles that were both engaging and avoided constantly staring at the character’s backside.
The star of the show was first known as “Willie the Wombat.” While early concepts might have leaned towards a more realistic design, the intention was always to create a character inspired by the energy and expressiveness of classic cartoons like Looney Tunes. As development progressed, “Willie” underwent a transformation, evolving into the quirky, orange bandicoot we know and love today. This shift towards a more cartoonish design was a key factor in Crash’s appeal, making him more expressive and endearing to players.
The first Crash Bandicoot game was released in 1996 and was a smash hit. Players were immediately drawn to the game’s vibrant graphics, challenging levels, and Crash’s quirky personality. The game’s success led to a string of sequels, with Naughty Dog at the helm for Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. These games further cemented Crash’s status as a gaming icon and solidified Naughty Dog’s reputation as a leading game developer.
Here’s a quick look at the main Crash Bandicoot games, their release dates, platforms, and critical reception:
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Crash Bandicoot | September 9, 1996 |
| Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back | October 31, 1997 |
| Crash Bandicoot: Warped | October 31, 1998 |
| Crash Team Racing | September 30, 1999 |
Interestingly, the addition of crates to the game was a pivotal moment in its development. Initially, the levels felt “empty” and the gameplay was considered “boring.” The simple act of smashing through crates not only added a satisfying element to the gameplay but also became a defining characteristic of the Crash Bandicoot series. This innovative use of a simple object influenced level design in countless platformers that followed.
Sony, recognizing Crash’s potential as a global icon, pushed for changes to his design for the Japanese market. This led to a redesign that made him more appealing to Japanese audiences, ultimately contributing to the game’s worldwide success.
It’s worth noting that Crash Bandicoot was intentionally designed to compete with the titans of the platforming genre, Mario and Sonic. Reviewers have often drawn comparisons between these iconic characters, highlighting Crash’s unique personality and gameplay mechanics that set him apart.
During the development of the original Crash Bandicoot, Andy Gavin and Dave Baggett created a groundbreaking development tool called “Game Oriented Object LISP” (GOOL). This tool was instrumental in creating the characters and gameplay that defined the series.
Crash Bandicoot’s Groovy Tunes
The music of Crash Bandicoot is another key ingredient in its enduring appeal. The soundtracks, composed by Josh Mancell, are known for their upbeat and energetic melodies that perfectly capture the zany spirit of the games. The music blends a variety of genres, including orchestral scores, surf rock, and tribal rhythms, creating a unique and immersive soundscape that enhances the gameplay experience.
Crash’s Adventures Beyond the Console
While Crash is primarily known for his video game exploits, he has also ventured into other forms of media. In 1997, a children’s animated TV series titled “Crash Bandicoot” aired on NBC and Skyscore. The series, which ran for three seasons, followed Crash’s escapades as he thwarted the evil plans of Dr. Neo Cortex and his henchmen.
There were also plans for a new Crash Bandicoot animated series in collaboration with Amazon. However, this project was reportedly cancelled due to creative differences and disputes over the script.
In 2007, a series of short animated films were produced to promote the release of Crash of the Titans. These shorts, with their more stylized and exaggerated animation, showcased Crash’s humor and action-packed gameplay.
Crash’s Crew: Friends and Foes
Throughout his wild adventures, Crash has crossed paths with a diverse cast of characters, both allies and adversaries. His trusty companions include his brilliant younger sister Coco Bandicoot, a tech whiz who often lends her expertise to his quests, and Aku Aku, an ancient witch doctor mask who serves as a guide and protector.
On the flip side, Crash’s arch-nemesis is the nefarious Dr. Neo Cortex, a mad scientist with a thirst for world domination and an army of mutated animals at his disposal. Other notable villains include Dr. Nitrus Brio, Cortex’s disgruntled former assistant, and Ripper Roo, a maniacal kangaroo with a love for explosives.
The NECA Crash Bandicoot Action Figure
NECA, renowned for its high-quality and incredibly detailed action figures, has released several variations of Crash Bandicoot. These figures perfectly capture Crash’s iconic design and personality, showcasing his signature orange fur, wacky expression, and trademark blue jeans.
Here’s a closer look at the different NECA Crash Bandicoot action figures:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Crash | This figure features Crash in his classic appearance, with articulated limbs and ball-jointed eyebrows for creating a variety of expressions. |
| Crash with Jet Board | This deluxe figure includes Crash with his jet board from Crash Bandicoot: Warped. The jet board is meticulously detailed and faithfully recreated from the game. |
| Crash with Scuba Gear | This deluxe figure features Crash in his scuba gear from Crash Bandicoot: Warped. |
Features
The NECA Crash Bandicoot action figures are highly articulated, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. They feature ball-jointed eyebrows, enabling you to recreate Crash’s signature wacky expressions. The figures also boast impressive attention to detail, with carefully sculpted fur and accurate paint applications that bring Crash to life.
The “Basic Crash” figure includes a replica of a cardboard crate, a nostalgic nod to the classic games. The deluxe figures come with even more accessories, such as the intricately detailed jet board and scuba gear.
Interestingly, the packaging for the “Basic Crash” figure mentions “wave one,” hinting at the possibility of future waves of NECA Crash Bandicoot figures. This opens up exciting possibilities for new characters, variations, and accessories. Imagine figures of Coco Bandicoot, Dr. Neo Cortex, or even Aku Aku joining the NECA lineup!
Where to Buy
You can find NECA Crash Bandicoot action figures at various online retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Target
- ToyWiz
You can also find them at specialty toy stores and comic book shops.
The Future of Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot continues to be a popular and relevant franchise, with recent releases like Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time and Crash Team Rumble showcasing the enduring appeal of the character. The future of Crash Bandicoot is looking bright, with potential for new games, merchandise, and other exciting projects.
Crash’s enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors. Nostalgia plays a significant role, as many gamers have fond memories of playing the original games in their childhood. Crash’s unique character design, with his expressive animations and wacky personality, also contributes to his popularity. And of course, the challenging yet rewarding gameplay of the Crash Bandicoot series continues to attract new fans.
Conclusion
Crash Bandicoot has undeniably left his mark on the gaming world, evolving from a PlayStation mascot to a beloved icon. His zany personality, challenging gameplay, and vibrant worlds have entertained gamers for generations. The NECA Crash Bandicoot action figures allow fans to own a piece of gaming history, celebrating the legacy of this mischievous marsupial.
From his humble beginnings as “Willie the Wombat” to his current status as a gaming legend, Crash Bandicoot has consistently delivered fun and exciting experiences for players. The NECA action figures capture the essence of this iconic character, allowing fans to display their love for Crash and relive their favorite gaming moments. With the continued success of the franchise and the potential for new games and merchandise, Crash Bandicoot is sure to remain a beloved figure in the gaming world for years to come.
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