Animation believed to be from a Crash Bandicoot cartoon series that never aired is in fact a cutscene proposed for the original game and likewise left on the cutting room floor, according to this video uploaded Friday by the game's producer.
"This video is test animation that was done for Crash Bandicoot," said David Siller. "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," he added. "There are many close to the development of the original game that do not even know that this material even existed."
Crash Bandicoot, which launched in 1996, was a production of Universal Interactive Studios, which brought on Naughty Dog to handle development. Siller said later in comments that the plan was for the animated scenes to be source material for a full animated series, provided the game was successful and well received.
Then Sony got involved and licensed the game, and didn't want the animated scenes because "they were heavily pushing the '3D' agenda" at the time, Siller said.
"This animation was influenced by Animaniacs and even a few others popular at that time," Siller said.
Even better, "A Crash Bandicoot attraction [i.e. roller coaster] was also discussed as our offices were right next door to where Universal Theme parks maintained a creative office to plan new park attractions," Siller said. Next job: Find the prototype of that.
