Last month, the long awaited Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy released exclusively on PlayStation 4. While the original game has always been pretty difficult, fans have found that it's even harder this time around. No, this isn't just people getting worse at the game with age or because it's been so long since they've played it, it is actually more difficult. If you're one of the legends who have conquered the trilogy on PS4 and you're looking for a new challenge, developer Vicarious Visions has you covered.
Starting today, players can download an all-new level that's four times longer than any other level in Crash Bandicoot. It has never been officially released and was cut from the game originally after being deemed too difficult by the team. The level known as Stormy Ascent is tough even for veteran players and those who know the ins and outs of the game. Former Naughty Dog employee Taylor Kurosaki and Vicarious Visions' game director Dan Tanguay talked about the level on PlayStation's official blog.
"How did this level come to be?
Taylor Kurosaki: Early in production of the original Crash Bandicoot game, everyone at Naughty Dog often wore multiple hats. However, by year two we were somewhat specialized and I went from artist to game designer. I ended up designing and laying out ¾ of the levels in the original Crash Bandicoot. And Stormy Ascent was one of mine.
Dan Tanguay: The team here at Vicarious Visions knew the fans really wanted Stormy Ascent, and so did we! One of the best players on the design team had beat the first game and wanted a new challenge. So, we told him to try the original Stormy Ascent. It took him 60 lives to get through it – needless to say it was much more challenging than he had expected. However, he still fell in love with it and we decided to bring it life.
Tell us about making Stormy Ascent
Taylor: I was new to games and game design back then; I didn’t have a great understanding of a difficulty curve. This level was so close to the end of the game and, you guessed it, it ended up being insanely difficult. As in, so difficult that it was hard for me, and I’m the guy who knew exactly how far Crash could jump, how late a player could take-off, and so on.
Dan: This is the “sister level” to Slippery Climb in the original Crash Bandicoot. It features the same assets but new challenges. It’s also roughly four times longer than any other level in the original game. Getting through it is a feat of both skill and endurance! Taylor’s right, it’s considered to be not only one of the most difficult levels in the original Crash Bandicoot, but probably in the entire N. Sane Trilogy.
It was challenging to first master the level so that we could accurately remaster it. In particular, the timing of the level was challenging to get right. The hazards and platforms steadily increase in speed as you go along!"
Players can download Stormy Ascent for free from now until August 19th.
