Quick Answer: The legendary Stormy Ascent level was cut from Crash Bandicoot for being too hard. Fake Crash was born from a cheap bootleg toy. Uncover these secrets and learn how to collect every Colored Gem using modern hardware like the R36S Handheld ($79.99).
Do you remember the sound of the PlayStation 1 booting up? That deep hum followed by the sparkling chime instantly transports us back to 1996. At 2Bluebox, that sound meant one thing: time to smash some crates.
We are diving into the Crash Bandicoot Stormy Ascent history, a legend of deleted content that frustrated an entire generation. We will also explore the hilarious Fake Crash Origin and provide a comprehensive Colored Gems guide to help you finally get that 100% completion.
The classic Sony PlayStation 1 startup screen — instant 90s nostalgia.1. Why Was Stormy Ascent Cut from the Original Code?
It wasn't a bug. It was a mercy killing. The level was too hard for human consumption.If you thought "Slippery Climb" was hard, Stormy Ascent was a nightmare. It was fully completed by Naughty Dog but cut at the last minute because it was simply too brutal. The level featured retracting stairs with near-instant timing and potion-throwing scientists.
Video: No Death Run — Stormy Ascent (Crash Bandicoot PS1). Credit: Jakub72.| Feature | Slippery Climb | Stormy Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Long | Double Length |
| Checkpoints | Sparse | Extremely Rare |
| Timing | Fast | Near-Instant |
2. The Legend of Fake Crash: Born from a Bootleg
He wasn't a rejected design. He was a real-life bad toy found in Japan.During the production of Crash 3, Naughty Dog found a bootleg plush toy in Japan with huge eyebrows and buck teeth. They found it so funny they bought it, named it "Trash Bandicoot," and eventually canonized him as Fake Crash (Source: Crash Mania).
The bootleg plush that inspired the “Fake Crash” inside joke.3. The Ultimate Colored Gems Guide (PS1 Original)
The Golden Rule: You must break all boxes without dying.In the original game, dying resets your box count. To get colored gems, you need a "Perfect Run."
- Green Gem (The Lost City): Look for metal jump boxes hidden in alcoves.
- Orange Gem (Generator Room): Watch the Zap-Zap-Pause pattern.
- Blue Gem (Toxic Waste): Wait for the barrels to bounce before moving.
- Red Gem (Slippery Climb): The hardest one. Memorize the moving stairs.
- Purple Gem (Lights Out): Speed is key. Use the masks wisely.
- Yellow Gem (The Lab): Time the electric gates perfectly.
Pro Tip: Playing on the R36S Handheld allows you to use "Save States," making this challenge much more manageable!
👉 Conquer Crash on R36S ($79.99)4. Why an Australian Animal?
Naughty Dog originally codenamed the character "Willie the Wombat." They chose the Bandicoot for its obscurity. This decision endeared the character to Australian gamers, but Crash became a global icon for the PlayStation brand.
5. How to Play Crash Bandicoot Today
Don't have a PS1? Here are the best modern ways to play.Portable Play: R36S Handheld
The R36S handles PS1 emulation perfectly. The dual analog sticks are great for Crash Team Racing.
Crash on the go — reliving PS1-era platformers on a modern handheld.
Big Screen: Game Stick Pro 4K
Want to play on your TV? The Game Stick Pro 4K ($59.98 USD) plugs into HDMI and includes wireless controllers.
👉 Play Crash on TV ($59.98)6. Conclusion
Crash Bandicoot defined a generation. Whether you are hunting for gems or laughing at Fake Crash, these games are timeless. With modern hardware like the R36S, preserving these memories has never been easier.
7. FAQ: Crash Secrets
Is Stormy Ascent playable on PS1?
Officially no, but GameShark codes can unlock it. It was fully released in the N. Sane Trilogy.
What is the hardest gem?
The Red Gem in "Slippery Climb" is widely considered the most difficult due to the "no death" requirement.
Can I play Crash on the Game Stick?
The Game Stick Pro includes PS1 emulation support and often comes with Crash titles pre-loaded.
8. Further Reading & Resources
We verify our gaming history with authoritative sources.
Context: Technical insight into level design.
Article: Making Crash Bandicoot
Source: Andy Gavin (Naughty Dog Co-founder)
Context: Explanation for why Stormy Ascent was cut.
Blog: Stormy Ascent Level Out Today
Source: PlayStation Blog
Context: Verification of the bootleg toy story.
Wiki: Fake Crash Entry
Source: Crash Mania Encyclopedia
