The producer of the original Crash Bandicoot game has criticised Activision’s upcoming remastered trilogy as being a “Frankenstein-ian” project, saying the franchise should have instead looked to “enthral” players with new and innovative ideas.

In a sit-down chat with Power Up Gaming, Crash developer David Siller shared his thoughts on the Vicarious Visions-developed N. Sane Trilogy, which was shown off for the first time at last weekend’s PlayStation Experience 2016 in Anaheim, California.

Siller hit the headlines last year when he claimed he had been “black-balled” by Naughty Dog and original Crash publisher Universal Interactive Studios, with his contributions to the series being “totally forgotten about”.

The following are the developer’s full thoughts on the N. Sane trilogy and its initial gameplay trailer:

The remastered game looks great no doubt. Vicarious Visions is doing a great job as well. I don’t know how it plays but if it isn’t an obvious improvement then that would be a disappointment. After twenty years there are ways to improve what was already there and instil an even better feel to complement the looks. This was no easy task and I give them credit for giving it a shot in the first place, but then what developer wouldn’t take this on as I am sure the money and potential upside was worth it.

There are a million ideas as to what form this should have taken, and Vicarious Visions is implementing some of those fan requests, but that too is quite risky. Never let the audience make the game for you! Surprise and enlighten them instead.

Was this project even a good idea, I am not sure that it was. I would have (Activision/Sony) built an amazing all new “next generation” Crash Bandicoot game that would amaze and enthral everyone from then to now, meaning new customers and the fanatic old ones as well.

Innovate and blow some minds! There is so much more that could have been offered now or even during the earlier generation of consoles. There wasn’t a Crash Bandicoot game for the PS3 now was there?

An all-new Crash Bandicoot game for PS4 should be starring Crash’s own kid and his kid’s crew. He could flashback and even tell stories of what his dad told him about “back in ‘da day”, while blazing a new trail including great new features and abilities including “techno-gadgets” that are awesome! Maybe this is actually Coco’s child but indeed the franchise could have and should now move into the future.

When I look at the new remastered game, I say “WHY”? This should be new and clever and introduce so much more gameplay techniques and interesting new story plot twists that are missing from the new remastered product (I assume). It looks like the “same ole – same ole” with just a new spiffy suit or coat of paint. They will especially sell this to everyone that already has it and a few more sure. Old is new again, just look at the Mini NES!

As a game designer, creator and producer I would have taken the course of something new and dynamic that begs to be born, over rehashed games. Show the world what new can do! If this franchise deserves to live then pump life into it, not a Frankenstein-ian effort. Why could this have not been offered on the PS3?

When asked what is your favorite film work, Hitchcock would answer “My next one”!

What are your thoughts on the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy? Do you agree with the points made by David Siller? Have your say in the comments below.