The Story Behind the ANCIENT MASKS of Crash Bandicoot

Crash Bandicoot doesn't have a lot when it comes to lore, but after a lot of digging, I have found some really interesting lore on the story of Aku Aku and Uka Uka, the Ancient masks of N. Sanity Isles. Let's talk about it!
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[@Kingofportals]

Aku Aku is an iconic character, Rest In Peace to his original voice actor.

[@inklingirlthegamer]

Yes i know

[@shadowmanpearson6256]

So wats the origin story of (The Elementals) masks & (The Quantum) masks know they all must been apart of that tribe as well somehow. Also instead of this lame Crash Bandicoot 4, they should of did the origin story of (Coco Bandicoot), where was she dis whole time during Crash very 1st game, NOT talking about the remaster version.

[@shadowmanpearson6256]

How did N.Gin get da rocket jammed in his head, it can't be a plain old opps accident must be more to dat story as well. Need to do a (Coco Bandicoot) Game trilogy revealing how all dat happened as well where was Coco during the original game 1.

[@tjg9778]

Lani-Loli Voice By Richard Steven Horvitz - Moxxie (helluva Boss) Akano Voice By Fred Tatasciore - Hulk (Marvel) Kupuna-Wa Voice By Cherise Boothe - Rosetta Brewster (Everyone's Hero) Ika-Ika's Optimistic Voice By Fred Tatasciore - panda's Dad (kung Fu panda)/Ika-Ika's Pessimistic Voice By zeno robinson - Alan Albright (Ben 10 alien Force and Ultimate Alien

[@iNelliiLove]

Legendary ❤

[@TheDracoManGamer]

I always knew Aku and Uka were once human men but I was always curious to know why Uka became evil... I really do hope they explain it better in a future game 🙂

[@ashrafyassen7872]

yes me to I wish why became evil it should be Reason for that

[@TheDracoManGamer]

@@TreBandicoot Hi Tre, I'm doing good. How are you?

[@roger_towny_jr]

@@ashrafyassen7872 The reason is because the game needs a badguy more intimidating than Dr. Cortex. There. That's your reason.

[@TheDracoManGamer]

@@roger_towny_jr Hmmm... I guess didn't say it was gonna be a good reason tho

[@roger_towny_jr]

@@TheDracoManGamer Do we have a "Good" reason why Bowser is Evil? Or Eggman? Or Ganon? Or King K Rool? Or Gnasty Gnork? Or Rypto? Or the Sorceress?

[@Adrian-hj7ih]

It's so... weird, while AkuAku and UkaUka was always there from the beggining... they are maybe one of the underated characters of the franchise. I have already said that and I will say it again, a game that focus on both AkuAku and UkaUka's backstory would be REALLY cool!

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

Agreed

[@elizabethfudge3189]

Totally agree with you 👍

[@Azurryu]

Some kind of Crash Bandicoot 0 that handles specifically the past, either by time traveling once more or as a bonus of a future game.

[@DarkRose0523]

I’ve always loved both of the twins, they’re easily two of my favorite characters. I do hope they delve into their backstory and maybe family. Hopefully they have a good reason for Uka to become how he is and not just for story sake❤

[@GZU]

This was a really good watch ngl and very well explained

[@aarizstudios2467]

In crash 4. Lani Loni says to aku aku how are u doing meaning they have met before. And the masks have been sleeping for centuries...

[@supremefankai5480]

Crash 4 left us with that cliffhanger that really indicates that Uka Uka is back with avengance after being left out of the whole game. I can only hope that, with him and Cortex are at the ass end of the cosmos, that he might have developed a better plan to beat Crash and co. Now I hope Crunch is part of that and maybe include more alien worlds like nitro kart introduced bringing the characters back.

[@xemulatingking5911]

and maybe the elementals?

[@supremefankai5480]

@@xemulatingking5911 A nice thing sure, but too close to the wrath of cortex. No need for a remake.

[@sebastiankulche]

People may find the scene of Bash of the beginning funny (the ancients would not allow it), but even if it more or less contradicts the events of Warped im glad they included something so minuscule like that. It shows that they are even more powerful entities than Uka Uka and Aku Aku. They are gods? They look like the statues of N Sanity Beach? I would be so happy if a new game expands the mask story. Crash has a good "story" to tell, the thing is that it never really tried.

[@DrRank]

Personal headcanon: Bash is actually the start of the timeline (at least from Aku and Uka's perspectives)

[@jfsoloasjd]

The Aku Uka brothers, are so amazing as a duo with ”one good angel and one evil devil”. They would fit as a duo of arguing consciences, like in animated cartoons, when the angel conscience tells a character to do the right and humble thing, while the devil conscience tells you to do the bad and unpleasant thing, and if the angel beats the devil, the character does the right and humble thing. When that thing happens either in cartoons or in real life, Aku Aku would be much cooler as the angel conscience and Uka Uka would be much cooler as the devil conscience. See? 🙂

[@bandicootsauce4569]

Perhaps the 'tree' that Uka Uka intended to use was the Crash Bandicoot universe/multiverse equivalent of Yggdrasil, or perhaps a temporal tree-like manifestation that literally 'branches' all timelines - the latter would tie in nicely with the time travel themes of Crash 3 and 4, as well as the dimension-hopping themes of Twinsanity to an extent.

[@KnuttyEntertainment]

Apparently the tree has something to do with the elemental masks from wrath of cortex

[@MrsJoker-fo9ls]

0:18 " plank of woods that protect him from enemies " Me: except twinsanity

[@MrsJoker-fo9ls]

@@kirtheweasel 100% agree

[@Harper_Onions]

Unfortunately the Ancients would not allow it. ... I have one joke and I'm gonna get a lotta use outta it.

[@10RexTheWolf01]

And kinda It's About Time. The mask is not as reliable as the previous ones when it comes to obstacles especially when you get all 3.

[@MrsJoker-fo9ls]

@@10RexTheWolf01 to me i find it difficult to survive since some obstacles are extreme to pass without getting hit.

[@MSCLeap75]

@@kirtheweasel "kinda buggy game" is an understatement cause it's the most unfinished buggy game in the series, and it's arguably a decent game despite its many flaws.

[@A-Nationverse]

Interesting CGE. This could explain why the brothers are fighting each other in the Crash Bandicoot games. Aku Aku always protected the bandicoots from harm in the games. Maybe future Crash Bandicoot games will explain more about Aku Aku and Uka Uka. My question is how does the brothers know about the quantum mask and the elemental mask in the first place? Great video CGE.

[@serPomiz]

the importance of masks and their magic when it comes to insanity island is evident, so being point of contact between the smasks group is a given. hoever, without details, we can only speculate

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

It's possible both represented good and evil, and they kept the balance when they were humans. The change must of spread into their spell, which probably went wrong

[@SoulofStalker]

The editing on this video is 10/10

[@valemaxema73]

The connection between the masks and the inhabitants of the islands taking cues from Papu Papu's headwear is a neat lore idea

[@danielivey562]

20/10 editing, CGE. And shoutout to Mel the Honeybee for her amazing artworks of Aku Aku and Uka Uka as humans!!!!

[@Azurryu]

This screams for some kind of Crash Bandicoot 0 where we specifically explore the back story of Aku Aku and Uka Uka.

[@Hadeks_Marow]

OOOOOO, I KNOW THIS ONE!!!! It's one of my favorite stories: Long ago in a distant land, Aku, the shapeshifting Master of Darkness, unleashed an unspeakable evil. But a foolish Samurai warrior, wielding a magic sword, stepped forth to oppose it. Before the final blow was struck, Aku tore open a portal in time and flung the samurai into the future, where Aku's evil was law. Ever since, the fool seeked to return to the past and undo the future that was Aku. 50 years had passed, but... the samurai did not age. Time had lost its effect on the foolish displaced warrior. Yet, the suffering continued. Aku's grasp choked the past, present... and future. Hope was lost.

[@chef_boysauce4399]

Awesome editing. Is this part of the experiment your were talking about in a community post? The visuals and topic of this video were very interesting and entertaining

[@MrsJoker-fo9ls]

Am not gonna lie; i never considered the lore of Aku & Uka. I think Uka offered to be an ally & told about power crystals to Cortex in exchange for his freedom from the tumble

[@thej0k3r34]

This would actually make for an interesting game. Crash Bandicoot 5: Mask-erade where Crash & Coco travel through time to try to figure out Aku Aku and Uka Uka’s backstories, then diving into the history of the other 4 masks to try to stop Uka Uka from doing some evil plan. Like maybe the last 2-3 level worlds are based around Uka Uka and you find out what event caused him to turn evil and can try to undo that event with a boss fight.

[@Zenlore6499]

I’m gonna say those socks Uka Uka gave to his mother had something to do with his corruption!

[@Evil_Teddy_Toybox]

Crash:so you're kinda like my Dad. Cortex:I mean I guess.

[@Squidfish77]

Wow this was so impressive and great editing!

[@JohndrewtheSylveonking]

I’m surprised that Naughty Dog didn’t flesh out Papu Papu and how he could have been apart of all this. Like, notice he too has a double name!

[@Harper_Onions]

According to the Crash 1 Mannual, not the greatest source... “We think Papu Papu is native for 'Pass me that dish again, mate.' "

[@DannyConeHeadOnceLer]

Good point there, like why didn't they use him more?

[@Ospyro3em]

Since the Aku-Uka brothers lived centuries ago, and the native tribe has continued to inhabit these islands after all this time, I wouldn't be surprised if Papu Papu was a distant descendant

[@LordTchernobog]

More like: ND: "Look, we have a story for the game and..." Universal: "Yeah, yeah, fuck that just make that stupid ass game, and make me and for Sony (but mostly for me, muhahaha!) money by making a damn videogame for those damn kids!" ND: "But..." Universal: "Are you deaf and/or stupid? GTFO and work!"

[@DannyConeHeadOnceLer]

@@Ospyro3em true

[@GeoGames_Dev]

Awesome editing!!! Hoping that this vid not only explodes so you get to do more, but gives Toys for Bob an inspiration to develop the lore behind masks even further in a future crash project.

[@emeraldqueen1994]

Watching this video while I’m waiting for tonight’s livestream

[@getshwifty3101]

Honestly, I know it's just pure speculation. But given their personalities, I think that they d start off protecting the tribe. Before becoming the masks. But I think what happened with Uka Uka was just his personality. It seems like he would've been the kind to realize with his new immortality, praise just wasn't enough. He needed more. Or he even could've been like that before, and Aku Aku just didn't see it since they were brothers. Aku Aku strikes me with those vibes. Idk, but it's fun thinking what could(n't) be likely.

[@botedevries]

This video is awesome!! I love lore videos like this!! :D

[@mecaxs658]

I wish you linked sources for anything in this video, I know in crash of the titans and the DS version of MOM, there’s murals depicting Aku aku and Uka uka’s past. I know nothing about the lore from the manuals but I feel like some of this lore could be up for interpretation, especially the murals. I especially want to know where you got this tree idea from or that the 2 masks were once human.

[@ljproductions4026]

Man Mel Winker did a really good job as aku-aku very sad he passed away but I will always remember him as the voice of one of the coolest video game characters

[@Mr._XStence]

In Wrath of Cortex Aku Aku protects Crash from pitfalls.

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

I hope in Crash 5 we get more history with these two, and more exploration of the island.

[@tylermatthew349]

Don’t worry we probably getting crash 5 2022 or 2023 also they might make it same with Spyro 4 to as well

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

@@tylermatthew349 I highly doubt it’s going to be 2022, 2023 would be cool or an announcement of it would be nice.

[@tylermatthew349]

@@paladinheadquarters7776 yea I agree

[@crashtefano]

It would also be interesting to know about the origin of crystals and gems. They are important to the story since Crash has to collect them in order to save the world, Cortex wants them for his evil plans and they seem to be Uka Uka's main goal in Warped and even in Crash Bash, but we really don't know much about why they were such a big deal, how Uka Uka got seemingly obsessed with them since his introduction to the series, when Cortex got to know about them (maybe he was told by Uka Uka?) and where they basically came from. It's another missing piece of lore that might even fit some place in Uka Uka's origins story, which is the main topic of this video

[@elusivenarwhal1996]

We need a novel based on Uka and Aku's origins asap!

[@Harper_Onions]

Could that giant tree be the Uka tree? - The tree on Wumpa Island Aka the second island in Crash 1... If we include MoM as Canon which it kinda loosely is, their mother is probably a mask too.

[@u.dplaythroughs8486]

That is the Uka Tree, it's mentioned in Crash of the Titans

[@imamimemotherf6938]

This is one of the best videos you've ever made. Thank you CGE!

[@mediamuncher6982]

Will you go into the lore of the crash bibles,the full backstory of cortex,n brio, and n gin,the continuity errors that are in the series ,and make a canon timeline to the crash games. Please and btw nice video dude I don't mind seeing other videos like these I'm gakd your opening your horizons to make other videos that aren't discussion vids (Btw I don't mind them).

[@toxic_gin]

Very interesting video, and I love the art for them as humans very cool.

[@Nightsky6823]

Loved the editing. Also enjoyed that you took the time to put together these two character's story. Good job 👏

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

But I still do not know why Papu Papus tribe hates crash and aku aku so much. Is it just them being protective or is there more to the story?

[@zurimoore2545]

They should make a movie about them to talk about their back story

[@naed_coral]

Wow! That animation is so good, it could fit in as a prequel in say... I don't know... the first episode of an animated crash bandicoot series maybe :) Also - I hate that Crash lore is so thin... If I had a crash licence I would be creating so much lore, but without annoying the fanbase :D Correction too - N.sanity Island isn't Australian per se, but more so fictional land in between Africa and Indonesia otherwise stated as forming the wumpa isles which may as well practically be in the middle of the Indian Ocean closer to existing between Mauritius-Maldives-Cocos - the only Australian parts really are the bandicoot, roo of ripper, koala of kong and of course dingodile, remembering there are no komodo dragons or monkeys in Australia :)

[@roger_towny_jr]

I got a pitch for a future Crash Game: It opens with an alternate universe Nina Cortex stumbling into our universe. She sees Crash, instantly panics, and tries to attack him. Opening boss fight. Doesn't work. Afterwards, Tiny and Dingodile (one that still uses his flamethrower) come in from the same rift appearing to be trying to chase the fugitive [Nina] down. After escaping them, Nina explains to our Crash and Co that she comes from a universe where her uncle Cotex, as well as N.Brio, N.Gin., and even N.Tropy are all dead after a mutiny from her uncle's creations, and the general leading the huntdown of all humanity and the hostile takeover of the anthropomorphic race... is Crashworth Cortex the First. Crashworth, when we're introduced to him, speaks quite intellectually and is very forthright on what his motives are (think Emperor Nefarious from Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart). Cruch is his top assassin, and gives major Winter Soldier vibes. Tawna leads his brass shock troopers called the Nitro Squad. Coco is his top scientist who he keeps under high security at all times. And in the final boss fight, it is revealed that Crashworth has mastered control of all four elemental masks. So it's Crash [and the quantum masks] vs his evil alter ego with the powers of the Avatar.

[@DrRank]

Personal headcanon: Aku and Uka were once aligned, thwarting the Elementals prior to Wrath of Cortex. But when the deed was done, Uka Uka got greedy and wanted the Crystals and their power for himself. This led to the brothers arguing over the rights to them, which they settle in the events of Crash Bash, summoning their players from across space and time. Canonically, the good guys won, and Uka was imprisoned for cheating in the games.

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

That’s what I was thinking too.

[@ricardofernandesdesouza9823]

3:50 maybe this "Giant Tree" is the one on top of the second island from the PS1 era...

[@ashrafyassen7872]

Thank you. I hope you work on Crash stories. More and more, your explanation is very nice

[@firebug9482]

I've wanted a video like this for a while! I REALLY hope they take about the brother's past in a future game! Crossing my fingers!

[@johnathan1506]

Reminder that Uka Uka once bought his mother a pair of socks, despite knowing shes a mask without any feet 😂

[@flipyapd2321]

Never thought there would be lore to Crash Bandicoot 🤣

[@TheStarBot]

They could easily make a movie with this plot

[@danysime30]

as you can see, papu papu’s tfb design (he was removed from crash 4), has a mask that looks like wa-wa, one of the crash twoc’s masks

[@spectradusker4305]

I never gave a thought to Crash and Coco being adopte siblings, but it does make sense

[@ironmaster8925]

I really will we got some backstory on all the masks, like a short film explaining all their history and importance and purpose and how they all relate. Like id love to know what the quantum masks and Elemental masks think of eachother.

[@stefanloncar6868]

Let’s not forget ancients they mentioned in Crash Bash

[@tylermatthew349]

Yes the cutscenes there were

[@zurimoore2545]

Imagine if papu papu was a incarnation if a tribal mask too like aku aku and uka uka

[@stefanloncar6868]

7:21 Would be nice if future game explains more about N. Tropy Where he came from and how he meet Cortex

[@DannyBenS94]

Well now we need a game where Crash, Coco and friends go to the past to see the origins of the mask brothers

[@CosmicStardust2025]

The Aku Uka Brothers Once United as said in Crash Twinsanity after they freed him from his ice prison. Till Aku Aku convinced Uka Uka that a greater evil is out doing him that made him Jealous to form the Aku Uka Brothers to be United once more.

[@MrSinjoy]

They also have mother who is also a mask...

[@marc6371]

Yes yes I know I'm very late but, I like to think that the temple level in crash 1 on Cortex Island is Uka Uka's temple prison.

[@2funnyrockrs]

Would love to see Crunch make an appearance in / if there’s a next game. There really is so much more they can do with all these characters. Amazing video!

[@TheSmashWaffle]

Given the teaser for what comes next for Crash features Uka Uka's return, I'm willing to bet Crash 5 will deal with the lore behind the masks.

[@steveg9302]

This was interesting... the Crash lore has been so disrupted by developers that it's almost impossible to track. 4:35 Are you sure it's an Australian Island? The game seems more to be a caribbean one given the palm trees and Mayan-inspired temples... I don't know much about the Aboriginals in Aussieland, but I don't think they had the type of tombs, temples and structures as the Mayans did in the Caribbean Mexican Peninsula of Yucatan... but thenagain tazmanians and bandicoots are native to Australia... maybe I'm wrong. Eitherway, thanks for the vid💯

[@susiehaltmann3342]

Questions about Uka Uka because his introduction was kind of terrible in Crash 3 (yes i said it), 1: How did Uka-Uka meet Cortex? 2. Why does he need Cortex? 3. How did Uka-Uka and Aku-Aku end up being the exact opposite in terms of personality? 4: In Crash 3 Uka Uka was locked up in the underground prison for "many eons" according to Aku Aku so firstly well yeah HOW DID HE GO FOR THAT LONG IN THERE?! BUT 5. HOW DID HE "send simple instructions" TO CORTEX?! 6. In the pre-series it's said that Cortex wanted to rule the world on his own which in itself makes no sense cause then why do we need Uka Uka? 7. If Aku Aku and Uka Uka are brothers then WHOS THE MOTHER?! AND FINALLY 8. It's stated that Uka Uka and Aku Aku are TWIN brothers but also that Aku Aku is older? YOU SEE WHERE I'M GETTING AT WITH THIS?!

[@Nintentoni]

1-7; I have no answer 8: they mean older by a thew minutes

[@fatasscatinatuxedo2]

3:27 Gotta rule 'em all!

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

You should do more Crash lore videos if you can, this was really cool.

[@dynamicyouthtube]

1 yr later I still watch this

[@peppyrobo7049]

I never noticed papu papus mask before and it actually looks really cool.

[@eeveefennecfox]

that's a nice little backstory

[@kimberlylamm7677]

I hope this kind of backstory gets explored on as well as who were crash’s and Coco’s biological parents before cortex attempted to use the latters for world domination in the 5th installment. (Also brio’s revealed motives in the 2nd installment because even though he works alongside cortex, he doesn’t think of him as a colleague for some reason like N. Tropy.)

[@kimberlylamm7677]

Also, did you know that yo-Yos were once used as weapons in Philippines?

[@bobafett4265]

Honestly I always believed that Uka Uka went to the Dark Side due to power, like he simply got power hungry and enjoyed it, got more arrogant the more he got or something like that. Honestly this subject about what the main two masks were before we got here and the simple very much established thing of them being Human at one point before passing on and their Spirits lived on in the Masks they made themselves.

[@erindelgado9639]

Great video you made. I am amazed you made those great view shots of the levels and cutscenes. How you do that? You know a guy named Square Eyed Jak? He does the same for his amazing videos when discussing Spyro, Crash & Jak & Daxter.

[@StickySucksAtGames]

Ok man, this video gave me the chills!

[@LordTchernobog]

CGE: "Crash's lore is... umm... very thin... Gex: Umm... Jazz Jackrabbit: Shut up! Croc: Don't let him talk! Giana: Who? Dangerous Dave: Shhhh!!! Joke aside, back in the 90th-ies, lore for platforms like not exist, but a short story-thingy, what's the game about, and that's it. It's just a videogame, you might like to play, and then BOOM, nobody would give a shit to such thing like... lore!

[@roger_towny_jr]

We should have a game titled Crash Origins, that alternates between playing Crash, and flashbacks of the exploits of human shaman Aku Aku.

[@DivineChanneling444]

This was great !!

[@markgill346]

The Islands are called The Wumpa Islands and the Island the Bandicoots live on is N.Sanity Island

[@zurimoore2545]

Rest IN power to mel Winkler the original voice of AKU AKU 🧬🕊🌿🦅🦜🌅🌄🪶🪶🌴👑

[@RedpilledKazuya]

Nice video, can you make one for the Elementals too? I was so obsesed with them as a kid.

[@whatthejim]

This video was awesome to watch, I learned a lot and the editing was brilliant! Well done to everyone involved!!!😃👍☮️❤️

[@FreeAimDog]

i been playing crash 4 since its been on ps plus and i will admit its pretty hard and im only on the 5th or 6th level.

[@timothymorehouse1255]

I always thought that he said Portugal when realsing the aku aku

[@Horrorcrusher8312]

I think Uka Uka was tempted by either demons or evil spirits, with acquiring power beyond his wildest dreams.

[@gamerboysplays]

Can we get a history of Ripper roo

[@zurimoore2545]

Do another video about the tribal mask dude

[@10RexTheWolf01]

I hope when they make crash 5 they add this stuff in the story. I hope Papu-Papu becomes a mask too.

[@robertx3175]

At 6:36 you say "his adopted sister, Coco" - where was it stated they the pair are adopted siblings? In a flashback tape? I always assumed Crash and Coco were blood relatives.

[@aso8782]

Very nice video like always! 💖

[@shadowhell8378]

Maybe in crash 5 we'll get the elemental masks, crunch and more back story

[@zurimoore2545]

Back when they were humans they were a native indigenous roce of tribal people just like papu papu they kinda remind me of the Papu new geneainan Race in the pacific Islands they are shamen,s their too that work with magic in real life in their respective places in general thanks for makeing this video it means a lot

[@Bkuuzin]

Interesting history!

[@jamesgallagher100]

i love crash bandicoot

[@jamesgallagher100]

i miss first voice of aku aku like the late mel whinkler i hope see him in heaven but clancy brown lives i hope i meet him and greg eagles i met john dimaggio at comiccon

[@houseofskydartvanvixen4490]

1:56 3:55 6:32 7:03 Is it okay if I made a comic about this on DeviantArt with a couple of my thoughts? I’ll make sure to credit you.

[@ChristianLakhan]

I like your story.

[@ckcrashking7093]

Wow😮 good story. It was so perfect😂👌👍

[@codymerrell976]

Any News on the new SPYRO 4 ?

[@munaweheliye9268]

Can you make a video in dehp about every character from crash bandicoot files

[@thewrakage5158]

WHOOPLAGAH!!

[@caiofiuzaseixas9027]

Tiny was not created by cortex but by brio

[@dianajanevivas8819]

Aku aku