In these action platformers, Crash journeys to the fiery dragon’s Dragon Realms to help Spyro destroy his archenemy, Ripto, while Spyro blazes into the irrepressible bandicoot’s Jungle World to take on Crash’s nemesis, Dr. Neo Cortex. The new games will feature an engaging variety of gameplay, including exclusive mini-games, a robust multiplayer experience, an endless card collecting reward system and special linking features.

“Both the Crash and Spyro franchises have huge fan bases, so we are very excited to bring these top characters together in these compelling new GBA titles,” said Philip O’Neil, VU Games’ President of North America. “Crash Bandicoot Purple and Spyro Orange are perfect for gamers looking for action-packed handheld adventures.”

In Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy, Dr. Cortex (Crash’s nemesis) and Ripto (Spyro’s nemesis) have accidentally met up through underground portals and are set on taking over the entire universe. In an attempt to share resources and expand their territories, Cortex and Ripto are using the portals to flood their two worlds with their evil minions. Crash and Spyro must switch worlds with each other to discover the identity of the new menace and save the universe from this evil plot!

In both games, which were developed by Vicarious Visions, up to four players can link up for numerous multi-player modes in these side-scrolling adventures, including Party Games, Wager Games and Card Trading. Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy each features over 25 mini-games, found throughout the environments, which reward with currency, and trading cards -- a new feature for both franchises. Connecting both titles gives gamers the option of unlocking special content including additional multiplayer games, more playable characters and the full sets of Crash Bandicoot Purple and Spyro Orange collector cards.

Rated E for Everyone, Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy are currently available on the Game Boy® Advance for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For sales and ordering information, customers can visit www.vugames.com.

The Crash Bandicoot franchise made its debut in 1996 and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.* The Spyro the Dragon franchise premiered in 1998 and has sold more than 12 million units worldwide.