Astro Bot isn’t only a good journey platformer, it’s additionally an homage to PlayStation historical past. Typically that may make it really feel like a Funko Pop branding train, but it surely’s additionally enjoyable to see all the nods to vital video games and characters from the platform’s previous. That’s made some absences, like Ultimate Fantasy VII, all of the extra noticeable, particularly since they appeared within the PS5’s authentic Astro’s Playroom pack-in launch recreation.
Workforce Asobi studio head Nicolas Doucet, who directed Astro Bot, was requested about how the sport’s over 300 bots had been chosen and created in a current interview with Sport File. “I used to be pondering, ‘Properly, perhaps half of those we’re wishing for will make it,” he mentioned. “In the long run, in reality, virtually 100% are in, as a result of these companions simply raised their hand and mentioned, ‘Completely.’”
However seemingly not all. With reference to lacking bots from Ultimate Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Nier, Doucet was diplomatic about why they didn’t find yourself within the recreation. “It’s tough to touch upon that,” he mentioned. “We actually respect the selection of every writer.” Different lacking bots, like Twisted Steel’s psychopathic clown Candy Tooth, had been at Workforce Asobi’s discretion. “They suggested us—they didn’t drive us—and we agreed that it was higher to go away this character out,” Doucet mentioned citing conversations with former Twisted Steel devs. “As a result of, if you happen to’re enjoying together with your children, we don’t need you to have to elucidate what this character does.”
Workforce Asobi not too long ago revealed Astro Bot’s first free enlargement eventually week’s State of Play showcase, which is able to embody extra bots representing Helldivers and Stellar Blade amongst others, in addition to new speedrunning problem ranges. Previous to that, followers had already speculated on extra cameos coming to the sport through references in its finish credit. These embody Ubisoft’s Past Good & Evil and Murderer’s Creed and Koei Tecmo’s Rise of the Ronin.
We’ll see what different gaming nods, references, and deep cuts get added to Astro Bot sooner or later, and what the ultimate variety of bots finally ends up capping out at. Whereas it might be neat to see its galaxy proceed to develop with new worlds, getting an Astro Bot 2 sequel earlier than the top of the PS5’s lifespan could be even higher.