Summary
Making his debut in 2013’sPlayroom– a collection of AR minigames that was preloaded onto the PS4 –Astro Bothas appeared quite a few times over the last decade. Astro Bot’s first big break came in 2018 with the release of the PSVR-exclusiveAstro Bot Rescue Mission, a surprisingly great VR platformer that saw players control the titular robotic hero as he jumped and spun his way through a variety of vibrant levels, all packed with PlayStation references. Those without VR got their first taste ofAstro Botplatforming gameplay withAstro’s Playroom, a PS5 pack-in title specifically designed to teach players about the DualSense’s capabilities.
But while all ofAstro Bot’s previous appearanceshave revolved around celebrating PlayStation’s legacy in one way or another, the upcoming full-length platformer,Astro Bot, is taking things to the next level. Based on its trailers,Astro Botis going to feature a wealth of cameos from roboified PlayStation icons. But there’s another celebration of PlayStation’s long legacy inAstro Botthat runs much deeper, with the game essentially reigniting the torch for PlayStation’s classic mascot platformers.
Astro Bot Is Carrying the Torch Forward for PlayStation’s Platforming Mascots
PlayStation Used to be Home to Some of the Best Platforming Mascots
For decades, PlayStation used to be the one-stop-shop for mascot platformers. While Nintendo hadSuper Marioand all of that franchise’s spinoffs, PlayStation was home to a plethora of iconic platforming heroes, and that remained true for well over a decade. Some of the earliestPlayStation platformer mascotswere Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, two of the most iconic characters in all of gaming who both pledged allegiance to PlayStation for quite some time.
Though early platformers likeCrash BandicootandSpyro the Dragonwere big draws for Sony’s PlayStation, the company’s penchant for mascot-driven platformers continued long into the PlayStation 2’s lifetime.Jak and Daxter,Ratchet and Clank, andSly Cooperare all still considered some of the strongest games on the PS2, and all three franchises remain exclusive to PlayStation.
But it’s been quite some time since a platforming mascot took center stage inPlayStation’s first-party line-up. Though there have been outliers likeRatchet and Clank: Rift Apart, most PlayStation mascot platformers have faded into the background, or have moved out of the realm of exclusivity. ButAstro Botis here to reignite the spark.
How Astro Bot Is Carrying Their Legacy Forward for PlayStation’s Mascots
For the first time in a long time, PlayStation is about to release a full-length,big-budget mascot platformerwithAstro Bot. At its core,Astro Botappears to be a modern-day version of the mascot platformers that have come before it, boasting many of the same gameplay mechanics and level design quirks, albeit with plenty of new features and up-to-date visuals.
Much likeAstro’s Playroombefore it,Astro Botwill have players using the DualSense controller to interact with the game world in unique ways, such as the “Dual Speeder,” Astro’s main form of traversal that requires the player to hold both triggers down and physically tilt their controller to maneuver. But aside from these innovative moments,Astro Bot’s core gameplaywill consist of running, jumping, and spinning into enemies, a gameplay loop that should fuel classic platformer fans with nostalgia.
JOIN ASTRO IN A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSIZED SPACE ADVENTURE
The PS5® mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the bot crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO’s new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe!
Blast off on a supersized adventure
From sandy beaches to lush jungles and piping-hot volcanoes, explore a myriad of memorable planets in search of Astro’s lost crew!
Power up your platforming
With your new powers, battle out a whole new roster of quirky baddies and huge bosses. Feel every hop, punch and crack through your DualSense wireless controller.
Join the PlayStation celebration
Reunite with over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes and celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history!
