Astro Bot Dev Speaks Out on Final Fantasy VII Controversy

Astro Bot isn't just a brilliant adventure platformer; it's also an homage to PlayStation history. Sometimes it feels like a Funko Pop branding exercise, but it's fun to see all the nods to important games and characters from the platform's past. However, some absences, like Final Fantasy VII, are noticeable, especially since they appeared in the PS5's original Astro's Playroom pack-in launch game.

Team Asobi's Take on Missing Bots

Team Asobi studio head Nicolas Doucet recently discussed how the game's over 300 bots were selected and created. In an interview, Doucet mentioned that they had hoped for many characters, and almost 100 made it into the game because partners were eager to participate.

However, not all characters made the cut. Doucet diplomatically explained that the absence of bots from Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Nier was due to respecting each publisher's choice.

Why Some Characters Were Left Out

Other missing bots, like Twisted Metal's psychopathic clown Sweet Tooth, were left out at Team Asobi's discretion. Doucet mentioned that former Twisted Metal developers advised them to exclude the character to avoid awkward explanations for kids playing the game.

New Additions and Future Updates

Team Asobi recently revealed Astro Bot's first free expansion at the State of Play showcase. This expansion will include additional bots representing Helldivers and Stellar Blade, among others, as well as new speedrunning challenge levels.

Fans had already speculated on additional cameos coming to the game via references in its end credits. These include Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil and Assassin's Creed, and Koei Tecmo's Rise of the Ronin.

What's Next for Astro Bot?

We'll see what other gaming nods, references, and deep cuts get added to Astro Bot in the future. While it would be neat to see its galaxy continue to expand with new worlds, getting an Astro Bot 2 sequel before the end of the PS5's lifespan would be even better.

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