AstrobotThe success in the few months it was released was simply spectacular. Players quickly fell in love with the beautiful robot and the vibrant, breathtaking worlds he explores in search of his crew. The abundance of creativity and charm on display in every facet of Astrobot makes its recent success at The Game Awards even clearer. In truth, AstrobotClaiming the top prize only cemented the title as one of the best offerings currently available on PlayStation 5.
AstrobotSony's Game of the Year win is certainly a validation for Sony in allowing developer Team Asobi to create a PlayStation 5 title that contrasts sharply with the studio's other offerings. However, this victory may be more important than it seemed at first glance. The enormous success that Astrobot saw it is the sign that Sony needed for years to re-immerse itself in a gaming genre in which it has already excelledand a genre that current PlayStation gamers are still interested in.
Astro Bot is one of the most original PS5 exclusives
The game is widely accessible to multiple players
AstrobotThe appeal of it as a PS5 exclusive lies in its originality and creativity. Like a 3D platformer, contrasts greatly with most other PS5 exclusives that are more action-packed and targeted at an older demographic. AstrobotThe accessibility and innocent art style make it an ideal game to appeal to younger, more casual players, while the game's infectious charm and wonder make it easy for more experienced players to get involved in Astro's adventure. Astrobot it contrasts greatly with other exclusives with its much broader appeal, which has likely contributed to its success.
The game also stands out for its addictive and engaging gameplay. Astrobot is one of the few PS5 titles to make the most of the DualSense controller, integrating its diverse features in unique ways. Whether using the gyroscope controls to climb or feeling the tension on the triggers when using some of Astro's new abilities, the game adds another level of interaction that makes the experience more engaging and immersive. Combine it with a series of expansive, beautifully designed levels, and players have one of the best 3D platformers in years with Astrobot.
AstrobotThe abundance of charm and originality demonstrates the need for PlayStation to include more 3D platformers. Sony's latest venture into the genre is clear proof of the avalanche of original ideas and unique gaming experiences that have yet to be discovered. The creativity, innovation and broad appeal that the 3D platforming genre provides gives PlayStation an excellent opportunity for success, and yet there is currently no sign that this direction will be taken in the near future.
The PlayStation was once home to incredible 3D platformers
These titles rivaled the likes of Nintendo
The lack of new 3D platformers on PlayStation is genuinely heartbreaking, especially considering its previous success in the genre. From the original console, franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon were at the forefront of the gaming revolution promoted by PlayStation. CollideThe appeal of came in its more literal translation of 2D platforming and its challenging level design, while Spy offered a unique take on the console games that dominated 3D gaming at the time, thanks to a diverse set of movements and whimsical environments.
Even with the release of the PlayStation 2, 3D platformers continued to be a large part of the PlayStation catalogue. Ratchet and Clank and Cunning Cooper continued experimenting with the genre, with its fusion of third-person shooter and stealth gameplay, respectively. Sony's commitment to creating inventive and fun 3D platformers for PlayStation has resulted in some of the best titles from the console line's first generationsand placed the genre on a level of importance similar to the plethora of other titles on offer.
There was a clear understanding on Sony's part of the potential for creativity and innovation in the 3D platformer genre. The decision to release exclusives that took advantage of this potential resulted in a series of incredible titles that rivaled the likes of Nintendo. It felt like PlayStation developers were just scratching the surface of what was possiblemaking the decision to abandon 3D platformers in later generations all the more perplexing. Sony is sitting on a gold mine that it refuses to tap, despite the massive success behind it.
Astro Bot could be the renaissance the PlayStation needs
There is still a clear interest among gamers in the genre
The lack of 3D platforming on PlayStation means that Astrobotsuccess is even more important. Its multiple wins at The Game Awards are a clear recognition of Astrobotthe impact and abundance of creativity on display. In a year of incredible games, Astrobot went above the rest to take the grand prize, showing the need for 3D platform games to receive more recognition, especially on PlayStation. In fact, with your number of compliments, Astrobot It could be the perfect start to a 3D platformer renaissance on PlayStation.
It's clear that PlayStation gamers are more than happy to see such a revival. In the few months since its release, Astrobot managed to sell more than 1.5 million copies, according to a Sony financial report, demonstrating continued interest in 3D platforming on PlayStation. All signs point to Astrobot being the catalyst for a major revival of the genre, which Sony should take advantage of for the PlayStation.
If Sony wants to continue PlayStation's track record of incredible exclusive titles, 3D platformers must be included in the conversation. Whether in the form of a Astrobot sequel, or an entirely new IP, the genre continues to harbor a mountain of untapped potential that can be explored. Creative titles like Astrobot deserve to stand on the same pedestal as other well-known PlayStation franchises, offering incredible gaming experiences for players of any age and level, while also shining a spotlight on a genre that is often kept in the shadows.
Sources: PlayStation/YouTube, Sony