Summary
The director ofAstro Botrecently provided some clarity on the lack of a big Square Enix cameo in the 3D platformer. AlthoughAstro Botfeatures over 150 VIP bots inspired by PlayStation’s rich lineage, fans have been confused about the bizarre absence of a certain character that was pivotal to the brand in its early days.
Having launched a few weeks ago on September 6,Astro Bot’s critical receptionhas been nothing short of outstanding. Reviewers raved about the platformer’s slick gameplay loop and overwhelming charm, butAstro Bot’s biggest selling point is undoubtedly its extensive list of PlayStation-inspired cameos that the titular protagonist has to rescue within the game’s levels. All told,Astro Botfeatures 173 VIP bots, and this roster is only set to increase over time.
An upcomingAstro BotDLC will add new levels and cameosthis fall, but even then, the game has a dearth of representation from certain franchises and characters closely linked to PlayStation, withFinal Fantasy 7’s Cloud Strifebeing one of the most conspicuous absences. In a recentinterview with Game File,Astro Botdirector Nicolas Doucet suggested that Team Asobi did draw up plans for a Cloud Strife cameo in the game, but these were apparently shot down for reasons that are “difficult to comment on.”
The Absence of Cloud Strife and Final Fantasy 7 in Astro Bot Was a Square Enix Decision
Doucet capped off his quote by expressing that Team Asobi respects “the choice of each publisher,” which certainly implies that Square Enix itself refused the prospect of a Cloud Strife cameo inAstro Bot. It’s an odd decision, sinceFinal Fantasy 7was monumentally crucial to the PS1’s popularityand ended up being the second best-selling game on the platform. Moreover,Astro’s Playroomfeatured a nod toFinal Fantasy 7in the form of Cloud’s Buster Sword, so Square Enix backing out ofAstro Botis very strange indeed.
However, this isn’t just limited to Cloud Strife or evenFinal Fantasy 7, as there is absolutely no Square Enix representation inAstro Bot. Franchises likeDragon Quest,Chrono,Life Is Strange,Kingdom Hearts,Star Ocean, and more are entirely missing from the game, which is disappointing since fans of these franchises could’ve gotten a kick out of seeing them referenced inAstro Bot. Square Enix’s reasons for skipping out on the cameos are unknown, but hopefullyAstro Bot’s impressive sales performancewill make the Japanese gaming giant reconsider its position.
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