Astro Botbrings a welcome return to 3D platformers, and the many cameos throughout the game only elevate its fun gameplay. What was originally a pack-in game to help demonstrate the capabilities of the PS5 became a major hit. Now, a full-blownAstro Botgame is finally here, and it has proven to be one of the strongest platformers in recent memory.
Not only does the game boast fantastic platformer gameplay, it is also a massive celebration of PlayStation exclusives.The long list of cameos inAstro Botreferences the likes ofGod of War,Uncharted,The Last of Us, and evenDays Gone. Many of the most beloved titles in PlayStation’s history get a fun nod, but the roster isn’t entirely complete. There are some surprising additions to the game, likeOddworldandKillzone, but one wildly popular ongoing franchise is completely missing.Final Fantasyis nowhere in sight, and it is one ofAstro Bot’s most surprising omissions.
Astro Bot Not Having Final Fantasy Leaves a Large Hole in the Game
Final Fantasy’s Absence Raises Questions
TheFinal Fantasyfranchise is an incredibly important franchise to the Sony console’s success.Final Fantasy 7launching for the PlayStation back in 1997 didn’t just breathe new life into the franchise, it solidified the PlayStation as a worthy console. The game and console are intrinsically intertwined, and the gaming landscape could look quite different today if Square Enix hadn’t chosen the PlayStation asFinal Fantasy 7’s home. Now thatFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthis exclusive to the PS5, it is incredibly surprising thatAstro Botforegoes the title.
Even more confusing is howAstro Bot’s predecessor,Astro’s Playroom, referencesFinal Fantasy 7. InAstro’s Playroom, there is a fun reference tothe iconic Buster Sword. Since there was a clear mention ofFinal Fantasy 7in the pack-in game,Astro Botnot building on this reference is a missed opportunity. ForAstro Botto feature cult classic games likeMediEvil, one would think that Sony would want to feature one of its most essential titles that is still just as popular, if not more so.
Square Enix’s other big franchise,Kingdom Hearts, and Insomniac’sSpider-Manare also absent fromAstro Bot.
This is a surprising franchise to leave out ofAstro Bot, butthe diminishing exclusivity between Square Enix and Sonycould unfortunately be the reasoning behind this. It has been made clear by Square Enix that the company wishes to branch out and reach more players. Squre Enix’s multiplatform aspirations may have squashed any possible talks about featuringFinal FantasyinAstro Bot.
Final Fantasy’s Absence is One of the Few Blemishes on a Near-Perfect Platformer
The days of pure mascot-led platformers have felt like a relic of the past for a long time.Astro Botfinally brings this genre back to life with a near-perfect experience. As of now,Astro Botis the highest-rated game of the year, and it will be exciting to see how it stacks up against other games at this year’s Game Awards. Despite the stellar launch, featuringFinal Fantasywould have been the cherry on top of a wonderfully crafted ode to the history of the PlayStation.
On the one hand, it is understandable as to why Square Enix wishes to expand its audience. However, on the other hand, these aspirations potentially being the reason for noFinal FantasyinAstro Botis a small casualty. It is a disappointing omission, but thankfully,Astro Botand its gameplayare so good that it is easy to get past.
