Summary
Astro Botdoes not feature anyReturnalreferences itself - only if players transfer a bot fromAstro’s Playroom. A big draw ofAstro Botis exploring its worlds in search of the game’s various VIP bots, which are modeled after various video game characters. Nearly all of PlayStation’s biggest franchises are represented inAstro Bot, with 169 cameo bots to discover in the game itself.
With 169 to find, there are plenty ofAstro Botcameos for players to discover, ranging from old-school characters like Crash Bandicoot to more modern heroes like Nathan Drake. That’s what makes it so puzzling why one PS5 exclusive seems to have been snubbed byAstro Bot, though it does get a little love for those that have transferred their special bots fromAstro’s Playroom.
A lot of PS5 gamers may not have even realized this, butAstro’s Playroomreceived multiple updates in the lead-up toAstro Botthat added new special bots to collect. Among these is abot based on SelenefromReturnal. The other three are bots fromBloodborne,Gran Turismo, andApe Escape. All four bots can be transferred toAstro Bot, where they will appear in the game’s hub world. However, the fact remains that, unless I missed some obscure reference somewhere,Astro Botitself doesn’t pay any kind of tribute toReturnal.
Astro Bot Doesn’t Have Returnal References, Unless You Transfer from Astro’s Playroom
Indeed, the other three special bots fromAstro’s Playroomstill have their franchises well-represented inAstro Bot.Astro Botplayers can unlock aGran Turismo-themed outfit from the gacha machine, while there is an entire level dedicated toApe Escape.Bloodbornealso has its own botto collect inAstro Bot, withReturnalthe only game requiring players to play throughAstro’s Playroomto get representation.
It’s unclear exactly why the ball was dropped when it comes toReturnalrepresentation inAstro Bot, but it was probably just an innocent oversight.Astro Botexhaustively pays tribute to PlayStation throughout the entire experience, and so the lack of love forReturnalin the game itself, while disappointing, shouldn’t be taken as a reflection of what Sony thinks of the IP. After all,Returnalearned rave reviews, won multiple awards, and was even ported to PC.
Any PlayStation gamers wantingReturnalto be featured inAstro Botwill have to hunt down all the special bots inAstro’s Playroom. Luckily,Astro’s Playroomis completely free to all PS5 owners, so everyone has the opportunity to get the Selene bot for their game.
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!
