PlayStation has been dominating the console space for at least two generations now, with exclusive first-party IP likeAstro Botbeing a major selling point that sets it apart from Xbox. PlayStation has also tried its hand at tapping into the PC market, which has had generally solid results. But there’s onemajor gaming platformleft for PlayStation to conquer.
The mobile gaming market has never really been PlayStation’s forte. After a disappointing attempt in 2012 with the ill-fated PlayStation Mobile app, Sony has mostly stayed away from the mobile market, with there only being a few middling outliers over the following years, like 2014’sRun Sackboy! Runand 2016’sUncharted: Fortune Hunter. But based on a job listing spotted by TweakTown back in May, PlayStation might be about to give the mobile market another go, andAstro Botmight hold the key to its success with one of its more unexpected cameos.
Astro Bot’s LocoRoco Cameo Proves It’d Suit PlayStation’s Mobile Project
Astro Bot’s LocoRoco Cameo Explained
As anyone who’s seen a brief glimpse of its gameplay will know,Astro Botis filled to the brim with cameos and references from acrossPlayStation’s long history. These references often come in the form of collectible Bots that the player needs to rescue, who wear clothing associated with a certain PlayStation character. But occasionally,Astro Botwill embrace a PlayStation IP a bit more tightly, and that’s certainly the case withLocoRoco.
Debuting in 2006,LocoRocowas a relatively short-livedPlayStation Portable seriesdeveloped by Japan Studio. In this PSP series, players are tasked with guiding a large, spherical, gelatin-like being through a stage. To pass through certain obstacles, players need to tap a button to break the ball into multiple smaller spheres, and then merge again on the other side. Players don’t control the lively spheres, but the world itself, tilting it from side to side using the PSP’s shoulder buttons. WhileLocoRocogot a sequel and a Halloween-themed spinoff, the series has been practically dormant for 15 years.
But, rather surprisingly,LocoRocotakes center stage inAstro Botin a spectacular way. At the end of each galaxy inAstro Bot, players unlock a new world that’s entirely themed around a PlayStation franchise, such asUnchartedandGod of War.LocoRocogets one of the five stages to itself. In this stage, players become aLocoRocosphere, the camera switches to a 2D perspective, the DualSense’s motion controls are used to tilt the world, and the player needs to zap Astro to split him into several pieces to pass through obstacles.
The stage retains the bright and vibrant art style of the originalLocoRocogames, and a remixed version of the series' theme can be heard. WhileAstro Botis full of references to well-known franchises, it’s great to see forgotten series likeLocoRocoget such a prominent moment to shine.
LocoRoco Would Make For a Perfect PlayStation Mobile game
As mentioned up top, PlayStation is reportedly gearing up to take on the mobile gaming market once more. When it does,LocoRocoshould be leading the charge. A 2D platformer with incredibly simple controls, bright visuals, and nice bite-sized levels,LocoRocois the ideal mobile game, and its recent time inAstro Bot’s spotlight has shot it back into the public eye. It’s the perfect time forLocoRocoto make a return, and that return should be on mobile devices, where the game can reach the widest audience.
LocoRocotechnically had a mobile version made for Sony Ericsson devices released in the West in 2009 asLocoRoco Hi.
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!
