Team Asobi has proven with Astro Bot that inspiration isn’t a crutch—it’s a launchpad. Released in September, the game has been celebrated as Sony's answer to Nintendo’s platformer legacy, channeling influences from iconic titles while creating an experience that feels fresh and innovative. By embracing the mantra, “good artists copy, great artists steal,” Team Asobi has delivered a platformer that is equal parts homage and reinvention.
Image: Team Asobi/Sony Interactive Entertainment A Platformer Built on the Shoulders of Giants
Astro Bot unapologetically borrows from the best. From Super Mario Sunshine's FLUDD-inspired boost jump to the Pikmin-esque crash site bots, Astro Bot feels like a joyful remix of the platforming genre's greatest hits. However, these mechanics aren’t just recycled; they’re transformed into something distinctly Astro Bot.
For instance, the sponge power-up in the Bathhouse Battle level cleverly reimagines tropes like Kirby’s water balloon form in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Astro's transformation into a sponge offers new gameplay dynamics—soaking up water to smash through walls, inflate sponges, and nurture saplings. It’s not just a nod to past games; it’s a playful evolution of established mechanics.
Why It Works
The brilliance of Astro Bot lies in its ability to honor its inspirations while innovating on them. Team Asobi doesn’t merely replicate—it interprets and builds upon the ideas it borrows. The result is a game that feels familiar yet entirely fresh, blending decades of platforming brilliance into a package that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Image: HAL Laboratory/Nintendo
A Celebration of PlayStation Legacy
Beyond its gameplay, Astro Bot serves as a love letter to Sony’s history, paying tribute to the PlayStation brand while forging a new path. It’s a celebration of gaming’s past and a testament to how art evolves through iteration and reinterpretation.
Experience Innovation at Every Level If you haven’t played Astro Bot yet, it’s time to see why critics are raving about this standout platformer. Grab a PlayStation Store gift card from Gift2Games and dive into this modern classic. Whether you’re a fan of Nintendo platformers or looking for something new, Astro Bot is a journey you won’t want to miss.
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