PlayStation’s Astro Bot Proves to Me Nintendo Needs to Step it Up

My initial gaming experience was with Nintendo systems, which ignited my passion for the platforming genre. Since the Nintendo 64 era, I’ve been captivated by both 2D and 3D platformers, and my fondness for this genre has only intensified over time. I’ve played numerous Nintendo platform titles, ranging from Mario to Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Kirby, as well as Hey! Pikmin on the 3DS. Despite my affection for these games, I can no longer assert that Nintendo is unrivaled in the realm of platformers. A single game has significantly altered my perspective on platformers, and it’s not a Nintendo it’s Sony’s PlayStation and Team Asobi’s creation, Astro Bot.

It’s evident that I’m not the only one who feels this way. In fact, Astro Bot took home the Game of the Year accolade at the 2024 Video Game Awards, a prestigious event with fierce competition. Titles such as Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Balatro, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Black Myth: Wukong were among Astro Bot’s contenders, making this win even more impressive given the exceptional games in contention. However, it was Sony’s 3D platforming title that emerged victorious.

My journey with Astro Bot started in the game called Astro Bot Rescue Mission and progressed to Astro’s Playroom. Both games were enjoyable for me, yet it was Astro’s Playroom that truly sealed the deal for the series in my mind. However, it was Astro Bot that dethroned Nintendo in my opinion. Let me clarify, I still hold a soft spot for great Nintendo platformers, but upon reflection, I can see how Nintendo has been sticking to safe choices with their recent games.

As a devoted gamer, I simply couldn’t tear myself away from the captivating world of Astro Bot. Even levels that featured power-ups I wasn’t particularly fond of (I’m talking about you, monkey arms) still managed to keep me engrossed throughout my gaming sessions. What made this game stand out was the unique design of each level, which centered around a specific power-up and crafted the entire experience around it.

In contrast, games like Super Mario Odyssey had me leaping about, flinging my hat to nab powers from various objects and adversaries scattered throughout the game. While similar in concept, the care, dedication, and intricate detail that went into Astro Bot’s abilities and level design was evident, making for an immersive and engaging experience that truly set it apart.

I adored the game, Astro Bot, so thoroughly that it was the initial title I achieved a platinum trophy for. Subsequently, I revisited it and undertook another round of play, diving back into every DLC stage and bot character. Competing with my friend, I emerged victorious on the speed run stages based on high scores. In an effort to uncover all hidden collectibles within each level authentically, I explored every corner and crevice without resorting to guides.

After playing both Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey, I found that Nintendo’s platformers no longer appeal to me as they once did. In fact, comparing them to Super Mario Wonder left Nintendo far behind. Interestingly, Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder won the Best Family Game award in their respective years, 2017 and 2023. However, Astro Bot surpassed all expectations, winning Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Family Game, and even receiving nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best Audio Design.

The game Astro Bot was exceptionally well-received, leading fans to conclude that it demonstrated to developers the existence of a robust market for platformer games, and they were correct. Developers are known for imitating each other, and I have no doubt that many more will turn their attention to the 3D and 2D platforming genre and start developing new games. The success of Astro Bot has also sparked renewed interest in platformer games, putting the genre in a strong position for the coming years, particularly in 2025.

Speaking of Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, it felt as though Nintendo’s two platformers were overshadowed by Astro Bot’s arrival. I enjoy both previous games, but nothing drew me in quite like Astro Bot did. As mentioned earlier, I went to great lengths to collect everything and complete all challenges within Astro Bot, whereas neither Super Mario Odyssey nor Super Mario Bros. Wonder inspired me to the same extent. In simpler terms, Astro Bot captivated me more than the other two games did.

Despite some doubts, I remain confident in Nintendo, particularly with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Time and again, Nintendo has demonstrated its knack for groundbreaking innovation and disrupting the gaming world. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which revolutionized open-world games by incorporating gliders, and games such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, are testament to Nintendo’s ability to shape and influence the gaming landscape.

As a devoted fan, I can say that Nintendo, much like me when it comes to perfecting my favorite hobbies, strives to make each project even better than the last. The success of Astro Bot has undoubtedly sparked their ambition to outdo themselves. They’re not shy about pushing back a game’s release and investing extra time to ensure it meets their high standards. The often-quoted sentiment, “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad,” though attributed to Miyamoto in legend, perfectly encapsulates their philosophy. Whether he uttered those words or not, the truth behind them rings clear with every Nintendo release.

Fans of Nintendo are excited about the upcoming installment in the Super Mario Odyssey series, whether it’s a sequel or a new game altogether. The prospective 3D Mario game for the Switch 2 could possibly outshine Astro Bot. Since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in 2014, there hasn’t been a fresh Donkey Kong game that wasn’t a remake. Yoshi has had popular titles like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Yoshi’s Crafted World, but the lovable green dinosaur is yet to have a 3D game of its own.

Nintendo surprised me with something unexpected – a 3D Kirby game titled “Kirby and the Forgotten Land“. Previously, I thought a 3D Kirby game would be difficult due to his multiple jumps, floatiness, and spherical design that makes it tricky to determine where the player aims. However, Nintendo pulled it off flawlessly, as I found myself thoroughly enjoying “Kirby and the Forgotten Land“.

Nintendo boasts the talent and resources to develop the superior platform games ever made. To put it simply, they have the potential to follow in Team Asobi’s footsteps and create a 3D platformer that showcases Nintendo’s rich history. Envision a game where either Mario or another character serves as the hero, journeying through various levels based on different Nintendo games. These levels could incorporate elements from titles such as The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Pikmin, Donkey Kong, Splatoon, and so many more.

In every one of these series, you’ll find numerous games, many sporting distinctive art styles and gameplay mechanics, even within the same series. The possibilities for innovation are vast! Nintendo could create multiple levels based on The Legend of Zelda, each with a unique theme, power-up, and additional elements. This approach could be applied to all of Nintendo’s series, and even their various consoles spanning their entire career.

Astro Bot holds a unique spot in my heart, and I might revisit it again before we wrap things up. However, I’m eagerly anticipating that Nintendo will take over as the best platformer maker. The year 2025 seems promising, and I have faith in Nintendo. Whether Mario takes center stage or another character leads the way, I’ll be there to witness it once Astro Bot hands over the mantle.

2025-01-11 07:13

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