Astro Bot, the beloved character from a VR game and the pack-in experience with the PlayStation 5, is now ready for his own full game. Set to release on September 5, 2024, Astro Bot is generating a lot of excitement among gamers. Nicolas Doucet, studio head and creative director of Team ASOBI, discussed the challenges of taking Astro into a larger world in a recent interview.
Doucet revealed that development on the game started right after the team finished work on Astro’s Playroom. They went back into prototyping, incorporating ideas they had during the two years leading up to Playroom. The new game features different power-ups, such as magnets and boosters, which provide a unique gameplay experience. The team spent a year prototyping and then proceeded with production.
When asked about the transition from VR to a full console game, Doucet acknowledged that while Astro’s Rescue Mission was beloved, being limited to VR restricted its audience. Playroom was a smaller project that served as an important step for the team to prove they could create a game that people enjoyed. Now, with Astro Bot, they are expanding on that success and aiming to cater to players of all ages. Doucet emphasized the importance of creating games that can be enjoyed by both serious gamers and casual players.
Astro Bot has become a celebration of all things PlayStation, featuring cameos from various PlayStation characters. Doucet explained that they wanted to go even deeper and include more cameos in the new game. There are 150 cameos in total, spanning different generations of PlayStation games. This aspect of the game acts as a generation bridge, allowing younger players to discover older PlayStation characters and games.
The game showcases impressive systems and graphics, showcasing the team’s expertise in leveraging the hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5. Doucet attributed their success to early access to prototypes and the integration of physics and natural inputs, such as motion controls, in a way that enhances the gameplay experience. The game also offers a variety of levels with different themes, ranging from classic platforming to pop culture references.
Doucet also mentioned the inclusion of challenge rooms and the possibility of future DLC focused on challenges. The team has incorporated features like haptic feedback into these challenges, making them engaging and fun for players. The game also includes gacha mechanics, allowing players to spend in-game currency on helpers who can assist in finding collectibles.
One standout aspect of the game is the boss fight, which offers a refreshing departure from the traditional formula. Doucet explained that they wanted to create a boss fight with clean mechanics and a good balance between big battles and platforming segments. The team aimed to make each boss fight unique and memorable.
Doucet expressed his pride in seeing Astro Bot’s rise from a tech demo to a PlayStation star. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with Astro becoming a leading character for PlayStation and expressed excitement about finally being able to share the game with the world.
Overall, Astro Bot’s upcoming release promises to be an exciting and innovative addition to the PlayStation 5 library. With its creativity, beauty, and immaculate gameplay, Astro Bot is poised to captivate players of all ages and solidify its position as a PlayStation icon.