Astro Bot Director Comments on Huge Missing Cameo

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Astro Bot Director Comments on Huge Missing Cameo

Key Takeaways

  • Astro Bot exhaustively includes 173 VIP bots referencing PlayStation characters, but oddly misses out on Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy 7.
  • Astro Bot’s director recently hinted at Team Asobi’s initial intentions for a Cloud cameo, but Square Enix apparently opted against it.
  • Square Enix’s lack of representation in Astro Bot has been questioned by many fans, with huge franchises like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts missing.

As a long-time PlayStation enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the console since its inception, I find myself deeply perplexed by the absence of Square Enix characters, particularly Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy 7, in Astro Bot. Having grown up with these iconic games and cherishing their impact on my gaming journey, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment at this oversight.

The director for Astro Bot has recently clarified why there isn’t a significant Square Enix appearance in the 3D platformer game. Even though Astro Bot includes more than 150 VIP bots inspired by PlayStation’s extensive history, fans have expressed puzzlement over the unexpected omission of a particular character who played a crucial role in the brand during its early period.

Since its debut on September 6, the response to the game Astro Bot has been extraordinary, with critics praising its smooth gameplay mechanics and endearing charm. However, what truly sets Astro Bot apart is the abundance of PlayStation-inspired characters that Astro must save throughout the game’s levels. In total, there are 173 VIP bots in the game, a number that will likely grow as time passes.

Coming this fall, an expansion pack for the popular game “Astro Bot” will include new stages and guest appearances. However, some gamers have noted that there is a lack of characters from specific PlayStation franchises within the game, with Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy 7 being one of the most noticeable omissions. In a recent conversation with Game File, Astro Bot’s director Nicolas Doucet hinted that there were initial plans to include Cloud Strife in the game, but these ideas were reportedly vetoed for reasons that are hard to discuss.

The Absence of Cloud Strife and Final Fantasy 7 in Astro Bot Was a Square Enix Decision

Doucet concluded his statement by stating that Team Asobi values “the decision of every publisher,” suggesting that Square Enix declined the opportunity to include a Cloud Strife appearance in Astro Bot. This is surprising because Final Fantasy 7 significantly contributed to the success of the PS1 and remains the second best-selling game on that platform. Interestingly, Astro’s Playroom included a reference to Final Fantasy 7 through the Buster Sword, making Square Enix’s decision not to collaborate on Astro Bot quite unusual.

In fact, it’s not only Cloud Strife or Final Fantasy 7 that are absent from Astro Bot. Surprisingly, there’s no trace of Square Enix in this game at all. Franchises such as Dragon Quest, Chrono, Life is Strange, Kingdom Hearts, Star Ocean, and many more are conspicuously missing, which might be a letdown for fans who would have enjoyed spotting references to these series within Astro Bot. The reasons behind Square Enix’s decision to avoid cameos remain unclear, but if Astro Bot continues to sell well, it could potentially prompt Square Enix to reconsider their stance.

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2024-09-28 23:03