As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the vast and diverse landscape of video games over the years, I must say that Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is truly a gem among them all. Not only does it offer an immersive and engaging platforming experience, but it also pays homage to some of the most beloved characters from PlayStation‘s past.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m totally immersed in the vibrant world of Astro Bot, where it seems like every corner is filled with nods to games of yesteryears and today, all cleverly hidden within the VIP bots. The goal here is to free bots that find themselves stuck in various levels. Some of these bots are your standard issue, while others are themed around iconic characters from renowned first-party and third-party studios such as Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Konami.
Besides video game characters, there are also enjoyable Easter Eggs in Astro Bot that evoke nostalgia by featuring various PlayStation consoles and accessories. For instance, the save file icon employs the old PS1 memory card design, adding a fun touch. Moving on to some interesting characters and franchises referenced within Astro Bot, let’s dive in.
8 Spike (From Ape Escape)
These Monkeys Are Going Ape
- Level Appearance: Apes on the Loose
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel nostalgic as I embark on the hero stage of Astro Bot, where the theme is reminiscent of Ape Escape. In this level, players will encounter a bot that resembles Spike, the protagonist from Ape Escape. This bot hands over his iconic monkey-catching net to us, the players, for use in the level titled “Apes on the Loose”. Ape Escape was one of the pioneering first-party platformers on the PS1, offering an action-packed gaming experience that was quite unlike anything else. Each stage was filled with monkeys hiding everywhere, and various gadgets were at our disposal to help us capture them again. It’s been years since a new game in the series has been released, so it’s heartening to see Astro Bot give such a prominent nod to this classic title, standing alongside heavyweights like Uncharted.
7 Richter Belmont (From Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)
A Wonderful Little Pile Of Secrets
- Level Appearance: Funky Fungi
Most fans of PlayStation are likely to recognize Richter Belmont from “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,” as it’s where the game introduces him. However, he actually made his debut in “Castlevania: Rondo of Blood” (known as “Castlevania: Dracula X” in North America for SNES). The unique aspect of “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” was not only the addition of the Metroidvania style but also the twist where a Belmont character turned evil, necessitating Alucard, Dracula’s son, to intervene and stop Richter. This twist was later revealed as a ruse in the game, with Richter’s supposed turn to evil emphasized through his ability to claim the throne with glowing red eyes in the HUB World of Astro Bot. Players can encounter both Richter and Alucard in the Lost Galaxy stage, Funky Fungi, within “Astro Bot.
6 The Prince (From Katamari Damacy)
Rolling Through Astro Bot With Ease
- Level Appearance: Downsize Surprise
Originally released for the PS2, Katamari Damacy stood out as one of the more peculiar games on the platform. Since its inception, numerous sequels have been exclusive to PlayStation systems, making this cross-platform partnership a fitting choice. The main objective in most installments involves Prince rolling up debris on Earth to eventually create stars.
In the game “Astro Bot,” players will discover The Prince in the level named “Downsize Surprise.” This stage awards a power-up that allows characters to shrink. Additionally, should players successfully unlock The Prince’s ball within the HUB World, they can observe him rolling up Astro Bot using this ball.
5 Psycho Mantis (From Metal Gear Solid)
I See You Like Konami Games
- Level Appearance: Creamy Canyon
In the realm of gaming, Metal Gear Solid was an unprecedented hit for the PlayStation 1 and left an indelible mark on Astro Bot, as one of its scenes mirrors a memorable moment from the original game. Psycho Mantis, a psychic adversary in Metal Gear Solid, engages Solid Snake in combat by manipulating the controller and items within their surroundings, such as Snake’s new ally Meryl. To overcome him, players needed to connect an additional controller to the second port of the PlayStation 1. In the Astro Bot level Creamy Canyon, players can encounter both Psycho Mantis and Solid Snake, and they can obtain a replica of Psycho Mantis for interaction within the HUB World. This is represented by a TV screen that showcases the iconic boss fight scene.
4 Mr. Mosquito (From Mr. Mosquito)
This Bug Won’t Buzz Off
- Level Appearance: Crash Site
In the game Astro Bot, the HUB World is referred to as the Crash Site. This location serves as a frequent return point for players, where they can carry out repairs on their PS5 main console and also unlock additional rewards. The Crash Site has hidden bots scattered throughout its compact area, one of which is Mr. Mosquito from his own game. Mr. Mosquito originates from an obscure PS2 title that garnered attention for its unusual gameplay. In this game, players control a mosquito and must feed on the blood of a Japanese family to survive. A notable scene involves a bathtub, and in Astro Bot, players can unlock this tub so Mr. Mosquito can explore it.
3 Kutaro (From Puppeteer)
Losing His Head In Excitement
- Level Appearance: Bathhouse Battle
Team Asobi, formerly associated with Japan Studio, has developed numerous platform games for PlayStation consoles throughout their career. While some of these games grew into significant Sony franchises, others had only a single release. Despite receiving positive reviews on the PS3, ‘Puppeteer’ falls into the latter category. In this game, Kutaro, the puppet protagonist, could change heads to acquire new abilities within 2D stages.
In the stage called Bathhouse Battle within Astro Bot, players are given an unusual sponge-like power-up featuring Kutaro. Additionally, his unlockable model in Crash Site brings Kutaro and his fairy companion to life with his enchanted scissors. Although Puppeteer didn’t continue as a series, Sony has not forgotten about it entirely.
2 Vibri (From Vib-Ribbon)
A Black And White Obscurity
- Level Appearance: Boxel Bust-Up
Originally, Vib-Ribbon wasn’t available for purchase in North America on the PlayStation 1. However, it was reintroduced digitally on the PlayStation 3 in 2014, giving players access to this unique rhythm platformer. Despite its initial unavailability, enthusiasts and emulation fans have been able to experience it for years due to imports or emulation. In Astro Bot’s Boxel Bust-Up stage of the Lost Galaxy, Vibri, the rabbit-like character from Vib-Ribbon, can be saved. Other rhythm or musically themed games showcased in Astro Bot include PaRappa the Rapper and Loco Roco.
1 Rudy Roughknight (From Wild Arms)
The Almost Forgotten Wild West RPG
- Level Appearance: Trapped in Time
Rudy Roughknight serves as the main character in the initial “Wild Arms” video game, a series that was once heavily supported by Sony. In an attempt to compete with games like “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest,” Sony sought to establish a role-playing game (RPG) on their PlayStation 1 platform, and “Wild Arms” was one of their early responses. The game combined elements of Westerns with traditional fantasy tropes for its turn-based battles and puzzle-filled dungeons. In the stage “Astro Bot’s Trapped in Time,” players can save Rudy, and later they can unlock a humorous feature where he shoots flowers at the Crash Site. Many overlooked RPG franchises are featured within “Astro Bot,” but it seems that “Wild Arms” could benefit the most from a fresh experience.
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2024-09-12 15:33