One of our first thoughts when the DualSense controller was revealed this week was Astro Bot. While the PlayStation 4 generation may have started with Knack as its mascot, Japan Studio’s cutesy VRobot has definitely oofted the shape-shifting brute aside. A real Game of the Year candidate like PlayStation VR’s sublime Astro Bot Rescue Mission helps, of course.
But seriously, look at the character next to the DualSense controller and tell us you can’t see the similarities:
Here’s the interesting part: we know that the Astro Bot development team, which is located within Sony’s Japan Studio, is working on a series of tech demos to showcase the unique features of the PlayStation 5. Our original assumption was that this would be some kind of new Playroom title, but we’re beginning to believe a new Astro Bot adventure could be a launch title for the next-gen console.
We wouldn’t expect this to be a virtual reality release, but we would expect it to utilise all of the new features of the DualSense controller, including the adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and microphone. Not only would this make sense from a branding perspective, but it’d also check the family-friendly box – something Sony likes to do whenever it launches a new system.
Comments 34
For me, Astro Bot Rescue Mission is one of the best games this generation. Simply amazing. I’m praying for a sequel and I’m praying it’s more VR.
It better be.
If Astrobot had been made by nintendo it would have been hailed as one of the GOAT. Criminally overlooked by many in PS4 best of lists. Its THAT good
@Rob_230 for real. If it wasnt VR exclusive it would have received a LOT more attention. I hope the next is both. Just a gorgeous platformer for PS5 and when psvr2 drops we get another title. Everyone who played in VR would gladly take 2 AstroBot titles imo
I wish if Astro Bot returns on PS5, please an Option to play without VR.
Better VR Compatible rather than VR Required
VR itself is as expensive as PS4 console.
I’m ready for another Astro Bot game! Hopefully we get more levels or a community creation toolkit!
Astrobot is easily the best PSVR game available.Such a cute and fantastic adventure and no other VR game has kept me in its world for longer than 40mins at a time except this one.Would absolutely love a new adventure.
PlayRoom 2 confirmed!
But yeah, would totally be down for a new Astro Bot game. VR was great and agree with those that say if it had Mario in it it would've been incredibly well received.
I only played the demo before selling my PSVR to my brother.
Kinda wish I bought the full game and played it. Ah well, maybe once the PS5's VR headset is out I can play it.
@Anti-Matter VR is what made the game IMO. The game does things that are impossible without VR. So if you remove that component you end up with another run of the mill platformer. There are plenty of those out there if you're looking for one. Keep this one VR.
When I first showed the ps5 controller to my wife she said it looked like AIBO. I guess AIBO and Astrobot are not a million miles apart design-wise.
Just waiting for PS5 to jump into PSVR. Astro Bot is on the top of my list I want on it. If they making more even better.
I want more Astro Bot SOOOO badly. Hands down, the very best VR game ever made this far.
I hope sony make new non-vr astro bot and ape escape for ps5, playstation needs more colourful platformer since we only get ratchet and clank this gen 😃
@Octane
When i saw Astro Bot PS4 gameplay from Youtube, the 1st person view was very similar with Super Mario Odyssey with LABO VR support.
I think it was completely wrong to play a 3D platformer with point of view like that.
I didn't see something like full exploration from Astro Bot, compared with other 3D platformer such as Ratchet & Clank or Super Mario Odyssey.
Perhaps the using of virtual hand can be controlled by normal PS5 controller.
More option merrier.
Astro Bot does seem rather fun, though it's not something I've tried due to the VR requirement. I'd be cool with more Astro Bot games being released and it becoming the mascot character.
@OscarHTX
I saw someone playing Astro Bot PS4 with VR.
I was thinking what if i don't have PSVR?
Can i even start the game (Astro Bot) without VR?
What will i saw on TV if i don't wear the VR google?
Is VR detecting our eyes to be activated?
I still have a lot of question about PSVR as i concerned from the price factor, it was too expensive for a complementary controller.
@Anti-Matter ''More option merrier.''
Well then, let's dumb it down all the way and make it available for phones as well!
if they want to make astro bot a mascot they need to make the game playable without a need for the psvr. as psvr is dead now and in the same boat as sonys eyetoy, psmove and psvita.
@Sebatrox sadly they killed off sackboy when mm dropped the little big planet games. it was a big mistake if you ask me, sackboy could have been sonys mario.
Sure, do it.
AB is very charming character.
It's look cute without looking childish.
Good mascot material.
@Anti-Matter Astrobot without VR= A very cute and enjoyable platform/Adventure.
Astrobot with VR=The best and cutest enjoyable Adventure that you Experience.Astrobot is your best friend rather than someone you control on screen.
@Anti-Matter Complimentary controller?
It's full VR which prior to a few years ago would cost 10-20 grand. The game is amazing and you would love it.
If i remember correctly, in second Wired Article about Haptic feedbach, Interviewer said that he use a Astrobot demo to saw how that feature in DualSense works... even in Digital Foundry's video about DualSense they said this again!
Never got to play Astro Bot Rescue Mission because I don't have a PSVR headset, but given how well it was received it'd be smart for Sony to try and get a sequel or something out for PS5. Would probably have to have some kind of connection to VR but if you could play without that'd be cool too. With a wider audience and the right marketing campaign I could see this being a key franchise for PlayStation. The character is certainly appealing enough for kids and family-oriented gamers.
@Anti-Matter
I disagree.
The fact that game was in VR made it truly exceptional. The way how it breaks the fourth wall makes this a unique experience.Without VR it would just be seen as a Mario clone by many imo.
@TheBuzz
Psvr dead??? 🤔🤔🤔
What on earth are you talking about.
Shuei Yoshida said the other day Psvr has a bigger game attach rate than the ps4 itself. The Psvr business has made over €4 billion in revenue so far.
Not bad for a dead peripheral. 😂😂😂😂
@Sebatrox
LBP 3 just wasn't a major leap above the previous one and the community was kind of disappointed by that tbh. Sales were pretty descent though(around 3 million for both versions).
I'm pretty sure we'll see sackboy in some shape or form in a near future. 😉
@Chryssy75
Sorry, but i have different opinion about Astro Bot.
After i watched again the gameplay video, the perspective angle was quite wrong to play 3D platformer. I saw a 1st person view take control Astro Bot as 3rd person view until he went far away from my sight and i couldn't even see him clearly (At some point i saw a tiny dot instead of him). Imagine Ratchet & Clank All 4 One for locked camera angle, that was i felt from playing Astro Bot with perspective angle with VR. I don't mind if Astro Bot feels like 3D Mario clones or Ratchet & Clank clones as long i can take control the Astro Bot with right perspective angle, i can see the Astro Bot from all around angle, i can see the surface, etc. The VR features should be an Optional features, just like Super Mario Odyssey.
Also, to think again about VR after 20-30 years from now, when the VR is dead (cannot be used anymore) so i will never able play the game. Find the replacement but with very expensive price ? I will not consider to buy another VR. Not worthy.
Here is the gameplay video of Astro Bot PS4.
At some point, you will see the Astro Bot like a tiny dot from far away. The camera movement in 60 fps at some point could make you get nauseous due to rapid camera movement. The motion sickness caused by our head movement when using VR. Honestly, i started to feel dizzy by given that rapid camera movement like that.
@Anti-Matter
I'm pretty sure VR and AR will be there and even more present in 20/30 years.
The fact that you have to look around to find secrets or see AB from a far is what makes the experience so compelling.
This is what I meant by breaking the fourth wall. Senses such as depth of field are part of the experience. The connection you have with a VR character such as AB, Moss or ghost Giant can't be replicate in a regular game.
However I do understand and respect the fact that this is not for you.
@Wazeddie22
So, can i play Astro Bot without VR ?
Is VR really 100 % required or the game will not be started until the VR helmet equipped properly ?
Have you ever tried play Astro Bot without VR ?
I need a clarification.
@Anti-Matter Sorry no,I wasn't very clear, I meant IF Astrobot WAS available non VR it would be just like any other platform/as but this game was made specifically for PSVR so as such is NOT available to play without a PSVR headset..the game itself will not start until it knows you have the helmet on your head.
It really is worth buying a headset for!Fantastic game and if you have never tried vr you would finally see what all the fuss is about.It's unreal!
@Wazeddie22
I see...
Thanks for the clarification. 🙂
@TheBuzz no it’s not. That’s complete nonsense
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