The director of Astro Bot recently provided some clarity on the lack of a big Square Enix cameo in the 3D platformer. Although Astro Bot features over 150 VIP bots inspired by PlayStation's rich lineage, fans have been confused about the bizarre absence of a certain character that was pivotal to the brand in its early days.
Having launched a few weeks ago on September 6, Astro Bot's critical reception has been nothing short of outstanding. Reviewers raved about the platformer's slick gameplay loop and overwhelming charm, but Astro Bot's biggest selling point is undoubtedly its extensive list of PlayStation-inspired cameos that the titular protagonist has to rescue within the game's levels. All told, Astro Bot features 173 VIP bots, and this roster is only set to increase over time.
How could these franchises not appear in the game?
An upcoming Astro Bot DLC will add new levels and cameos this fall, but even then, the game has a dearth of representation from certain franchises and characters closely linked to PlayStation, with Final Fantasy 7's Cloud Strife being one of the most conspicuous absences. In a recent interview with Game File, Astro Bot director Nicolas Doucet suggested that...