The idea of crossover fighters is undoubtedly captivating. The allure of pitting a multitude of beloved characters against each other in a fierce showdown resonates deeply with gamers, evoking nostalgic debates reminiscent of childhood discussions about which superhero would prevail in a battle. However, while the theoretical foundation of such games is sound, actual executions can falter, as witnessed with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.
Launched in 2012, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale featured a lineup of iconic characters, including Nathan Drake, Kratos, Raiden, Jak and Daxter, and Sackboy. Despite this star-studded roster, the game struggled to capture the magic fans had hoped for. Key issues included a limited content offering, a lackluster story mode, and a relatively small character selection. Moreover, the game’s controversial knockout (KO) mechanic, which restricted knockouts to super moves, drew significant criticism. Nevertheless, a potential sequel could thrive in today’s live-service environment, especially with an expanded roster of PlayStation icons, and one character might emerge as a standout star.
Astro Bot: The Likely Star of a Possible Sequel
Astro Bot: The Rising Underdog
Astro Bot first graced the gaming world in 2013, a fact that may surprise some fans. Originally introduced as a clone army in The Playroom, a minigame collection showcasing the PlayStation Camera and DualShock 4, Astro later made a reappearance in the 2016 iteration, The Playroom VR, intended to highlight the capabilities of PlayStation VR.
The character’s big break arrived with the release of Astro Bot Rescue Mission in 2018, a PSVR-exclusive that garnered significant acclaim. Unfortunately, due to the limited PSVR user base, many gamers were unaware of him until Astro’s Playroom launched in 2020 as a complimentary title for PlayStation 5. This platformer quickly became essential for PS5 owners, primarily due to its refined gameplay, engaging fan references, and innovative use of DualSense features.
The year 2024 marked a turning point for Astro Bot and his developer, Team Asobi. With the recent success of his latest game in September, which received universal praise and the prestigious Game of the Year award at the 2024 Game Awards, Astro Bot has emerged as one of PlayStation’s flagship mascots.
Astro Bot’s Potential Combat Abilities
Should a sequel to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale be developed, Astro Bot would almost certainly be included in the character lineup. While his charming appearance might lead some to underestimate him as a combatant, he possesses a suite of remarkable abilities that could surprise opponents.
Throughout his games, Astro Bot showcases an array of exciting power-ups. These could seamlessly translate into combat options in a potential sequel. For example, Astro’s Twin-Frog Gloves would allow for remote punching abilities, while his Barkster the Bulldog jetpack could enable swift aerial maneuvers. Additionally, his Monkey Climber power-up offers utility for grabbing items or hurling enemies, whereas the Elephant Hose-Nose could suck up adversaries and launch them from the battlefield.