Astro Bot has been a breath of fresh air for PlayStation fans, with most critics already hailing it as the year’s best gaming experience. It is what a video game is always intended to be, after all—a bundle of pure fun and joy.
It may come across as cynical, but it’s also a reality that people just don’t seem happy to see others enjoy a game these days, with all those unbelievably toxic Astro Bot vs Super Mario debates making circles across social media. In such an environment, Masahiro Sakurai’s endorsement of Team Asobi’s little-big game comes across as a genuinely powerful statement.
Masahiro Sakurai Gives His Stamp of Approval on Astro Bot’s Game Design Genius
Let’s talk about Sakurai first, for a moment, and why his praise is particularly notable. His game design philosophy has always emphasized the importance of satisfying and punchy gameplay mechanics that captivate players without prioritizing complexity.
It’s a choice that is reflected in all his works, from bigger franchises like Kirby and Super Smash Bros. to even one-offs like Meteos and Kid-Icarus. These games are simple to get into, but there is a lot of depth if you start searching for it—something Team Asobi’s title does immensely well at.
Let’s also not forget that Sakurai, now a veteran of the industry, runs his own YouTube channel that explores in depth different trends that have emerged and disappeared in the game design side of the industry.
While other YouTubers scramble to get their next plot summary out the door, the man continues to grapple with the boundaries of the very jargon lesser critics hide behind.
For him to find joy in Astro Bot speaks volumes about the game’s design, which offers a perfect mix of engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and innovative use of the PlayStation 5’s hardware. It’s clear Astro Bot stands as one of the best 3D platformers to emerge in recent years.
Kirby and Super Smash Bros. Creator Masahiro Sakurai says Astro Bot is an amazing game!
He completed it and got all 300 Bots. He said it doesn’t take that much time to complete but the fun and interest in the game kept him playing and that it is an amazing game! https://t.co/wUzKarAzVa pic.twitter.com/uZYwfMEmFY
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) September 11, 2024
Despite this, the toxic rivalry between Sony and Nintendo fans has unnecessarily intensified since the release of Astro Bot, as some Nintendo “enthusiasts” apparently feel threatened by the success of this PS5 exclusive.
With its impressive 94 Metacritic score, Astro Bot has been drawn into comparisons with Super Mario Odyssey, a critically acclaimed 3D platformer with a near-perfect 97 Metacritic score.
However, as most would tell you, these unsavory and downright toxic comparisons completely and utterly miss the plot.
Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey Are Titles That Just Don’t Require Comparisons
Look, while Astro Bot’s success has triggered some heated discussions, bringing to the surface some of the industry’s most toxic elements to defend their respective choice of platform, it’s critical to note that comparisons between the game and Nintendo’s offerings are invalid due to context.
Team Asobi’s title is rooted in PlayStation’s unique universe, drawing heavily from its characters and leveraging the power of the PS5’s technology. Let’s not forget that it is also PlayStation’s first proper attempt at a new and unique platformer that focuses on having a joyful experience more than anything else.
Nintendo’s mascot, on the other hand, is a different beast altogether. Each new entry is a culmination of nearly 40 years of game design iteration. Odyssey, thematically and mechanically, is a continuation of Mario’s classic adventures, filled with all the charm and nostalgia the franchise is known for.
The comparison should be about something other than who makes the next better platformer. It should be about appreciating each game’s distinct qualities. Both Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey are masterpieces in their own right, loved by people and showered with praise by critics.
Even “non-hardcore fans” who may typically side with one console over the other have found joy in both games, only further reinforcing the idea that the titles don’t need to be placed in opposition to each other and be celebrated for what they’ve accomplished.
Considering all this, perhaps, like Sakurai, it’s time we move past the endless debates, appreciate whatever game comes our way, and explore the nooks and crannies of its design to understand what makes it special.
But what are your thoughts on Astro Bot’s rise to fame? Is it time to end such petty rivalries in the game industry? Let us know in the comments below!
