Since its launch on 6th September 2024, PS5's Astro Bot has been making waves in the gaming community thanks to its high quality and ingenuity. By taking heavy inspiration from Nintendo (and specifically the Super Mario franchise), developer Team Asobi has undoubtedly crafted one of the finest platformers in recent memory.
One individual who has been spending time with the game is none other than Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary creator behind the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. franchises. In an effort to plug his latest YouTube video on game runtimes, he posted a tweet to state that he has completed Astro Bot and rescued all 300 of the lost bots. He says that while this didn't take a great deal of time, he found the game interesting enough that he simply couldn't help but play it.
"Cleared "ASTRO BOT" by rescuing 300 people. This doesn't take that long, but I found it interesting enough that I couldn't help but play it. Great game.
"I want you to be satisfied with the time you spend playing games!"
Team Asobi then quoted Sakurai's post and simply said "Dear Sakurai-san, thank you so much for taking the time to play ASTRO BOT! Love from Team ASOBI".
Team Asobi is, of course, a Japanese company comprised of many developers from the now-defunct Japan Studio. Given the similarities between Astro Bot and Nintendo franchises, we reckon Team Asobi was pleasantly surprised to read such glowing praise from a renowned developer like Sakurai.
There are, however, some who think that Astro Bot crosses a line when it comes to taking inspiration from Nintendo, and we asked what you fine folks thought on the matter just the other day. If you missed out on the conversation, then be sure to cast your vote via the article below and let your voice be heard.
Have you tried out Astro Bot on the PS5 yet? Do you agree with Sakurai's statement on the game? Share your thoughts with a comment down below.
Comments 20
Haven’t played the game, but seeing aigis, teddie and joker made me so happy seeing as I just got through three and four not that long ago I honestly just love all the references in this game!
Gamers lost in their console wars, while devs are chill playing games from every platform.
And this is how gamers should interact as well. No more drama or controversy, get in losers, we're building bright future together.
Because Sakurai saw the genuine care and love put in this game, and knew that the developers put "player fun and experience" above everything else.
Sakurai has a good eye for good work by others.
Oh yes! Going for the platinum trophy felt really natural, no grind at all, just pure fun. Kirby and the Forgotten Land felt very similar, if I remember correctly.
Well both games are great and both respect my time. Thanks and please keep making awesome games Sakurai-San and Team Asobi, I am very grateful for your hard work!
Uhm, ackshually, there's 301 of the little guys to collect. I guess Sakurai didn't complete the final challenge. Git gud! /s
Love to see such a nice exchange between Sakurai and Team Asobi and man do I hope I'll eventually have the chance to play Astro Bot myself!
Awesome to see. I don't get the hate for taking inspiration from Nintendo's work. We as consumers should not be limited to just Nintendo releasing new Mario 3D game every 8 years to enjoy such content. Good games are good games, regardless of who is making them.
Awesome!!! Sakurai-san approving and finishing the game is a big plus for it. Thank goodness it's not a 100hr + plus game.
Sakurai is a gamer by heart and he enjoys games regardless of platform. Congrats to Team Asobi for the success of Astro Bot.
I think last year he praised Mario Wonder and Spider-Man 2 as well. I love his YouTube videos and he seems so chill.
Astro Bot in Smash confirmed.
It will probably never happen, but imagine if this leads to, instead of a new Smash Bros., Sakurai working on Nintendo's own version of Astro Bot, only with multiple Kirbies using Nintendo character hats/costumes in place of the little robots.
@BrazillianCara not sure why Nintendo needs their own Astro Bot. The game has taken many ques from Mario itself. The closest thing we got to Astro Bot on Switch is probably Mario Odyssey.
Get in loser, we're [playing non-Nintendo games].
Seriously, I am a diehard Nintendo fanboy and have arguments with my PS and XBox friends all the time but at least we respect the other consoles and their games, and I am glad to see Sakurai-san does as well!
Also Astro Bot for Smash 6? I'd be down for it, as long as we get Geno first!
I haven’t played Astro Bot yet, but Astro’s Playroom was already the best thing since Super Mario Odyssey in the 3D platformer space. Both Mario and Astro play remarkably well and do it with a sense of joy that is quite rare.
Why is nintendo life trying to drum up drama about it being similar to Mario? I love mario and respect this site but I've seen this topic get brought up a lot here. I find it annoying that we can't just enjoy the game and appreciate what it does to stand out from the crowd
I don't care how good it is. Not my Mario. Just like Hollow Knight. I don't care how good it is. Not my Metroid or Ori.
Looking forward to seeing what inspirations Sakurai will infuse into his next project. PS at 1000+ hours SSBU is my most-played-game-of-all-time thank you Sakurai!!
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