I said this in the OT, but this is straight out of Nakamura-era Genesis Sonic games
This is the first time i've heard someone capture that style since then.
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Astro Bot' Is a Nintendo Quality Platformer That's Also a VR Stunner - Waypoint
- Thread starter patapon
- Start date
I said this in the OT, but this is straight out of Nakamura-era Genesis Sonic games
This is the first time i've heard someone capture that style since then.
Bad to hear, you mean! I spent $40 on the damn game, lol. I'm going to give it a serious run this week, just feel like the platforming has just been so damn basic that without VR, I'd be bored to tears.
Not sure. Might be a british saying.
That or just kittens = happy.
It's being compared to the games of the one of the best developers on the planet, so that's quite the compliment
Great write up.
Glad I'm not the only one to have likened Astro Bot with Super Mario 3D Land.
I mean, yes the game lift a lot of concepts and design from Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy but its greatest asset is fully understanding both its "gimmick" strengths and pitfalls therefore designing the game around the former while avoiding the latter within a joyous package.
Glad I'm not the only one to have likened Astro Bot with Super Mario 3D Land.
I mean, yes the game lift a lot of concepts and design from Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy but its greatest asset is fully understanding both its "gimmick" strengths and pitfalls therefore designing the game around the former while avoiding the latter within a joyous package.
No, it's used in the US. Just means people would be freaking out. I think it has more to do with it being VR based than not being a Nintendo platformer. Sony is plenty capable of making noise with PS4 releases, lol.
I wish the character design on the Bots was a little more appealing. They seem pretty bland and unendearing to me.
By the way, what is the current MSRP for a PSVR and this game? I just upgraded to PS4 Pro so this game is pretty tempting... I've heard it runs better on the Pro.
By the way, what is the current MSRP for a PSVR and this game? I just upgraded to PS4 Pro so this game is pretty tempting... I've heard it runs better on the Pro.
The FPS is the same (because of VR) but it does look sharper on the Pro.
Also for at least the US the Astro Bot + Moss + PSVR bundle is $299.96
This game is pure joy and should be played by everyone.
Sony needs to deliver this black Friday with some PSVR deals.
Sony needs to deliver this black Friday with some PSVR deals.
It's the closest comparison I can think of, I haven't played the WiiU Mario game though.
In gifting this to myself on Christmas! So much thoughtful praise here & recounted differently with "Fun" & "Awe" being common terms.
I don't have a PSVR, so I haven't had a chance to play Astro Bot, but a lot of the coverage I have seen seems to be ignoring the fact that there has been numerous great VR games released covering a wide variety of genres. I am sure Astro Bot is a great game, but I feel a lot of the coverage lacks perspective.
This is somewhat true, because apparently VR coverage doesn't translate to sufficient views and clicks. Hopefully Astro Bot will be able to champion the platform but I doubt it'll change anytime soon.
Finished the campaign of Astrobot today. Adored it. Probably the most innovative use of VR yet. VR is a key part of the gameplay.
But there are many other *great* games on PSVR. RE7 was my Mario 64 moment FWIW. A level of immersion I just wasn't ready for.
The platforming is quite excellent, being in a 3d space makes it incredibly precise though, which in turn makes a little too easy.
I just bought it yesterday, I played 1-1 and 1-2. I played 1-1 twice because I missed a bot, I have 3 missing bots to pick up in 1-2.
Just in the first level alone, when you have to lean in to look around things to see where to jump, it is just crazy awesome. You have to lean into the virtual space, look around and see where to go in certain points. Just that alone blew my mind and I assume there are a lot more little tricks to come. And I dont know that I could argue a PSVR game that looks better. Astrobot is so colorful, crisp and clean looking, it puts a lot of VR games to shame. I know I know, it had a bigger budget and scope than other games, but it definitely shows you the full potential of what PSVR Games can look like.
Just in the first level alone, when you have to lean in to look around things to see where to jump, it is just crazy awesome. You have to lean into the virtual space, look around and see where to go in certain points. Just that alone blew my mind and I assume there are a lot more little tricks to come. And I dont know that I could argue a PSVR game that looks better. Astrobot is so colorful, crisp and clean looking, it puts a lot of VR games to shame. I know I know, it had a bigger budget and scope than other games, but it definitely shows you the full potential of what PSVR Games can look like.
The article in the OP, specifically says Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) Japan lol
My GOTY last year were both Oculus VR titles, but Astro Bot is a step above them. It's a legit killer app, by the old definition. You buy the hardware to play Astro Bot. That's how great it is,
(I think VRChat is also that for PC VR this year, but not a game)
Ha, I see that now. I guessed it might be Sony since the videos had what was very obviously a PS4 controller in a few shots. I'll have to wait until I can get a cheap PS4 Pro + PSVR (...or the second generation of same, if and when that happens).
I had my eyes rolling at this game too after hearing about the Super Mario 64 comment and seeing the character was just that robot from that dumb playroom vr app.
All the praise made me check it out though.. and I was floored. I wasn't expecting this level of polish - the graphics and sound are one of the best on the platform, the controls are super tight and feel great, the VR mechanics are interesting and truly elevate a good platforming experience to another level. Most of all.. it's just plain fun. I played about 4 levels and can't wait to play more.
All the praise made me check it out though.. and I was floored. I wasn't expecting this level of polish - the graphics and sound are one of the best on the platform, the controls are super tight and feel great, the VR mechanics are interesting and truly elevate a good platforming experience to another level. Most of all.. it's just plain fun. I played about 4 levels and can't wait to play more.
Did you get to 2-2 yet? It's where the game really takes off IMO.
I felt the same about RE7. Without VR it's an okay horror game at best. In VR it is pretty scary. That's the magic of VR.
Nope, I'm literally just into the second world. I don't think I even played the first level of it. I'm definitely not going to quit on it!
I said as much in the OT, but I feel world 1 is fine and reasonably charming.
2-2 though... My jaw dropped. It's a fantastic twist on a platformer trope.
Good to hear. I know I'm speaking a little prematurely. I'll shut my mouth and press on.
More Mario Galaxy for me. Visually the "Pixar-like" work on textures and details, but essentially how you feel the world spining under your feet like in an airport speedwalk rather than freely exploring it (the difference between camera axes is subtile but makes a huge difference in M64 and Galaxy). "Bound" would be closer to M64 on the pure exploration thing.
It's quite funny because someone openly mocked me when I expressed concern that this was going to be a constant exposed nail for this game. As soon as those impressions popped up, I knew that people would take hold of the comparison for good or bad, and it would stick with the game.
That said, the game is absolutely fantastic and deserves every ounce of praise it gets. I sincerely hope the team gets a significantly larger budget to make either a bigger game, or more games. They're on to something special here.
Just like the writer I also had a constant smile on my face while playing. Hell I've even been dancing with the amazing soundtrack.
Stopped at the incredible 5-2. Need to wrap up this gem but I don't want it to end.
Stopped at the incredible 5-2. Need to wrap up this gem but I don't want it to end.
Does the game only let you see it one peripheral vision? Was watching the second level in an online walkthrough and it seems like the camera angle is kind of fixed to one peripheral view. The bot had to walk on a very narrow ledge that was hard to see since the camera couldn't be centered behind astro bot if he walks towards you.
Other than that the effects look cool. Watched a walkthrough of someone playing it in VR on my computer. I didn't have VR but I've used some before to have a basic idea how the effects would work and it looked great.
Other than that the effects look cool. Watched a walkthrough of someone playing it in VR on my computer. I didn't have VR but I've used some before to have a basic idea how the effects would work and it looked great.