Nothing Had Me Feeling Better In 2024 Than Saving Astro Bot’s Big Brother

by

As a gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is one of the most heartwarming and emotionally resonant games I’ve played in recent memory. The level design, the tributes to classic franchises, and the somber themes reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus are all masterfully executed, creating a unique gaming experience that stands out from the crowd.

As you soar alongside Astro Bot, a towering, robotic expression of sadness greets you first, anchored on a slumped, rain-drenched tropical isle. Several clusters of luminescent violet orbs keep this massive mechanical being tethered to the earth. Knock out these orb-like structures, and the entire landscape undergoes a vibrant metamorphosis.

On a notable planet called Free Big Brother, similar to Astro Bot, we find a level undergoing an emotional change. Initially resembling a somber homage to Shadow of the Colossus, it eventually blossoms into a platforming experience bursting with joy, comparable to uncovering the sun-kissed mysteries found in Super Mario Sunshine’s Delfino Plaza. As the rain gradually diminishes, the enormous and amiable creature emerges, transforming into the very essence of the level’s later stages.

In games like Ape Escape and Uncharted, Astro Bot excels at capturing the emotions those series originally evoked in us. The thrill of engaging in destructive gunfights or the wonder sparked by the gigantic presence of a miniaturized Jörmungandr are vividly portrayed, although these feelings may be fleeting.

In a unique twist, the game “Free Big Brother” not only surpasses expectations by infusing the poignant undertones of “Shadow of the Colossus” into a lively platformer, but also manages to convey genuine sadness despite the overall cheerful atmosphere it creates.

Once Astro Bot, sporting his umbrella hat, lands on the sand, the primary focus shifts to dismantling the locks keeping Big Brother imprisoned as swiftly as possible. The massive mech resonates with emotion as it strains and moans with each lock that breaks. Delving into every corner of this island takes a backseat: Rescuing Big Brother is paramount.

Fans of PlayStation will swiftly identify this solemnness as a homage to Team Ico, renowned for creating Shadow of the Colossus. As the gravity of the situation hits, visions of Wander, Mono, Dormin, and the 16 colossi appear vividly in their minds.

As a gaming enthusiast, it was no surprise to find such an evident influence from Fumito Ueda in this title, considering that the team behind it once collaborated with Team Asobi before the 2021 merger under Japan Studios. Interestingly enough, some of the developers at Japan Studio have been repositioned around Team Asobi. Among the 69 credited creators who worked on Astro Bot, one previously contributed to Shadow of the Colossus, and no less than 12 were part of The Last Guardian’s development team, which was Team Ico’s final project before many of its members moved on to Ueda’s new studio.

“The crossover plays a significant role in making these homages so captivating. Not only did studios such as Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio offer input on the sections that honored their games, but developers who contributed to Ape Escape, Gran Turismo 5, Knack, and other titles are also acknowledged as contributors to Astro Bot. This is why these tributes feel so delightful – some of the same people who initially created these games are now responsible for the homages.

Immediately after Big Brother is released, the colossal metallic figure steps into the sea just as the sun starts to bathe the island. After surveying the tropical surroundings, he invites Astro Bot to swim with him. Astro Bot then climbs up the limbs, torso, and head of Big Brother, allowing them both to take in the entire island on the horizon.

In Astro Bot, the sunshine, scenery, and tunes harmoniously blend with the delightful experience of maneuvering the mini-robot through an extraordinary environment, resulting in an unforgettable moment.

There’s an extra dose of happiness knowing that Ueda is developing something similar at GenDesign, his new venture. Alongside several other ex-members from Team Ico, he recently unveiled their yet-unnamed upcoming project during The Game Awards.

Astro Bot’s charm lies in its extensive gameplay, boasting over 50 levels spanning more than 15 hours, yet leaving one with a sense of brevity. It offers numerous poignant instances, reminiscent of the depth found in Free Big Brother, although none quite reach the emotional intensity of the Team Ico tribute. Each moment is brief, impactful, and leaves you yearning for more.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Nicolas Doucet, the creative director of Astro Bot, expressed that a condensed experience lasting 12 to 15 hours, where not a single moment feels tedious or incomplete, holds far more value than a 40-hour stretch which includes segments you might want to skip.

In the span of 15 hours, Free Big Brother distinguishes itself with a fleeting sense of melancholy. Unlike other offerings from Team Asobi’s adventure series, this unique experience is unparalleled. The seamless integration of a heartfelt narrative within level design, a touching homage to a cherished franchise, and exceptional real-time gameplay make it one of the most memorable moments in 2024.

More Best Of 2024:

  • Our Favorite Games That Didn’t Make The Top 10
  • Best PS5-Exclusive Games Of 2024
  • Best Switch-Exclusive Games Of 2024
  • Best PC-Exclusive Games Of 2024
  • Best Xbox Games Of 2024
  • Best-Reviewed Games Of 2024
  • Best Of 2024 hub

Read More

2024-12-26 19:39