A giant robotic frown greets players as they soar behind Astro Bot into a lush, rain-drenched tropical island. The colossal metal entity is secured to the ground by several glowing purple locks. Untangling these locks ignites a stunning transformation of the entire environment.
In the remarkable level titled Free Big Brother, emotions run deep. Initially a somber homage to Shadow of the Colossus, it quickly transforms into a joyful platforming experience that brings to mind the vibrant secrets of Super Mario Sunshine’s Delfino Plaza. As the rain subsides, the enormous, friendly figure takes center stage, propelling players toward the climax of the level.
Astro Bot successfully rekindles the powerful feelings generated by classic franchises, from the thrill of intense battles to the awe of experiencing a toy-sized colossal creature. Although these sentiments may only last for brief moments, their impact is undeniable.
Free Big Brother achieves a unique feat, merging the poignant themes from Shadow of the Colossus with a platforming narrative that evokes joy while ensuring the underlying sadness resonates deeply.
As Astro Bot, donning his umbrella hat, touches down on the sandy shores, the primary objective transforms into releasing Big Brother from his bonds as swiftly as possible. The enormous mech elicits an emotional response as it strains against each lock, creating a sense of urgency that prioritizes its rescue over leisurely exploration.
Fans of PlayStation will instantly recognize this heartfelt tribute to Team Ico, the visionaries behind Shadow of the Colossus, with iconic imagery flooding back.
The creative connection is particularly fitting, as Team Ico previously collaborated with Team Asobi before merging under Japan Studios in 2021. Of the 69 developers credited for Astro Bot, one had worked on Shadow of the Colossus and twelve contributed to The Last Guardian, underscoring the deep ties between the projects.
This collaboration further enhances the authenticity of the tributes, as developers from renowned studios consulted on various segments, ensuring that the reverence for their franchises was well represented. Credit is shared among those behind titles like Ape Escape, Gran Turismo 5, and others, solidifying the heartfelt nature of the nods within the gameplay.
Upon freeing Big Brother, the towering figure wades into the ocean as sunlight cascades across the island. After exploring the vibrant locale, Big Brother invites Astro Bot to join him in the water. As players navigate the limbs and head of this enormous creature, the breathtaking view of the island unfolds, melding music, sunlight, and exploration into one of the most memorable moments in Astro Bot.
This joy is amplified by the knowledge that Fumito Ueda is currently developing a spiritual successor at his studio, GenDesign, recently revealed at The Game Awards.
Astro Bot offers over 50 levels packed into roughly 15 hours of captivating gameplay, leaving players yearning for more. The emotional weight found in Free Big Brother is unmatched, showcasing an effective blend of narrative, homage, and engaging mechanics that establish it as a highlight of 2024.
Astro Bot’s creative director emphasized the value of a condensed experience, stating, “Having something that’s 12 to 15 hours of condensed fun, where there wasn’t five minutes in which you felt it was long or lacking, is much more valuable than 40 hours when you have some moments that you feel like skipping.”
As Free Big Brother stands out amidst this extensive playtime, it exemplifies Team Asobi’s ability to weave poignancy into their adventures, making it a game that resonates remarkably with fans and newcomers alike.
