Astro Bot has garnered attention for its charming platforming and numerous character cameos, yet a notable absence has left fans puzzled: Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy 7. As the iconic character from what many deem the quintessential PS1 game, Cloud's omission raises questions. Team Asobi's head, Nicolas Doucet, hinted at a potential cameo but attributed the lack of inclusion to licensing issues with Square Enix. While the studio respects each publisher's decisions, many gamers were hoping to see Cloud and perhaps even Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Instead, Astro Bot is set to receive new free content featuring characters from Stellar Blade and Helldivers 2 later this year, including ten new rescue missions and five speedrun levels.
nWhy is Cloud Strife missing from Astro Bot?Cloud Strife's absence from Astro Bot is likely due to licensing issues between Team Asobi and Square Enix, as indicated by studio head Nicolas Doucet.
nFinal Fantasy 7, released in 1997, is widely regarded as a landmark title in the RPG genre and is credited with popularizing the genre outside of Japan. Its influence on gaming has been profound, leading to numerous remakes and spin-offs, solidifying Cloud Strife as a fictional icon in gaming history. Astro Bot, on the other hand, continues to celebrate PlayStation's rich heritage, showcasing beloved characters from various franchises but now appears to miss out on possibly its most iconic figure.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
Ah, the absence of Cloud Strife in Astro Bot definitely stings a bit—he's such an iconic figure in gaming history It’s a bummer when licensing issues get in the way of a nostalgic crossover, but hey, at least we’ll be getting new content featuring characters from Stellar Blade and Helldivers 2 to keep things fresh
It's a bummer that Cloud Strife won't be joining the Astro Bot party—his absence feels like a missed opportunity to celebrate PlayStation's legacy even more. Hopefully, Square Enix and Team Asobi can work something out, because who wouldn't want to see that iconic buster sword in action alongside Astro Bot's charm
It's a bummer that Cloud Strife won’t be making an appearance in Astro Bot; his iconic status would’ve really added to the nostalgic charm. Licensing issues can be a real drag, but at least we're getting new content from other franchises to keep things fresh