Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Develop More Platformers

On December 12, 2024, the gaming community experienced a remarkable evening. Geoff Keighley, a well-known figure in gaming circles, hosted his 10th annual Game Awards, and it was met with a wave of enthusiasm across social media. For those unfamiliar, the awards show has sometimes been criticized for leaning too heavily on advertisements at the expense of celebrating the creators behind these games.

A notable issue from last year included a teleprompter gaffe that urged award winners to “Please Wrap it Up,” which quickly went viral. However, it seems that Keighley and The Game Awards team took this feedback seriously and made some thoughtful adjustments this time around.

As for the 2024 edition of The Game Awards, it turned out to be a thrilling and unexpectedly delightful show from start to finish. Highlights included the reveal of Elden Ring Nightreign, a cooperative twist on FromSoftware’s beloved souls-like gameplay. Another standout was Hazelight Studio’s Split Fiction, a new co-op experience featuring its signature blend of unique mechanics and shifting story environments, reminiscent of their 2021 Game of the Year-winning title, It Takes Two. In essence, anyone tuning in for new game announcements was not disappointed.

One of the major surprise shifts was the Game Awards’ new policy allowing developers and winners more substantial screen time. Larian Studios’ Swen Vincke, known for the standout Baldur’s Gate 3, which snagged a Game of the Year award in 2023, delivered a memorable speech. His address shed light on what truly resonates with gamers and called attention to some of the industry’s shortcomings—a speech so impactful it was shared across social platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

The second unexpected twist was Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment clinching the Game of the Year award with Astro Bot, beating heavyweights like Black Myth: Wukong, which had sold 18 million copies in its first month and captured the “Player’s Voice” award. Astro Bot’s victory underscores its appeal through its roots in gaming history, echoing with both critics and gamers. It’s a signal to Microsoft and Xbox, who, despite having a broad genre coverage, perhaps lack the crucial piece in their diverse offerings.

Astro Bot exemplifies a perfectly crafted third-person platformer, drawing inspiration from the iconic Super Mario Brothers. Its elegantly simple design taps into various elements of the Super Mario series. Gameplay moments merge influences from Super Mario 3D World and Sunshine, along with a Pikmin-like twist, where players gather Bots to complete levels in the game’s central hub.

These Bots vary, with some being original like Astro, while others pay homage to renowned franchises. Recognizable faces include Kratos from God of War, Raiden from Metal Gear Solid: Revengeance, and Crash and Aku Aku from Crash Bandicoot, while some characters like Alundra and Dart from The Legend of Dragoon may stir nostalgia for long-time fans. Together, they form an enchanting tribute to PlayStation’s three-decade legacy.

Astro Bot shines with its unique style and charm, focusing purely on the joy of gaming—a vital diversity that Microsoft and Xbox could greatly benefit from introducing into their lineup.

Though Microsoft excels in niche franchises such as Age of Empires and Microsoft Flight Simulator, with a large network of game studios, it’s a mystery why they haven’t ventured into big-budget third-person platformers. Especially surprising given their treasure trove of classic franchises ripe for revival.

Banjo and Kazooie’s appearance in Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate surprised fans back in 2019, recalling Rare’s golden era before their acquisition by Microsoft in 2002. Meanwhile, Banjo-Kazooie released their last title, Nuts n Bolts, for the Xbox 360 in 2008. Fans’ excitement was palpable, signaling a desire for the series to continue.

Banjo-Kazooie is undoubtedly a strong candidate for a revival under Xbox’s banner. Yet, for a more mature yet equally iconic choice, Conker the Squirrel presents an enticing opportunity, though it poses greater risk. Known for its tongue-in-cheek adult themes, Conker’s journey might also appeal to a broader audience if it returns to its family-friendly roots, as seen in Pocket Tales for Game Boy Color.

With Banjo-Kazooie resting in the hearts of fans and Conker gaining cult status post-Bad Fur Day, Xbox faces the intriguing challenge of how to approach potential revivals and balance between modern reimagining and staying true to original tones.

Yet, Microsoft’s acquisition of Double Fine in 2019 offers a promising avenue. Psychonauts 2, released in 2021, showcased Microsoft’s capacity for producing top-tier third-person platformers. Double Fine delivered an experience rivaling Insomniac’s Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart in both creativity and critical acclaim. Currently working on new projects, Double Fine could step into the limelight, capturing attention akin to Astro Bot’s Game of the Year triumph.

Even if these plans don’t come to fruition, Xbox has possibilities with their latest partnership with Toys for Bob. Known for their recent Crash Bandicoot sequel and Spyro the Dragon remake, Toys for Bob could infuse Xbox’s lineup with nostalgic wonder. Although Crash returned with It’s About Time in 2020, Spyro has been dormant since 2008, barring a remastered trilogy.

If Microsoft pursues a new third-person platformer, be it a continuation or a fresh reboot of Spyro, they could fill that elusive “all-ages” niche left open in their catalog.

With countless IPs at their disposal, Microsoft has the means to respond to the call for a new Banjo-Kazooie or Conker adventure. Alternatively, Double Fine could become their powerhouse for original platformers, though that route always carries risks. Astro Bot’s success underscores replicating that formula; it cultivates a new IP while celebrating established franchises within.

Microsoft has the tools to create a spirited mascot for future Xbox platforms, something akin to Astro Bot, featuring characters like Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, or even nods to classic Xbox games.

Such a project would be ambitious for Microsoft and Xbox but potentially rewarding. Celebrating Xbox’s 25-year history through nostalgic gaming experiences might just resonate with gamers, drawing inspiration from PlayStation’s own celebration of its past.