Astro Bot's Meteoric Rise: Redefining the 3D Platformer Genre

In a remarkable turn of events, the PlayStation exclusive Astro Bot has managed to outshine virtually every non-Super Mario 3D platform game released in the last decade in Europe. This remarkable feat has been confirmed by industry insider Christopher Dring, who has intimate knowledge of the game's sales performance in the region, encompassing both physical and digital data.

Astro Bot's Soaring Success: Leaving the Competition in the Dust

Outpacing Sonic and Crash

According to Dring's insights, Astro Bot's sales figures are currently 34% higher than Sega's recent flagship Sonic title, Sonic Frontiers, and a staggering 52% greater than Activision's Crash 4. This remarkable achievement underscores the game's ability to captivate audiences and establish itself as a true contender in the 3D platformer genre.

A Standout in a Crowded Market

Dring's assessment is unequivocal: "Astro Bot has done better than basically every new 3D platform game in the last 10 years (Mario aside)." This statement highlights the game's ability to rise above the competition and carve out a unique space for itself, even in a market dominated by established franchises.

A Promising Future Ahead

While the true extent of Astro Bot's success may not be fully realized for years to come, the game's strong start in the genre is undeniable. Dring's observation that "its true success won't be known for years, but it's had a strong start for the genre" suggests that this is just the beginning of Astro Bot's journey to becoming a beloved and influential title in the gaming landscape.

Navigating Data Restrictions

It's worth noting that Dring is unable to share specific sales figures due to the terms of his agreement with European data distributors. This limitation, however, does not diminish the significance of his insights, which provide a valuable glimpse into the game's performance and its potential to reshape the 3D platformer genre.

A Solid Start in the US Market

Across the Atlantic, Astro Bot has also enjoyed a "solid" commercial start in the US market, according to research firm Circana. The game ranked second in unit sales in the US for the week ending September 7th, trailing only the juggernaut that is NBA 2K25. Additionally, the Astro Bot DualSense controller was the best-selling accessory for that week, further solidifying the game's appeal and popularity among players.

Critical Acclaim Fuels Excitement

Astro Bot's success is not solely measured by its commercial performance; the game has also garnered widespread critical acclaim. With a score of 94 on review aggregation site Metacritic, Astro Bot has been hailed as "the best 3D platformer in a decade" by VGC's own review. This level of critical praise further bolsters the game's reputation and generates excitement among both players and industry observers.

Expanding the Astro Bot Universe

In a move that is sure to delight fans, PlayStation and Team Asobi have announced that Astro Bot's free speedrun DLC will be released later this year. This additional content promises to expand the game's replayability and provide players with new challenges and experiences within the Astro Bot universe.

Unveiling the Astro Bot Development Story

VGC recently had the opportunity to visit the studio behind Astro Bot, Team Asobi, for an inside look at the development of the game and the history of the franchise. This exclusive access provides valuable insights into the creative process and the team's vision for the Astro Bot series, further enhancing the understanding and appreciation of this remarkable 3D platformer.