Why is Cloud Missing from Astro Bot Team Asobi Responds

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.

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.

Final 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.