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Astro Bot Vs. Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze

Which is better?

  • Astro Bot

    Votes: 209 66.6%
  • Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze

    Votes: 105 33.4%

  • Total voters
    314

kevboard

Member
So much like Mario 64, not much to do except jump and punch. Seriously? It's not about how many different things you could do, it's how it is utilized.

Mario 64 moveset:

Jump,
Punch (3x B = punch-punch-kick combo),
Slidekick,
jump Kick (both an attack and a movement option),
leg sweep Kick,
running Sideflip,
running Backflip,
crouch Backflip,
tripple Jump,
wall Jump,
long Jump,
dive Jump (both while running and in the air),
ground pound,
ledge Grab,
ledge Jump

these are Mario's base movement and attack options in Mario 64. this list doesn't include unintended movement options like the famous Backwards Long Jump
 
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Mario 64 moveset:

Jump,
Punch (3x B = punch-punch-kick combo),
Slidekick,
jump Kick (both an attack and a movement option),
leg sweep Kick,
running Sideflip,
running Backflip,
crouch Backflip,
tripple Jump,
wall Jump,
long Jump,
dive Jump (both while running and in the air),
ground pound,
ledge Grab,
ledge Jump

these are Mario's base movement and attack options in Mario 64

And none of it is necessary in the vast majority of Mario Odyssey. A moveset alone does not mean the platformer is good. Odyssey is a bad platformer with a great moveset. The level design, bosses, etc, are simply not good at all and Astro is far better in this regard.
 

Dafegamer

Member
So much like Mario 64, not much to do except jump and punch. Seriously? It's not about how many different things you could do, it's how it is utilized.
Funnily despite how revolutionary SM64 is, i believe ASTRO BOT is the actual better game. SM64 is still one of the best controlling games despite its age but everything else it has been bested, level design, camera stage gimmicks etc. Still very remarkable how Nintendo basically got many things right with their first 3D Game attempt tho
 

kevboard

Member
And none of it is necessary in the vast majority of Mario Odyssey. A moveset alone does not mean the platformer is good. Odyssey is a bad platformer with a great moveset. The level design, bosses, etc, are simply not good at all and Astro is far better in this regard.

I could not disagree more.
Adtrobot's level design can be really good in some parts, but it is mostly extremely mundane and unimaginative.

and having a platfomer with good movement, with a deep moveset and a noticeable learning curve, basically means that as the player progresses through the game, they get better and better at the game, mastering more and more of the move set, which ultimately feels very rewarding and adds tons of replay value.

the genius in Mario games is exactly that you do not need almost any of these moves to finish the game. but as you master these moves more and more, traversing levels becomes more and more fun.

meanwhile in games like AstroBot, you can't really play most levels in any other way than the one that is very clearly intended. there aren't any risky but faster and therefore rewarding options for skilled players.

Mario Odyssey and Astro Bot are both extremely easy platformers. Mario Odyssey has the benefit that a high skill player can take high skill routes... in Astro Bot this option does not exist. the skill floor in both games is basically below sea level, but the skill ceiling in Mario 64 or Odyssey is extremely high, while the skill ceiling in Astro Bot is barely higher than the skill floor.

that is ultimately the main issue I have with the game. it's a fun platformer for 1 playthrough. but there's nothing to master, nothing to entice a second playthrough or anything of the like.
 
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Dafegamer

Member
The guy thinks Odyssey is some massively challenging game. It's not. The core game structure until the end is as simple as it gets. Only once you get to side stuff does it get challenging.

The truth is that most platformers are not enormously challenging, and challenging is not a barometer for quality.
Honestly the main game of SMO is a masterpiece. People who know my posts already know that I overall put it above ASTRO BOT, but the majority of post game/side game content like "control this bush and move it some centimetres to reveal moon" is hardly challenging. That was my only complaint about SMO, such a deep moveset, wasted with such mundane side task, instead of pushing the moveset in optional side challenges.
 

EDMIX

Writes a lot, says very little
donkey kong GIF
giphy.webp



Tropical Freeze isn't even tbe best DK game, let alone the best platformer
 

Aldric

Member
Mario Odyssey and Astro Bot are both extremely easy platformers. Mario Odyssey has the benefit that a high skill player can take high skill routes... in Astro Bot this option does not exist. the skill floor in both games is basically below sea level, but the skill ceiling in Mario 64 or Odyssey is extremely high, while the skill ceiling in Astro Bot is barely higher than the skill floor.
I tried to explain that to Sony fans in another thread and they genuinely didn't understand and thought I was saying Mario Odyssey was hard. I think they simply have no idea what anyone is talking about when you start getting into the nitty gritty of gameplay mechanics, which isn't that surprising when you see the kind of "games" they generally consume.
 

SpiceRacz

Member
Tropical Freeze

I adore Astro Bot. It’s easily the best 3D platformer in years. Tropical Freeze is one of the best 2D platformers ever though. Probably the best in the series alongside DKC2.
 
I could not disagree more.
Adtrobot's level design can be really good in some parts, but it is mostly extremely mundane and unimaginative.

The level design in AstroBot is about as perfect as you can get. The design philosophy around quick, 15 minute worlds that never overstay their welcome, where there's secrets around every corner, and where the mechanics interplay with the levels in just enough ways to fully exploit them without becoming tedious or boring. The spectacle in terms of visuals in music comes together in a way that is simply far more ambitious and awe inspiring than anything recently from the Mario series. Galaxy is a great Mario game and is the closest comparison to AstroBot

Mario Odyssey in comparison is completely unimaginative, unambitious, with some of the most barren, boring, generic, and routine levels in a mario game ever. It's almost as if Ubisoft decided to make a Mario game, that's how poor it truly is. Vastly overrated. The fact that you CAN use the moveset around the world does not enhance the game whatsoever. Games need to be designed for mechanics, not just simply giving a bunch of mechanics out that never have anything interesting designed around them.
 
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Dafegamer

Member
Moment to moment gameplay flow of ASTRO BOT is definitely undeniable. People forget that unnecessary filler can sour some impressions for people. Honestly the only real "Con" of ASTRO BOT for me is that the moveset can definitely be better, despite the basic controls of running, swimming and jumping being tight or that it could be more challenging(the challenge is perfectly fine as it is tho, just saying overall. I have no idea how they could make stage design better tho, it's near perfect as it is.
 

drganon

Member
Bro you've been stalking my posts for the past few days and one of your fellow Sony enthusiasts was still fuming about something I posted months ago (which is a bit creepy innit). I'm not the one malding here.
Laughing at your dumb posts hardly counts as stalking. You're just butt hurt you got clowned on in the other thread about astro bot.

Like I said, stay salty.
 

Robb

Gold Member
Very strange comparison.

I haven’t played AstroBot yet, but Tropical Freeze is basically my favorite 2D platformer ever. I doubt Astro Bot would take that spot in the 3D platformer space after I play it.
 
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Dafegamer

Member
I only played the PS5 pack in Astro Bot and it gets my nod. The connection between controller and character is unparalleled.
If you liked the pack in, then prepare to be blown away by the full game.
Personally to me I'd choose DK TF over Astro's Playroom anyday. 8/10 vs 9.5/10 kinda deal.
The gimmicks (rolling, motion controls) kinda ruined it a bit for me. The actual bits of platforming are great(especially the gpu jungle level)
 

Aldric

Member
One of the reasons why TF is so good is also that it's designed with multiple playstyles in mind. The levels are all built in a way they're fun to experience in a first playthrough where you'll move cautiously and learn the proper angles and timings for each jump but once you know the layouts you realize enemy placement, platforms and stage hazards are all meticulously placed so that you can use them to gain and maintain speed for the time trial mode.



I don't think other platformers do something like that, at least not as well.
 

Dafegamer

Member
One of the reasons why TF is so good is also that it's designed with multiple playstyles in mind. The levels are all built in a way they're fun to experience in a first playthrough where you'll move cautiously and learn the proper angles and timings for each jump but once you know the layouts you realize enemy placement, platforms and stage hazards are all meticulously placed so that you can use them to gain and maintain speed for the time trial mode.



I don't think other platformers do something like that, at least not as well.

Super Meat Boy does it imo. My only problem is the stages aren't as interesting as the tight platforming in tropical freeze. Imo the best stages of recent times are from Mario Bros Wonder and Rayman Legends/Origins. That would be the only con I'd give the game.
 

nnytk

Member
I haven't played Astro Bot but I have tried getting into Tropical Freeze, multiple times. The art style is really off putting to me. It feels smooth to control but I'm not enamoured by the colors, overall aesthetic or designs.

So for me, Astro Bot is an easy pick. It looks like it pops, colorful, gorgeous shading with lots of reflective and matte materials and physics based playfulness. Not to mention the Japanese sci-fi/robotics vibes. I also prefer 3D platformers and loved Super Mario 3D World. Bowser's Fury was incredible too.

Anyway, I guess this poll has a whole lot to do with personal preference.
 

cyberheater

PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 Xbone PS4 PS4
Cringe Reaction GIF


Holy shit

I've been on gaming-age since 99. Never been a Nintendo place, are you out of your fucking mind? Do I have to bring up the Switch announcement thread? Were you even born when this place had the meltdown of Zelda wind waker unveiling with the cel shading drama?
Never forgave Ninty for that. What we got was that Celda crap.
 

kevm3

Member
Astrobot is better to me. I like it better than DK Tropical Freeze and Mario Odyssey. However, I like Mario Galaxy and Mario 3d World better than it.
 

DenchDeckard

Moderated wildly
I've completed both and I think astro bot takes it by a considerable amount. I can't remember much about dk tbh, it was a while ago but I know some levels of astro bot will stick with me.
 
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Vick

Gold Member
I'm talking about the games while you're derailing the thread to seethe about me.
Not really.
You're cluelessly rambling about stuff you only saw on YouTube, if at all, as you regularly do in the other Threads you plague. That's hardy "talking about games".

I'm sorry it upsets you that people think Sony games are mediocre.
The people referred to specifically is the interesting factor.
Not the same 1 out of 3 people in a place filled with Xbox, PC, and Nintendo-only gamers regarding them as the best gameplay/combat exponents.
Nor the same people who regularly score them above 90 critically, given critic scores don't matter, and same goes for the same people who usually rate them above 90 in user reviews. Not even the Steam folks considering God of War a 95, because PC gamers aren't trustworthy sources either.

The only opinions on PlayStation games that matter come from people who don’t game on PlayStation.
Even better when driven by emotional responses to the praise they receive.
 

XXL

Member
Sony fans when they get something that’s not walk, dialogue, press A to squeeze through gap :messenger_tears_of_joy:
This is hilarious considering I was playing Half Life 2 in VR all day and Half Life Alyx all night. Lol.

Both Astro Bots are better than any Mario game since both the Galaxies, imo.

And Playstation doesn't have an "A button" dumbass. Lol.

All this thread proved is Nintendo fanboys are super self conscious.
 
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Unknown?

Member
Mario 64 moveset:

Jump,
Punch (3x B = punch-punch-kick combo),
Slidekick,
jump Kick (both an attack and a movement option),
leg sweep Kick,
running Sideflip,
running Backflip,
crouch Backflip,
tripple Jump,
wall Jump,
long Jump,
dive Jump (both while running and in the air),
ground pound,
ledge Grab,
ledge Jump

these are Mario's base movement and attack options in Mario 64. this list doesn't include unintended movement options like the famous Backwards Long Jump
Ah a bunch of moves that are A) not required for the completion of the game and B) only used for one purpose(to get to hard to reach places). Doesn't sound very deep to me.
 

Golgo 13

The Man With The Golden Dong
I’ve played both (beat TF %100, several times), and it’s definitely AstroBot. DK:TF is “good” and has stood the test of time, but Astrobot reaches that high level of pure joy that only the best Nintendo (and now Team Asobi) platformers reach. It’s up there with the best, ever.
 

nikos

Member
Haven't played Astro Bot and I'd still vote for it over Tropical Freeze.

I feel like I played a couple of that levels of that game on two occasions and quit both times.
 

cireza

Member
Donkey Kong was made by some of the most talented developers out there (top three as far as I am concerned) and is brilliant from beginning to end.

It looks like quite a challenge for Astrobot to reach such heights, and I am wary of Sony exclusives being totally overhyped.
 

SweetTooth

Gold Member
Donkey Kong was made by some of the most talented developers out there (top three as far as I am concerned) and is brilliant from beginning to end.

It looks like quite a challenge for Astrobot to reach such heights, and I am wary of Sony exclusives being totally overhyped.
Ohh hahaha, thats rich coming from Nintendo fanboys!! I mean cult!!
 
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nial

Member
Also the only thing you need to look at is the scores journos gave it, journos love Astrobot because it's braindead but they talked shit about TF because it was too hard for them. Sad to see the supposed hardcore enthusiast forum Neogaf.com agrees with game journalists!!
eWm4eFL.png
 

bender

What time is it?
I find the art style, particularly the character designs, really off putting in the modern Donkey Kong titles. But seeing how much love they get, I've tried to power through the titles various times and across multiple platforms but I always end up fizzling out. The movement just never clicks with me. I've read enough glowing praise about the game to respect those opinions, but it just isn't for me.

I like Astro Bot a bunch and while the controls are rock solid, the move set is really bare bones. This is helped a lot by the power-up system, but even then it does feel a little light on variety. Most levels are also extremely short and the design of them often feels like the only purpose is to hide collectables. You'll realize this more if you are trying to do everything in the game and need to revisit levels for missing bots, puzzle pieces, or other hidden goodies. There are spectacular moments, but that spectacle loses its' shine upon revisiting. And that was really my fear going into the game. I knew I'd have a good time but I was worried it was a one-and-done experience and after earning the platinum trophy, I'm not sure I'll ever want to revisit it or start a fresh save file. And that's okay.
 

xanaum

Member
Astrobot is the answer. Retro Studios isn’t great at making these Donkey Kong Country games, they don’t have half the charm and creativity of the old RARE. And, believe it or not, I felt like Team Asobi captured that 90s RARE magic in Astrobot.
 
That's a tough one because they aren't similar at all. Mario Wonder is also better than either but still it's a 2d platform so not really comparable. It would be better to compare Astro Bot to the Mario Galaxy games because they are pretty much identical. In that case Galaxy is better.
 

SF Kosmo

Al Jazeera Special Reporter
Astro Bot and it's not even close for me. I have never been a huge fan of the DKC games, and Astro Bot is one of the best platformers outside the Mario series.
 

Aldric

Member
Not really.
You're cluelessly rambling about stuff you only saw on YouTube, if at all, as you regularly do in the other Threads you plague. That's hardy "talking about games".
Again with the personal attack instead of addressing any point I made. But coming from the clown who unironically thinks GoW 2018's combat has no flaws it doesn't surprise me.

Hopefully when Druckmann or that other hack Cory Blarog or whatever reveal their next Netflix special where a black transwoman beats up nazis you buffoons can stop pretending to give a shit about platformers.
 

Vick

Gold Member
Again with the personal attack instead of addressing any point I made.
Imagine thinking anyone would be interested in discussing, with thousands of hours on the back, certain games with someone who's never even seen any of them on YouTube.
Especially when that same person has repeatedly shown they can be brought almost to the verge of tears over every praise read about them.

What point would I possibly want to address? Your claim that games with realistic human characters need a "jump" button to cross gaps, which is all you do in Uncharted and Horizon, and something you can do in both The Last of Us and God of War?
Would the same apply to much more limited Capcom games like Resident Evil, I wonder?
Only a literal children, at best, could possibly believe and publicly claim these games need a double jump button.

And thanks for the chuckle at personal attack. Truthfully stating you're rambling on things you know nothing about isn't a personal attack, resorting to call someone clown because you once again have nothing to offer on the other hand..

But coming from the clown who unironically thinks GoW 2018's combat has no flaws it doesn't surprise me.
Still have to mention a single one out the "many" you claim to have found in your YouTube experience though.
All ready to be dismissed and disproven in seconds anyway.

Hopefully when Druckmann or that other hack Cory Blarog or whatever reveal their next Netflix special where a black transwoman beats up nazis you buffoons can stop pretending to give a shit about platformers.
denzel washington cringe GIF


Already scraping the bottom of the barrel I see.
 
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