Ever since its separation from Nintendo, PlayStation has become a name that is basically synonymous with the video game industry. Given that the brand is as big and successful as it is, it's amazing that it didn't have a consistent official mascot.
Characters like Crash Bandicoot and even God of War's Kratos were popular enough to be considered, but they were never official. Now, it seems that Astro Bot has taken the mascot role, as it first gained traction during the PlayStation 4 tech demo and has been in many of Sony's promotional videos since.
While the adorable little robot is cute and recognizable enough to warrant being a good choice, there's another character that I believe would have been a much better option. It is the purple dragon that made its debut on the original PlayStation console, one who has charmed many longtime fans: Spyro.
While the character has seen better days, his first three games and their remakes via the Reignited Trilogy are what created a legacy that has helped people remember him. Spyro isn't as popular now, but it just feels like he was made to be the consistent mascot for PlayStation.
One of the first reasons he should be the face of PlayStation is his ability to capture attention. His design, specifically the one established in the Reignited Trilogy, is simple and cute, while also establishing who he is as a character: a young, small, fiery, and likable dragon.
Aside from his looks, what really makes him memorable is his personality. Spyro may be small in size, but he has a big mouth, and he isn't afraid to use it to make witty comments or remarks about anything and anyone. His cocky attitude has easily charmed many, myself included, and Sony could have easily used it to generate a lot of interest in the PlayStation brand.
Another reason, one I believe is very important, why Spyro should have been made the official PlayStation mascot is his purpose as a character. The purple dragon is known for traveling to different worlds, getting to know their inhabitants, and helping them out with whatever problems they're facing, no matter what they are.
This makes him a hero that anyone can come to like, and he would also be a good role model for up-and-coming fans. Additionally, Spyro's tendency to travel to other worlds should have been utilized by Sony to establish its first-party titles, as he could have connected them all by traveling to their universes and emphasizing their respective charms in a potential game or promotional video.
I know Astro Bot already did it with its titular game on the PS5, but Spyro could have done a much better job with his powerful personality and ability to speak.
The purple dragon may not carry the influence he once did, but who he is and what he brings to the table warrant him to be the official mascot for PlayStation. Nothing will ever change my mind. If he ever gets a chance to shine again in a new game, I'm hoping it's what helps propel him forward towards the role, as I think he deserves it more than anyone.
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