Astro Bot

After playing Astro's Playroom it was really cool to see how much Team Asobi expanded on the mechanics of that game with this one. There were more special abilities to use, especially in the end levels of each galaxy.

And there was a ton of physics simulations and particles to go send flying in the air. A lot of stuff was destructible which was cool, and just like in Astros Playroom there was haptic feedback with a lot of things in the game. I really think Team Asobi are masters at haptics because this game was up to the same level of controller feedback as the last one, which I rarely see that level of inclusion in other PS5 games.

There were plenty of levels and each one I think didn't get boring. There were also a lot of levels that had pretty good music. Although the audio mixing could be better on some levels.

For the longest time, I thought the reason I didn't enjoy video games was because I was getting older. Astro Bot showed me that it was the games that had been terrible in the past few years.

I haven't been this excited about playing and going back to a game since the PS2 era.

Astro Bot is currently my game of the decade. It is as good as everyone says, if not better.

The game is extremely well polished; I haven't seen a single bug so far. The levels are so diverse and engaging.

You can't help smiling multiple times every level. It's a nostalgia-driven thrill of a decade. The game box even has a poster, just like the old times.

Astro's Playroom is a game filled with so much love and attention to detail that it's an absolute joy to play. From the very first moment, you can feel the dedication of the developers to make every little corner of this game an experience. The levels are creatively designed, and the controls are incredibly smooth.

What's especially impressive is how the game plays with nostalgia while also showcasing the new features of the DualSense controller in innovative ways. It's a love letter to PlayStation's history and a must-play for any fan.

For me personally, Astro's Playroom is one of the best games I've ever played. It's not only a technical masterpiece but also a game that is just pure fun and constantly leaves you amazed.

What, at face value, seemed like just a freebie tech demo that came with every PS5, "Astro's Playroom" was WAY more than that, in that it was a surprisingly fully fleshed out and well balanced 3D platformer with fun levels, fun mechanics, and memorability from start to finish that, even 4 years after its release, is still one of the consoles most essentials. Sure, some could argue that some of the mechanics in that game drag on a smidge, and that the overall length of it is pretty small at about 5-7 hours to 100% completion, but it did everything it set out to do very well AND the game is free to everyone. While the adorable Astro Bot would first be seen in the beginning of the PS4 era with very basic hardware demos, "Astro's Playroom" really set the stage for the cute caped robot to hit the mainstream running, as it was the first substantial entry in the series to not be locked behind added hardware (like "Astro Bot: Rescue Mission" released 2 years prior, which I haven't played since I don't have a first gen PSVR or the funds to do so; my PS5 was expensive enough. 😞)

Nearly 4 years later, and we have this: simply called "Astro Bot", and when I say this is one of the greatest games of its kind that I've ever played, I'm not kidding. It took everything that worked with "Astro's Playroom" and not only expanded upon them tenfold, but also added so much creativity and heart from start to finish that makes the whole thing feel almost magical. Each level is thoughtfully designed and fun, and the way the game works with you finding other bots to rescue them, as well as looking for puzzle pieces and occasionally a secret world is all brilliant and well executed; thanks in large part to the aforementioned ample creativity. Same can be said for the extra levels. Whether it be tough, but fair obstacle courses or defeating enemies in a retro world or with a crumbling floor, they're all enjoyable to beat.

Speaking of ample creativity, the abilities in this game are all wonderful and, unlike in "Astro's Playroom", never outstay their welcome. In fact, there are times where I was surprised with absolute delight at some of them, and really enjoyed how they were utilized. To avoid spoilers for anyone who hasn't played this game yet, I won't say what the abilities are, but they're all so delightful and creative, with a few being pretty big standouts. That also translates to the boss battles, as they creatively rely on a specific ability and are all memorable and fun to take down; with the final boss of the game relying on multiple abilities.

This leads me to the fan service. "Astro's Playroom" already did a fantastic job including this with their collectible artifacts, with the artifacts being every PlayStation console and their accessories. There was also a few robots sprinkled in that reference some classic PlayStation IPs, and it was great to see. This game takes the latter and cranks it to near infinity, as not only do pretty much every major PlayStation IP ever get represented in some way from the robots you save throughout the game, but the game actively celebrates some of them as well with full blown after-boss levels themed after an entire IP; each with IP specific style gameplay that balances that and the regular Astro Bot gameplay perfectly. It's so great and actively showcases how great each IP is to fans and newcomers alike. I'm excited to see which IPs will be showcased next in the after-boss levels in the inevitable "Astro Bot 2" down the line.

Also, this games presentation is incredible. Consistently colorful, wonderfully detailed, visually diverse yet focused, and just a total treat across the board. The music is also incredible. Well themed, anthemic, funky, hooky, compositionally diverse, and memorable from start to finish, no matter which world you're in. And, just like in "Astro's Playroom", the attention to detail to every little thing is incredible and makes the game feel truly alive. I also love how the game uses space as its main theme, as you can travel to different nebulas via your controller shaped ship while going to different worlds within each nebula; or to the crash site that acts as the main hub world, but is so big and has so much to do, it feels like so much more than "just a hub world"; also has one of the best musical themes in the game.

Honestly, everything about this game is great. Even seemingly mundane things like repairing ship parts for your PS5 spaceship after getting them is immersive and engaging thanks to the games expert use of the PS5 DualSense controller. Some levels even have cute cutouts for Astro Bot to poke his head through, and it's always a treat to see. Everything about this game just works, and as a 3D platformer fan, this game really excites me about the future of gaming, as it is a perfect reminder that 3D platformers can not only still work in the 21st century, but can work VERY well. If you have a PS5, you need this game. It's as pure fun of a video game as one can get and one that celebrates PlayStation, as well as sets it up for a continuously wonderful future, as this games quality is nothing short of astronomical.

10/10 Astro Bot Review

Astro Bot: Fun, cute, vibrant, and nostalgic. This adorable bot punched his way into my life. The game wasn't necessarily hard, aside from the challenge levels. The final one, in particular, was really difficult, but the sense of accomplishment when you complete them is fulfilling. Along with one of the most repetitive yet splendid playlists, this game stands out.

Astro Bot is extremely vibrant, though at times, it feels too bright. Since it's a simple G-rated game, there are no options for sound or brightness settings, which sometimes hurt my eyes.

My Secondary Review

Astro Bot 2024 Review

Astro Bot 2024 is a delightful return to form for Team Asobi, delivering an exceptional platforming experience that blends vibrant visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia for PlayStation fans. This charming adventure expands on the foundation set by Astro's Playroom, with an even greater sense of wonder and creativity, cementing its place as one of the best platformers of the year. In the past years of my life, this is the only game that made me extremely joyous or at least happy throughout 90% of the whole game. The past few years of Playstation exclusives have been usually darker or gritty than others like Nintendo. But this game is just a Nintendo game mad by the amazing things PlayStation has that Nintendo doesn't.

Gameplay and Design

Astro Bot continues to shine with its inventive level design and engaging mechanics. Each stage feels fresh, presenting players with new challenges and abilities to keep things interesting. For instance, Astro can transform into various forms, such as a jet-butt Bulldog or an indestructible ball, allowing for unique ways to tackle obstacles and find hidden collectibles. This creativity keeps players on their toes, encouraging exploration and puzzle-solving.

While the game isn't particularly difficult, it features some tricky challenges in later levels, particularly the challenge stages, which ramp up the difficulty considerably. These levels provide a welcome sense of accomplishment for players seeking tougher tests.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Astro Bot's presentation is a standout feature, with its vibrant, almost overwhelmingly bright world. The game's cheerful and colourful design may feel a bit intense at times, but it perfectly matches the light-hearted tone of the game. Some players might find the lack of brightness settings an issue, especially if the vibrant colours strain their eyes during longer play sessions. However, this visual style adds to the overall charm, making it fun for players of all ages.

DualSense Integration

One of Astro Bot's defining features is its seamless integration of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The developers expertly utilized these features to enhance the gameplay experience, whether it's the tactile sensation of Astro's punches or the tension felt when using his thrusters. These small yet impactful details make the game more immersive, turning even simple actions into something engaging.

Collectibles and Cameos

As you explore the game's 50+ levels, you'll come across a host of collectibles and Easter eggs. From hidden bots scattered across the universe to PlayStation cameos from iconic franchises, Astro Bot packs its world with nods to the brand's rich history. For completionists, the game offers plenty to do, and the collectibles add extra replay value. However, not all collectible elements are perfect. For example, the Lost Galaxy portals, which transport players to bonus levels, can disrupt the flow of normal levels by marking them as complete before you've had a chance to finish. This slightly detracts from the game's otherwise smooth pacing.

Conclusion

Astro Bot 2024 is a stellar example of modern platforming done right. The game is a joy to play, with clever level design, creative abilities, and impeccable use of the PlayStation 5's hardware. It may not push the boundaries of difficulty, but it's packed with charm. Fans of platformers and PlayStation's legacy will find a lot to love. While some minor pacing issues and visual intensity might affect certain players, the overall experience is nothing short of delightful.

If you're a fan of platformers or just looking for a fun, heartwarming game that showcases the best of PlayStation, Astro Bot 2024 is a must-play. It's also a must-have if you own a PS5. Moreover, this game is a new competitor to Mario and his franchise, and Astro is increasingly becoming Sony's mascot, or at least it feels that way.