Astro Bot Review

by Team Asobi 0 text

An adorable robot makes platforming unforgettable.

Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is a vibrant love letter to platforming fans and PlayStation enthusiasts alike. Developed by Team Asobi, this 3D platformer is an extension of *Astro's Playroom*, the PS5 tech demo that wowed players back in 2020. However, this is no mere tech demo—it’s a full-fledged platforming masterpiece that blends delightful gameplay mechanics, nostalgic nods to PlayStation history, and stunning visuals.

The game opens with Astro and his crew of bots aboard a PS5-shaped spaceship, which is abruptly attacked by an alien menace. The ship is stripped of its core components, setting the stage for Astro's intergalactic quest to recover them. You’ll travel through five diverse galaxies, each filled with uniquely themed levels that pack both innovative platforming mechanics and tons of collectible bots. While the story is simple, its execution allows for an imaginative gameplay experience that never feels stale. From gravity-defying puzzles to time-stopping mechanics, Astro Bot is as fun as it is inventive.

Gameplay 9

Astro Bot excels in gameplay, blending tight controls with a variety of power-ups that continually shake up how you approach its 80 levels. Astro’s basic moves—jumping, hovering, punching—are simple yet satisfying, especially when combined with the PS5 DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The game leans heavily into its power-up system, offering Astro an array of gadgets that fit seamlessly into the level design. From monkey arms for climbing to rocket boots that send you soaring, each new mechanic feels fresh and is perfectly tailored to the stages it appears in.

The level design is where Astro Bot truly shines. Every stage bursts with color and life, with incredibly creative environments ranging from frosty mountains to vibrant underwater worlds. One level might see you bouncing off jellyfish to reach new heights, while another has you shrinking down to the size of a mouse to explore a garden from a whole new perspective. The dynamic design keeps things engaging from start to finish, and the inclusion of iconic PlayStation characters as collectible bots adds a layer of charm that fans will appreciate.

The pacing is fast and fluid, with gameplay feeling intuitive. There are also plenty of secrets and collectibles scattered across each level, encouraging exploration and replayability. While the main levels offer relatively straightforward platforming, challenge levels are available for more experienced players, providing a higher difficulty curve for those seeking a challenge.

Graphics 10

Astro Bot’s visuals are nothing short of spectacular. The game's art style is a bright and colorful homage to classic platformers while still showcasing the technical prowess of the PlayStation 5. Each level is densely packed with detail, from the flowing grass to the ripple effects in water, making the world feel alive. Every level feels like its own distinct world, offering a rich variety of visual experiences. The environments range from whimsical dreamscapes to realistic underwater scenes, all rendered with incredible polish.

What stands out most is the attention to detail. Astro himself is as charming as ever, with expressive animations that make him feel alive. Each collectible bot is lovingly designed, with many dressed as PlayStation icons, creating moments of nostalgia that’ll delight long-time fans of the brand.

Storyline 7

The storyline of Astro Bot is intentionally simple, focusing on the gameplay rather than a deep narrative. Astro’s mission to recover the stolen components of his spaceship serves as an adequate backdrop for the action. It may not be particularly memorable, but it allows the game to focus on its strong suit—gameplay. While the plot isn’t deep, the charming presentation and playful tone keep things light and engaging.

That said, the narrative plays a bigger role in tying together the many nods to PlayStation’s history, allowing players to relive iconic moments from other games. Astro Bot leans heavily into these nostalgic elements, and they play a major role in the overall atmosphere of the game.

Multiplayer N/A

Astro Bot is a purely single-player experience, with no multiplayer mode available. However, its deep levels and high replay value give it plenty of longevity.

Issues and Community Feedback

One of the few criticisms of Astro Bot lies in its relatively short length. While the game offers a good 10-15 hours of platforming joy, some players may wish for more content, especially given how much fun the game is. Additionally, while the game is designed to appeal to players of all ages, seasoned platforming veterans may find the challenge levels more compelling than the main story mode, which is quite accessible and forgiving.

Conclusion 9

Astro Bot is one of the best platformers available on the PlayStation 5 and a must-play for fans of the genre. It may not reinvent the wheel, but its clever level design, delightful mechanics, and masterful use of the PS5 hardware make it a standout title. The game’s joyful atmosphere and strong connection to PlayStation’s history ensure that it will resonate with both new players and long-time fans. While its storyline is simple and it might leave you wanting more, Astro Bot is a perfect example of how much fun gaming can be.

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Please note that this review is based on the feedback and sentiments of players on various Reddit threads and does not represent the views of all players.