Astro Bot – Game Review

Cover art for "Astro Bot" features an array of robotic characters exploring a sandy landscape under a cosmic backdrop, complete with planets and stars.

Astro Bot is the latest addition to the PlayStation 5 lineup, created by Team Asobi and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. This charming platformer builds on the success of earlier games like Astro Bot: Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom. Since his first appearance in 2013, Astro has transformed from a simple tech demo character into a fully fledged mascot for the PlayStation Brand.

In this new adventure, you’ll help Astro as he sets off on a journey through colourful worlds. The story begins when a mysterious alien attacks Astro’s spaceship, scattering its parts and his fellow bots across different planets. Your goal is to assist Astro in finding these lost pieces while navigating beautifully crafted levels filled with challenges and collectibles.

What makes Astro Bot special is not just its fun gameplay but also its smart use of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. The game fully utilizes the controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making your experience more immersive as you jump, dash, and explore. With 80 levels to explore and conquer, each offering unique mechanics and surprises, Astro Bot offers up some of the best platforming in gaming history.

Let’s take a look at a platforming adventure that celebrates the joy of gaming, showcases the creativity and skill of Team Asobi, and takes us on a walk down PlayStation’s memory lane.

An epic quest filled with adventure and nostalgia

In Astro Bot, you set out on an exciting adventure with the lovable robot, Astro. The story begins when a mysterious alien attacks Astro’s spaceship, which is shaped like a PS5. This attack causes the ship to crash, scattering its parts and fellow bots across various planets in different solar systems. Your mission is to help Astro recover these lost components and rescue his friends.

The narrative is simple yet effective, allowing you to dive straight into the action. Each planet you visit is uniquely themed, offering a fresh experience filled with vibrant visuals and engaging platforming challenges. The charm of Astro and his companions shines through as you explore these colorful worlds. The game does a great job of blending nostalgia with modern gameplay, making it enjoyable for both new players and long-time fans of PlayStation.

Astro Bot’s story is a fun and heartwarming journey about adventure and friendship. It perfectly captures the spirit of playfulness and encourages you to explore every nook and cranny.

Astro Bot runs on a path amidst colorful pink trees, flamingos, and butterflies in a fantasy landscape.

Innovative gameplay mechanics and fun challenges

Astro Bot offers a delightful platforming experience that is one of, if not the best, platforming games ever made. The game features 80 levels spread across six galaxies, each filled with unique challenges and vibrant environments.

One of the best things about Astro Bot’s gameplay is its fun and creative mechanics. Astro has a ton of new innovative abilities that kept me wondering what new abilities could be next. For instance, you can use a dog jetpack to zoom ahead or a time-pausing watch to slow the action down. These special power-ups make the gameplay fun and engaging, so every level feels fresh and exciting.

As with Astro’s Playroom, Astro Bot makes exceptional use of the DualSense controller. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add a tactile dimension to your actions. For instance, you can feel the impact of Astro’s jumps and punches and feel the different surfaces you are walking on. The use of the DualSense controller adds a whole new feel that is not possible anywhere else.

Exploration is another key element of Astro Bot. Each level is filled with hidden collectibles and challenges. Each level contains bots to be rescued, many of which are from various PlayStation games throughout the years. There are also puzzle pieces and hidden secrets to be found. Discovering these bots, puzzle pieces and hidden secrets are part of what makes Astro Bot shine.

An Astro Bot uses a drill against a giant robot on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky.

Astro Bot offers up a feast for the senses

Astro Bot stands out with its amazing visuals, providing a bright and colourful experience. Each world is well-crafted, featuring different themes. You’ll discover lush forests, high-tech cities, and playful landscapes that encourage you to explore. The graphics are not just beautiful; they’re also smooth, making every jump and dash feel effortless and natural.

Astro Bot’s soundtrack is just as great. The game has a fun and catchy music score that fits its playful vibe perfectly. Each level features its own unique music, with everything from lively tunes to more relaxing tracks. You’ll also hear remixes of classic PlayStation songs that bring back fond memories. The sound effects are excellent, making every action feel more exciting. Whether it’s the satisfying sound of a punch or the happy beeps from rescued bots, the audio really adds to the gameplay experience.

The DualSense controller is an essential part of Astro Bot’s experience. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers give you a hands-on experience that pulls you into the game. You can really feel the difference when you run on different surfaces or use special abilities. This focus on detail in both the visuals and sound makes Astro Bot a lot, and I mean a lot, of fun to play. The mix of beautiful graphics, captivating sound, and creative controller features makes for an enjoyable adventure. You’ll find yourself smiling as you explore its charming worlds, creating a journey and memories that you won’t forget.

Astro Bot, riding a DualSense controller, speeds towards a colorful island with birds flying above and bright blue skies.

Astro Bot sets a new standard for 3D platforming and is a serious contender for game of the year awards

Astro Bot is a fantastic addition to the platforming genre, one of the best ever, that really stands out on the PlayStation 5. The game mixes fresh gameplay mechanics with beautiful graphics, creating an exciting experience from beginning to end. You’ll find yourself drawn into colourful worlds filled with charming details and clever level designs. The DualSense controller makes every jump and action feel satisfying and responsive, enhancing the overall gameplay.

One of the best parts of Astro Bot is its nostalgic nods to PlayStation history. As you explore, you’ll come across hidden bots and collectibles that pay tribute to beloved characters and games. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment for long-time PlayStation fans. The catchy soundtrack fits the playful atmosphere perfectly, making each level a joy to play.

Overall, Astro Bot is a must-play for anyone who loves platformers. It combines creativity, nostalgia, and fun in a way that’s hard to resist. This game sets a new standard for 3D platforming and is sure to leave you smiling as you enjoy your adventure.

Astro Bot

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

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Summary

Astro Bot is a must-play for anyone who loves platformers. It combines creativity, nostalgia, and fun in a way that’s hard to resist. This game sets a new standard for 3D platforming and is sure to leave you smiling as you enjoy your adventure.

5

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

One thought on “Astro Bot – Game Review”

  1. an absolute treat to read through Jon. can’t wait to get my copy tomorrow. more studios need to start making games like this.

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