Astro Bot Review
Summary: Astro Bot is pure next-gen platforming at its PlayStation best!
4.5
Next-gen Platforming
The delectable Astro Bot who introduced the world to the amazing features of the PlayStation 5 returns in a brand-new adventure that again showcases the power of this next-gen console as you explore a plethora of amazing interactive worlds bursting with colour in this carefully crafted 3D platformer. Further, controlling Astro in this current game is a treat and it’s also the cute mascot that the PlayStation needs. When the PS5 was launched in 2020, it came with Astro’s Playroom that served as a fantastic “game / tech” demo of what this next-gen console would deliver and needless to say, this little robot found a special place in just about everyone’s gaming heart. As a fun fact, Astro Bot Rescue Mission for the PlayStation VR that was released in 2018 was the first appearance of our favourite little PlayStation robot – just don’t tell Clank (Ratchet) that!
Although we’ve had our fair share of platformers on both the PS5 and XSX, we’ve been lacking some uniqueness and this is where our pint-sized her comes into play with his larger than life personality, including lots of tricks up his mechanical sleeves, so yes, Astro Bot is the game that we’ve been sorely missing on next-gen consoles. Unlike the aforementioned titles, Astro is having his own blockbuster gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 as we’re introduced to a giant green Alien who steals the CPU core and other components of the PS5 mothership (and yes, it looks identical to the PS5) which results in Astro and his fellow bots crashing on an unknown planet. To make matters worse, many of his fellow bot family have been scattered throughout the galaxy and captured by this nefarious force. Astro’s goal however is simple, repair the DualSense Controller Speeder (yep, looks like a DualSense Controller) and search the various worlds of this galaxy in order to rescue his robot family (300 to be exact) and take down the villain and retrieve the PS5 CPU.
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It should be noted that Astro Bot is not your stock-standard platformer with elements of pinball, air hockey plus lots of quirky Japanese arcade mechanics thrown into the mix that feels like someone has thrown a bag of Skittles into the game. With that said, Astro Bot is a totally fun and thoroughly entertaining game on the PS5 which delivers the player a very likeable protagonist with super colourful and well-built worlds to explore. Add in secrets, challenges, epic boss battles, collecting gold PlayStation coins (where do I buy one?), jigsaw puzzle pieces to find and there’s quite a bit of variety in this title. Battles also mirror those classic 3D platformer battles where you can take out the basic enemies with one carefully timed Astro punch, while the tougher enemies require a bit more strategy. You can even use both fists to take out enemies and your Inspector Gadget type (extendable) fists are used to pull open doors, secrets and even use them as a sling slot which is super fun as you fly through the air to reach the next part of the level – hopefully collecting some PlayStation coins along the way or scoot along an alien ocean.
Team Asobi, the developers behind Astro Bot really maximise the potential of the DualSense Controller, including celebrating 30-years of PlayStation history. Given that, Astro Bot is such a unique experience on the PS5 with the devs successfully utilising all the features of the DualSense controller that adds another layer of interactivity with this 3D platformer from its haptics, audio and motion controls. Just be warned that the DualSense controller is VERY interactive from its shakes to sound effects. Oh… the bit where you need to hammer the memory of the PS5 mothership together is so reminiscent of the PlayStation Move controller, although via the DualSense.
Each planet that you visit has a set number of bots that you must rescue and in order to reach the last level of your current stage for them to smash the lock, you need to ensure you meet the quota for the number of bots that you have rescued which is the standard arcade trope. Controls are well mapped on the DualSense, including excellent camera angles that are never problematic. As you explore, jump (or double jump) which lets Astro momentarily hover in the air thanks to his jet boots or perform a dash jump, I had no issues with the controls and they were very responsive. All in all, Team Asobi have created a very sturdy 3D platformer with lots of fun and quirky gaming mechanics.
Graphics & Audio
Graphically, Astro Bot looks super colourful on the PS5 that as mentioned is like a bag of Skittles have infiltrated the gaming world. Level design is on par and at times challenges the player on how to reach the next sub-area but more often than not, the solution is always staring at you. Character design channels that Saturday morning cartoon element with fun character design such as the Russian Doll of robots, the green blobs or the various bots you rescue and of course, Astro himself. The game looks super sharp in 4K that also employs some great special effects such as water, reflection and smoke. Supporting the graphics is the very catchy arcade soundtrack and lots of fun sound effects. My wife who is not a gamer was bopping along to the tunes as she surfed the net on her smartphone. Oh… the Western music for the main planet is awesome as are the adorable sounds of the bots when you rescue them!
Final Thoughts?
Although the story of Astro Bot concludes for now, the developers Team Asobi will be launching free DLC later this year that will allow fans to revisit this super cool game. They also hinted that fans of speed-runners will be very happy. However as an arcade game, Astro Bot ticks all the right boxes and really challenges the medium but in a good way with its crazy mechanics, sturdy controls and next-gen experience, particularly with the DualSense Controller. As the game delves into the history of PlayStation, there are some fantastic cameos that you will encounter during your adventures that nicely bring its homage all together.
Recommended!
Gallery
Astro Bot is exclusively available on the PlayStation from 6 September 2024
Astro Bot Key Features
- Join Astro on a supersized space adventure: The PS5 mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the BOT crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO’s new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe.
- Enter a magical, charming universe: Enjoy easy-going, intuitive platforming gameplay with a myriad of secrets and challenges. From lush jungles to sandy beaches, discover locations bursting with quirky and adorable wildlife, making each planet a memorable journey. Rescue more BOTS – they’ll help you rebuild your spaceship and get your cosmic voyage back on track.
- Celebrate a universe of PlayStation: Blast through the galaxy onboard your trusted Dual Speeder and discover unique secrets from the world of PlayStation. Rescue and collect over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes scattered across the galaxy. With the help of your BOT crew, repair the PS5 mothership and lead the PlayStation Armada to victory!
- Accessibility Options: Camera Controls, ability to switch all gyro controls to stick and visual aids for a wide range of interactions (haptics hints, aiming reticules etc.)
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