Hands-on with PS5 games Astro Bot and Lego Horizon Adventures

As a longtime fan of PlayStation games and someone who appreciates a well-designed, intuitive gaming experience, I was absolutely charmed by my brief encounter with Astro Bot on PlayStation 5. After just 15 minutes of playing this delightful game, I couldn’t help but ask myself why there aren’t more titles like it in the PlayStation library.

During my 15-minute experience with the charming and intellectually crafted “Astro Bot” on PlayStation 5 at Sony’s preview event in July, I couldn’t help but ponder, “Why isn’t there more gaming content on PlayStation as delightful as this?”

As a long-time fan of immersive and innovative gaming experiences, I must admit that my initial reaction to “Astro Bot” is nothing short of admiration for Team Asobi, the talented Tokyo-based developers behind the exceptional “Astro Bot: Rescue Mission” and “Astro’s Playroom.” Having enjoyed these games immensely, I was thrilled to discover that “Astro Bot” builds upon their previous successes.

In my experience playing Astro’s latest games, I assumed the role of a shiny white-and-blue robot character. This robot is capable of jumping, punching, and emitting beams from its feet which function as jet thrusters. As I travel to diverse planets, I gather power-ups that bestow unique abilities on Astro. These abilities enable him to fly, deliver powerful punches, or break through walls. While Astro’s skills are simple to grasp, the ingeniously crafted levels in his games contain hidden nooks and crannies, revealing secret passages and locations where collectible items can be found.

After spending an unexpected 45 minutes on the new “Astro Bot” game, I was thrilled by the discovery of hidden treasures and robots to save. The experience felt like playing with a brand new, vibrant toy under a clear blue sky. Interactions with various elements, such as giant inflatable ducks and trees with pink leaves, elicited satisfying reactions. Inside an octopus balloon was a treasure that granted Astro the ability to transform into a balloon. I surfed on a stingray bot by jumping on it, and the character did a cute surfing pose. Defeating the giant octopus boss with boxing gloves added classic gameplay elements. I eagerly anticipate exploring more of this game when it releases in September.

Astro Bot’s control felt intuitive from the get-go. Operating Astro in his latest game is remarkably similar to the Astro’s Playroom bundled with the PS5. Just like the initial gift, Astro Bot demonstrates the capabilities of the DualSense controller. It subtly or forcefully vibrates based on on-screen events and generates authentic haptic feedback when pulling the triggers to shoot or punch. As Astro soars in a spaceship shaped like the DualSense controller, tilting it left or right causes the ship to roll accordingly. Each action and its corresponding response is meticulously designed.

As a big fan of Team Asobi and their creative leader Nicolas Doucet, I’m thrilled to share that in an interview with Game File, he expressed how they aim to create “a toy experience as much as a game” for players. This philosophy is beautifully embodied in Astro Bot. Throughout the game, I’ve been encouraged to explore and interact in ways that go beyond typical gaming conventions. The environment invites me to experiment with touching objects, turning around to discover hidden treasures, and even peeking behind obstacles to ensure I haven’t missed a thing on my adventure. It’s a delightful approach that adds depth and excitement to the gameplay experience.

In another game slated for release this year from Sony Interactive Entertainment, the same emotions are apparent: “Lego Horizon Adventures” by Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo. This kid-friendly adaptation of the Teen-rated “Horizon Zero Dawn” maintains the high stakes and characters of the post-post-apocalyptic game, yet infuses it with the comedic style of “The Lego Movie.”

Just like Astro Bot, Lego Horizon Adventures boasts stunning visuals, albeit in a distinctive manner. It brings the futuristic landscape of the Horizon series to life through meticulously crafted Lego bricks, showcasing intricate details. Characters such as Aloy and Erend appear as Lego minifigs, complete with weathered paint jobs and visible seams. Despite their plastic bodies, they exhibit rich emotions. The incongruity of encountering the warrior tribe’s people as tiny Lego figures adds to the game’s comedic element. Lego Horizon Adventures is quite amusing, with characters poking fun at their Lego limbs and acknowledging the absurdity of their situation, breaking the fourth wall in the process.

Due to its humorous approach, I might prefer playing through the Lego adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn’s story – an amusing and meticulously crafted rendition of a profoundly thought-provoking yarn (including robot dinosaurs in the mix).

At first, I explored the demo of “Lego Horizon Adventures” alone, mastering its intuitive controls, gathering objects, and constructing Lego creations as I progressed through the initial stage. I encountered mechanical beasts in Lego form and devised diverse strategies to defeat them: shooting flaming arrows from campfires and lobbing explosive barrels at adversaries. The game flows swiftly, featuring streamlined platforming and mobility.

During the second part of my presentation, I collaborated with a Sony representative in a split-screen, local multiplayer session. This interaction underscored the potential enjoyment of playing _Lego Horizon Adventures_ as a duo, be it between partners, parents and children, enabling a wider range of combat strategies or providing assistance to each other when encounters become challenging.

Revisiting the events of “Horizon Zero Dawn” might seem repetitive for series veterans, but exploring the story from a new perspective (especially with a cooperative partner) could make it worthwhile. For me, however, the hilarity of “Lego Horizon Adventures” was the most compelling reason to play. Featuring many original voice actors reprising their roles and given free rein to be silly, this spin-off promises an enjoyable experience that feels far from repetitive, instead offering a humorous take on the familiar story.

As a long-time PlayStation gamer, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be adding another exclusive title to my collection come September 9th. Astro Bot: Solar System Adventure, the critically acclaimed PS4 game, is making its way to the new PS5 console, and I can hardly wait to experience it in all its next-gen glory! On the other hand, being a versatile gamer, I also appreciate the accessibility of upcoming games like Lego Horizon Adventures. With its release on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Windows PC, I’ll have the opportunity to share this exciting adventure with my friends who game on different platforms. It’s a win-win situation for all of us!

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2024-07-19 21:49