Astro Bot review: PlayStation’s must-play platformer

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Astro Bot has left me utterly spellbound. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a game that so effortlessly combines creativity, polish, and fun in such a delightful package.


In the year 2020, the PlayStation 5 debuted and included the delightful and surprisingly sturdy game, Astro’s Playroom. After nearly four years of anticipation, we can now enjoy more of the endearing Sony mascot through the game Astro Bot

While Astro’s Playroom served as a demonstration of what the PS5 can do, Astro Bot is a fresh new journey for this platformer series, pushing it to new heights and expanding upon its compact original in every possible way

After fully conquering Astro Bot, I can confidently say that I’ve been part of something extraordinary. The game exudes happiness from every corner, solidifying its place as one of the greatest platformers out there

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

Every second you spend watching this game is sure to leave you awestruck. Whether it’s the polished visuals and fluid animation, an inventive gameplay feature, or one of the numerous charming animations that make each interaction special, there’s always something impressive on screen

Astro Bot exudes elegance, much like its predecessor Astro’s Playroom did. It uniquely takes advantage of the PS5 DualSense controller’s features, such as haptic feedback and gyro controls, which are integral to the gameplay, enhancing the overall gaming experience

The game’s boundless trove of sensory enchantment makes it hard not to get lost, but at its core, it’s a platformer. Fortunately for fans of the genre, it excels in this aspect by merging seamless and responsive movement mechanics with inventive level layouts that create numerous unforgettable moments

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

In this game, you aim to save robots across its five primary galactic systems. Each system houses several planets filled with complete stages, in addition to specific tests and hidden missions that become accessible in the explorable world map

You’ll encounter misplaced robots (bots) across multiple game levels, either as rewards for overcoming specific obstacles or hidden within the levels themselves. Some levels also conceal secret passages and shortcuts that transport you to exclusive bonus stages in the Lost Galaxy. Many of these bonus stages are tricky to locate, often requiring a bit of exploration or solving simple puzzles

After defeating the boss of every galaxy, players receive a level inspired by a renowned PlayStation series. We won’t give away the details so you can enjoy them firsthand. However, these levels are incredibly enjoyable and will bring a grin from ear to ear if you’re fond of any of PlayStation’s well-known characters

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

Most stages introduce unique gameplay features that keep the experience fun and engaging. Astro Bot uses different gadgets such as a jet pack, stretchy boxing gloves, or the ability to transform into a rolling iron ball. Some stages offer incredible surprises as you explore their limits, but these are best enjoyed through play, so we won’t reveal them here

The gameplay is so fluid and well-coordinated, nothing ever feels repetitive or dull. Though certain tricks recur throughout the stages, they’re consistently developed and enhanced, keeping things interesting

The central point of the game revolves around the Crash Site, serving as a vibrant base for your exploration. This area is filled with rescued bots, a good number of whom are charming robot versions of PlayStation characters. Additionally, there are delightful cameos from other games that we fondly remember. Each bot also possesses an unlockable animation, adding depth to their personalities and giving the world a lively, interactive feel, much like a playground come to life

In this location, you have the option to modify your spaceship’s hue, customize Astro’s attire, access the vending machine to unveil additional content, traverse a wildlife sanctuary for snapshots, and even call upon your robot companions to assist in discovering new regions

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

In essence, there’s not much room for criticism when it comes to Astro Bot. If we’re being honest, some of the challenges could get quite challenging, and it can be infuriating when you’re defeated by a single spitball blast late in the game. However, these challenging levels are intentionally designed with a reward at the end, which justifies their difficulty

One could also express that Astro Bot lacks the complexity found in Mario Odyssey. Instead, it offers a more straightforward journey, created with a simpler design philosophy in terms of gameplay mechanics and level layout

In this game, you won’t encounter any robots, intricate puzzles, or hidden shortcuts that leave you confused. If you find yourself in a pickle, simply restart the level and summon an assistive bird friend who can guide you to hidden treasures

In approximately 16 hours, we gathered everything the game had to offer, feeling as if we’d uncovered every hidden gem. We’re secretly hoping for some undiscovered secrets since we crave more. However, it accomplishes its goal flawlessly by delivering a meticulously crafted and inviting platformer brimming with rewarding experiences, all while paying tribute to the PlayStation legacy

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

If you enjoy platform games or want to rekindle your appreciation for them, this is worth checking out. Whether you’re planning to play it yourself or introduce it to kids who will undoubtedly love it, there’s no question that time will fly by as you explore the galaxy’s offerings while grooving to one of the best soundtracks ever featured in a 3D platformer game

Astro Bot overflows with diverse concepts and intriguing ideas, which demand hands-on exploration. It serves as evidence that there’s yet vitality in the genre, and might inspire other studios to realize that players still appreciate single-player platforming games

Every aspect of Astro Bot has been meticulously designed for an enjoyable gaming experience, be it its smooth gameplay, extraordinary creativity, or every interaction offering a colorful symphony of pleasing visual effects and audio cues. Astro Bot is one of the top-notch platformers in recent years and is a must-try game that you wouldn’t want to skip

Astro Bot review: PlayStation's must-play platformer

Astro Bot is out PlayStation 5 on September 6.

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2024-09-05 15:49

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