REVIEW – In 2016, Team Asobi released The Playroom VR for PlayStation VR, where they introduced us to Astro Bot, a modified character from the “Robot Rampage” game mode. After receiving a warm reception, the character went on to star in his own VR title, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, followed by Astro’s Playroom. These games established Astro Bot not only as a beloved protagonist but also as a potential mascot for PlayStation.

At the end of the latest PlayStation State of Play event in May, the series’ first full-fledged game, Astro Bot, was revealed. Now, as this little adventurer debuts with his very own title, the expectations are sky-high: he has to not only bring back the fun of the previous games but also do it on a bigger, better, and bolder scale. Fortunately, the wait is over, and it looks like the future is bright for Team ASOBI and their amazing robot.

In a lineup that includes serious titles like The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and Returnal, Astro Bot stands out with its cheerful and light-hearted style.

A Cute Robot’s Adventure Can Be Challenging Too

The story of Astro Bot picks up after the events of Astro’s Playroom. Astro and his friends, robots dressed in various character costumes, encounter an alien (the final boss from Astro Bot Rescue Mission) who destroys the PlayStation mothership. Stranded on a deserted planet with only the DualSpeeder (a PlayStation 5 controller) and your platforming skills, you’ll travel across different planets to find your lost crew, defeat the bosses, and rebuild the mothership.

Just like Astro’s Playroom, the gameplay in Astro Bot remains unchanged. It’s a classic platformer that you can jump into without having to relearn the basic mechanics. You can jump, hover with laser feet, attack, and, returning from Astro Bot Rescue Mission, swim. The game includes visual aids, gyro controls, and larger icons to make the experience more comfortable, even for newcomers. But don’t let Astro Bot‘s simplicity fool you; to conquer some of the challenging levels, you’ll need precise timing, careful control, and focus. Although the game is cute, colorful, and friendly, the difficulty can catch players off guard at times. Still, most levels are easy to medium difficulty and can be completed within 5-10 minutes, depending on how many collectibles you aim to gather.

Astro Bot shares many similarities with its predecessor. The game clearly feels like a bigger sequel to the 2020 PS5 title, with an emphasis on being “bigger.” Instead of a few worlds, there are now over fifty planets to explore and around ten hours of content. While these may not feel as expansive as the worlds seen in Astro’s Playroom, there is a lot more variety. Much of that variety comes from the special abilities Astro can acquire. For example, the Giant Sponge ability allows Astro to soak up water and become a massive water giant that can stomp on and drench enemies. These abilities add a lot of fun, especially when they can be used in different ways to solve puzzles and find lost bots.

Overflowing PlayStation Spirit with Sony’s Mascot

Astro Bot is filled with nostalgia, which is sure to touch the hearts of longtime PlayStation fans. The game is packed with references, surprises, and hidden elements that players will enjoy discovering. If you’ve been a PlayStation fan for a long time, this title is the most nostalgia-filled exclusive in PlayStation history (even more so than PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale).

There are levels where you can step into the shoes of various heroes, and while I won’t go into detail on each, these parts are truly delightful, especially for fans of the respective series. They faithfully recreate the feel of the original games while maintaining Astro Bot‘s own style and playfulness. Even for those unfamiliar with the older titles, these sections are entertaining and serve as great incentives to explore the game.

Despite all the nostalgia, Astro Bot still maintains its unique identity. Not every moment feels overcrowded, as Astro’s Playroom sometimes did. Astro makes friends and enemies in his own universe, and it feels completely natural. It retains the enchanting charm of the original titles and occasionally evokes memories of Super Mario Galaxy or Kingdom Hearts, which is certainly not a bad thing.

The DualSense Experience That Truly Feels

From the moment you start playing Astro Bot, you’ll be captivated by its stunning worlds and graphics. It’s already one of the most visually impressive games on the PlayStation 5. The metallic textures, interactive elements like leaves from tall trees, confetti, or water droplets are equally impressive. The game takes full advantage of the DualSense controller’s capabilities, letting you feel the weight of your jumps, the sound of your steps, and the impact of every ability. While it’s not as flashy as in the previous entry, it feels much more integrated into the gameplay experience.

Composer Kenneth C.M. Young’s work is just as vibrant and dynamic as the worlds themselves. The music has a modern yet futuristic vibe that perfectly fits the world of Astro Bot. This is especially true during boss battles, where the music syncs with the action on screen.

The world design in Astro Bot remains as inspiring and lively as ever. While some themes or settings might feel reused, there is still plenty of variety. The enemies, the environment, and various elements all contribute to making the world feel alive. The only critique might be that some enemies appear too frequently, which can make the gameplay feel repetitive, especially in the later stages.

Astro Bot is one of those rare gems where you want to explore every nook and cranny. From finding lost bots to uncovering paths to secret worlds, there is plenty to do. The whole process is enjoyable, and it’s rewarding to see your actions pay off when you return to the mothership. These collectibles offer both nostalgia and customization options, but they never feel like a chore.

Nostalgia and Innovation Together: The Magic of Astro Bot

Team ASOBI has once again succeeded in creating a game that is simultaneously fun, rewarding, and nostalgic. With nostalgic callbacks, vibrant worlds, and engaging gameplay, Astro Bot offers something for everyone. It’s a colorful and charming adventure that provides a delightful experience for both new and old fans. While the variety of enemies and themes could be improved, Astro Bot is a solid Game of the Year contender and is poised to become one of the defining titles for PlayStation 5.

-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Developer: Team Asobi

Style: Platformer

Release: September 6, 2024.