When I was young and just getting into gaming, the only reason my parents were OK with me playing on a little box connected to a TV was because it looked like I was playing a version of the cartoons I watched. From Mario and Donkey Kong on the NES to Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon on the PS1, these were some of the cute and cuddly games I was allowed to play. Of course, as time passed, and gaming supervision declined, I was exposed to timeless classics like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and the legendary DOOM, to name a few. But cute platforming games like Ratchet and Clank, Maximo vs Army of Zin, Jak and Dextre and more always found a place in my library and heart. Today games are dominated by sad dads (Joel and Kratos) and mature content targeted at the mature gamer AKA – Me! But now that my 3-year-old is picking up the controller, I find myself resorting to Super Mario Odyssey whenever I want to have a gaming session with her. I’m glad to say, I have another game I can enjoy with her and that is Astro Bot!
Astro may not be PlayStation’s biggest mascot, but he is definitely the one who highlights the potential of PlayStation’s flagship technology, from ASTRO BOT: Rescue Mission which was an unforgettable VR experience, to Astro’s Playroom which showed off the potential of the DualSense, the cute and cuddly mascot has found his niche. Today we have Astro Bot, a full-length adventure from developer Team ASOBI. If you aren’t sure whether to get Astro Bot, I have a suggestion – go back and play Astro’s Playroom on your PS5. The game came free, preloaded on every PS5 and is a testament to the creativity of the team behind the game. If you enjoyed the preloaded tech demo on your PS5, you will love Astro Bot for the PS5.
Table of Contents
Story
There is no real depth to the story here. As Astro, you are cruising through the galaxy on your beloved ship (which is shaped like a PS5) and are attacked by a monster who scatters vital parts of your spaceship throughout the galaxy while keeping the heart of the console for himself. It is your job to hop onto your trusted limited edition Asto Bot DualSense controller and scour the galaxy to retrieve the parts. Along the way, you will also have to rescue 300 both of which we have 150+ inspired by popular PlayStation characters!
Gameplay
The gameplay is where Astro Bot shines! Like I said above, think of Astro’s Playroom as a demo and Astro Bot as the full game. The mechanics are largely the same, however, expanded upon with new abilities. It’s a pure 3D platformer akin to Super Mario Odyssey. Where Mario could literally throw his hat to take on new abilities, here Astro gains abilities depending on the level helping him traverse the environment and take down the boss at the end of each galaxy.
From a jetpack that lets you traverse new grounds to mechanical arms that let you throw rocks and climb, to the ability to shrink and wield Kratos’ axe for a bit, it’s the use of these new elements per level that keeps the experience fresh for the 15-hour journey.
At its heart, Astro Bot is a platformer where you will move from one “galaxy” to the next each populated by its own set of planets. Once you’ve cleared the planets and “rescued” the bots, you move on to the final boss after which you get a component of your PlayStation 5 ship.
There are 300 bots to rescue of which 150+ are from recognisable franchises including Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Ape Escape, Metal Gear Solid, God of War, The Last of Us and so many more. I encountered some bots from franchises that I did not recognise, so it’s obvious that team Asobi has left no stone unturned when it comes to highlighting PlayStation’s legacy.
A special mention has to be made to the implementation of the DualSense controller. From the different surfaces you walk on, to the different abilities you unlock each feels unique thanks to the haptic feedback and the speaker on the DualSense controller. Even when playing with headphones, the sounds emitted from the controller are transferred to the headphones for an immersive experience. I also played the game on the PS Portal and the experience was sublime due to the seamless implementation of the DualSense.
Graphics and Sound
Visually stunning is the first thing that’ll come to your mind when you fire up the game! Its rich environments are diverse and full of details. The levels range from lush forest-like planets to deserts to some inspired by modern cities. There are times when you will be able to climb the tallest point in a level just to marvel at the expanse you are about to see or have just been through. Some of the levels also evolve as you progress either by an ability or a foe leading you to areas you haven’t explored.
While there are a lot of generic bots, the ones that are modelled after PlayStation Characters are truly stunning. From Solid Snake to Psycho Mantis from MGS 1 to Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, their visual design is a pure nostalgia trip for legacy players like me.
The Hub planer where you repair your spaceship is also one to behold. The more bots you rescue, the more you can explore the home planet and the rescued bots follow you around very much like ‘The Rot’ in Kena: Bridge of Spirits. But in this case, the Bots have a cuter animation as they follow you around.
A special mention to the sound design of the game. Starting with the different materials as you walk on glass, metal or water, the DualSense controller emits a unique clink and clank sound that ties in with the haptics to offer an immersive experience. The background score is nothing short of peppy and fun. There is no voice acting in the game, but the hum and expressions of Astro and the other bots are very cute.
Verdict
Astro Bot in 2024 is Sony’s answer to all the cute and cuddly platforming games that are a staple for the Nintendo Switch. The game has a lot of heart, and is challenging enough for me, yet fun enough for kids of all ages to enjoy. It is not only a technical marvel highlighting the power of the PlayStation 5 but also a testament to engaging gameplay which is fresh throughout the journey. While it is a far cry from franchises like God of War and The Last of Us, it is a welcome change, especially for those looking to play games with their kids.
Editor’s rating: 9/10
Pros
- Stunning visuals
- Engaging Gameplay
- Peppy sound design
- Highlights the capabilities of the DualSense controller
Cons
- Some of the regular enemies are just reskinned
More Info:
Developer: Team Asobi
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PS5
Reviewed on: PS5
We played a review copy of Astro Bot provided by Sony
