After years of players urging for Astro’s Playroom to be made into a full game, it’s incredible to see that Team Asobi not only listened but created something even more spectacular. Astro Bot has been transformed into a full-length adventure, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s the kind of game that has been highly anticipated by fans, and it more than delivers on the promise of an unforgettable experience. With its meticulous level design, creative gameplay mechanics, incredible attention to detail, and charm, this game firmly places itself in the ranks of platformer legends like Super Mario.

A Family-Friendly Platformer for All Ages (with an optional challenge)

Astro Bot doesn’t just cater to the hardcore platforming fans, the game is perfect for new players who are just diving into the platformer genre, yet still fun enough for us seasoned pros. It’s honestly a joy to experience. The bright colors, the lovable characters, and the simple, intuitive controls make it an ideal first platformer. While it’s a perfect first platformer for those new to the genre, there’s no shortage of challenges for more experienced players.

The challenge levels, designed to resemble PlayStation symbols, offer an exciting and rewarding diversion. These levels serve as a true test of skill, providing a much-needed challenge for players seeking to push their abilities further. They’re an excellent addition for completionists and those who thrive on difficulty.

Playstation symbol lost void mini levels

Replayability is built into the game, especially with the challenge levels and collectibles scattered throughout each stage. After finishing the main campaign, there’s a compelling incentive to revisit levels for a chance to rescue the remaining bots. The game’s replayability is supported by community-driven content, and fan feedback has been overwhelmingly positive across forums and social media. A speedrun galaxy was also added to the game recently for players to try and grab the fastest times on the leaderboard over and over and over again.

Jump, Bounce, and Glide: The Core Gameplay

Now let’s dive into the gameplay, because Astro Bot is more than just a cute face. The adventure kicks off in style, as you literally begin the game by flying into your first level via your PlayStation controllers motion controls. This provides a fun and unique intro that demonstrates the game’s creativity right from the start. It’s a clever touch that really shows off the power of the PS5 and the immersive nature of the game.

Astro bot flying into a level on his spaceship

The platforming here is tight and satisfying. Astro’s movements are fluid, and the jumping mechanics feel just right, never too floaty, never too stiff. Each new stage introduces something fresh, from environmental puzzles to exciting action sequences, keeping the experience engaging from start to finish.

The power-ups in Astro Bot range from fun to functional, though some definitely stand out more than others. The mouse power-up is my favourite, allowing for awesome shrink and growth based platforming, though it’s only used in one level, which is a bit of a missed opportunity in my opinion. On the other hand, the dog power-up feels overused with minimal innovation, making it the weakest in the lineup. There’s plenty more to discover, and I’ll let you uncover the rest for yourself.

Innovative and Fun Level Design

The level design is another area where Astro Bot truly shines. Every level is packed with secrets, hidden collectibles, and creative platforming challenges that will make you grin while simultaneously questioning your life choices. One moment you’re scaling to the top of a singing tree, the next, you’re making your way through a haunted graveyard. The environments are rich with life and detail, bringing the world of Astro Bot to vibrant, colorful life.

What makes this game even more exciting is the inclusion of the PlayStation references scattered throughout the world. Fans of Sony’s history will have a blast discovering Easter eggs from past PlayStation consoles and games. Whether it’s a nod to the original PlayStation’s logo or a little tribute to God of War, it’s clear the developers packed in love for the PlayStation legacy. It’s like finding a hidden trophy for all the years of nostalgia that PlayStation gamers have.

Boss fights are an exciting highlight, each one offering unique challenges that keep you on your toes. But what’s really cool is that defeating these bosses unlocks VIP bot levels, where you rescue miniature versions of PlayStation legends from their respective games, like Mimir from God of War, or iconic apes from Ape Escape. These special levels not only provide a tougher challenge but also serve as a delightful tribute to the PlayStation legacy. They’re packed with nostalgic nods that long-time fans of PlayStation will absolutely love.

A still from the “Ape Escape” themed level

A Treasure Trove of Nostalgia

Let’s talk about the bots. You’ll find miniature versions of PlayStation legends like Nathan Drake, Ratchet & Clank, Kratos, Aloy, and even PaRappa the Rapper hidden in the levels and awaiting your rescue.

One of the most delightful aspects of Astro Bot is the cast of bots that populate the game. Each bot is brimming with personality, and their animations are a joy to watch. The level of detail in their movements is astonishing, some bots even stage mini performances, making the hub world feel alive with energy. They’re not just helpful; they bring a playful, quirky charm that adds a lot of heart to the game.

40 of the bots avaliable for rescue in Astro Bot

Music That Never Misses a Beat

The music in Astro Bot is top-tier. It’s not only catchy and vibrant, but it keeps playing even when you die, making the retry process less frustrating and more motivating. The boss tracks are energetic, and the hub world music? It’ll be stuck in your head for hours. Astro Bot also might just be one of the most ASMR-like games ever, thanks to its pitch-perfect sound design coming straight out of the controllers speakers. Every surface you interact with has its own unique, satisfying sound, creating a deeply immersive experience that’s unlike any other game before it.

The Resurgence of the Platformer Genre

One of the most exciting things about Astro Bot is that it could help bring back the platformer genre from the gaming graveyard. After all, the big action-adventure open-world games have had their time to shine, but it’s the classics like Astro Bot that remind us how much fun platforming can be. The resurgence of this genre is exactly what the gaming world needs, less focus on microtransactions, more focus on fun. We’ve been stuck in “cinematic” game mode for too long, Astro Bot is here to remind us how to enjoy pure gameplay bliss.

Maybe now Sony will wake up and release some new Crash Bandicoot games too, just to prove they’re not completely asleep at the wheel.

Accessibility & Technical Performance

Astro Bot runs flawlessly on PS5, with smooth frame rates and quick loading times, offering a polished experience without any noticeable performance issues. It makes full use of the PS5’s hardware, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, elevating immersion.

In terms of accessibility, Astro Bot introduces several welcome features. Controller Tilt Assist replaces motion controls with analogue stick movements, and Visual Aid adds on-screen cues for vibration. Camera Assist offers one-stick control, helping players with limited mobility. However, the game still lacks button remapping, high contrast visuals, and requires the DualSense microphone for certain actions, creating a barrier for some players. Despite these limitations, Astro Bot makes significant strides in accessibility, offering improved options for a more inclusive experience.

Final Thoughts: A Joyful Celebration of PlayStation

Astro Bot is a masterpiece, a game that feels simultaneously nostalgic and innovative, simple yet packed with layers of detail. It’s a sensory delight that makes full use of the PS5’s power, from the instant load times to the brilliant haptic feedback. Every level, every challenge, every little bot waving at you is a reminder of why we love games in the first place.

With over 16 hours spent rescuing bots, collecting puzzle pieces, and earning that sweet Platinum Trophy, I can confidently say this is one of the best platformers of all time and deserving of game of the year. It’s a love letter to PlayStation’s history, wrapped in a package so charming and fun that it practically begs you to smile.

The only minor inconvenience I can think of is that finding a secret level pulls you out of your current stage, requiring you to replay the level from the start. However, this is a small issue in an otherwise near-perfect game. You also don’t lose progress towards your current level, such as collected bots and puzzle pieces, if you decide to enter a secret level. Despite this slight hiccup, Astro Bot remains an unforgettable experience.

Rating: 5/5 platinum trophies. Team Asobi, you’ve outdone yourselves. Bring on the DLC (and get working on the next game).