REVIEW: Astro Bot – Astro-nomically Fun!

Back in 2016, Team Asobi debuted The Playroom VR for PlayStation VR, introducing players to Astro Bot—a revamped version of the robot from the “Robot Rampage” mini-game. Thanks to his positive reception, Astro soon starred in his own VR game, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, followed by Astro’s Playroom. These entries quickly propelled the tiny robot into the spotlight as a beloved PlayStation icon and potential mascot.

During the PlayStation State of Play in May, fans were treated to the announcement of the series’ first full-length adventure, simply titled Astro Bot. Now the star of his own expansive game, Astro was set to bring the charm and excitement of his earlier titles to a new level. The wait is finally over, and it looks like Team ASOBI has another hit with their adventurous little bot.

Story

The story of Astro Bot begins right after the events of Astro’s Playroom. Astro and his costumed bot friends are ambushed by an alien (the final boss from Astro Bot Rescue Mission) who destroys their PlayStation mothership. Stranded on a desolate planet with only a DualSpeeder (a modified PlayStation 5 controller) and your platforming skills, your mission is to travel to different planets, rescue the missing crew, defeat bosses, and rebuild the mothership.

Gameplay

Much like Astro’s Playroom, the gameplay in Astro Bot remains familiar and accessible. It’s a classic platformer where you can immediately jump in without learning new mechanics. Players can jump, hover with Astro’s laser feet, attack, and swim, which returns from Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

With accessibility options like visual cues, gyro controls, and larger icons, the game is friendly to newcomers. However, don’t be deceived by its simple appearance; the game demands precise timing and careful navigation to conquer its trickier stages. While the game has its challenging moments, most levels are easy to moderate in difficulty and take around 5-10 minutes to complete, especially when collecting items.

While Astro Bot retains the familiar feel of its predecessor, it significantly expands in scope. With over fifty planets to explore and around ten hours of content, there’s much more variety. The diversity comes from the new abilities Astro can acquire.

For instance, the Giant Sponge ability transforms him into a towering water giant that can stomp on foes. These abilities keep the gameplay fresh and entertaining, making puzzle-solving and collecting fun. Although some abilities appear infrequently, they leave a lasting impression and provide unique challenges.

Nostalgia is the lifeblood of Astro Bot, fuelling it with countless references, cameos, and Easter eggs for players to enjoy. As someone who grew up with PlayStation 2 and returned with PS4 and PS5, I was thrilled by the call-backs. The game shines with its deep-cut references, honouring even the most obscure titles, making it one of the most nostalgia-packed exclusives in PlayStation history.

Several levels allow you to play as various heroes, each inspired by classic PlayStation franchises. While I won’t spoil all the details, these segments are really fantastic, especially for fans of those series. They faithfully replicate the essence of their inspirations while still fitting seamlessly within Astro Bot’s universe. Even for those unfamiliar with these franchises, these sections offer great introductions and incentives to explore them further.

Despite all the nostalgic nods, Astro Bot still stands firmly on its own. The game doesn’t overwhelm you with constant throwbacks; Astro’s interactions with characters from other franchises feel natural. The game maintains the same charm and polish that made its predecessors so beloved, occasionally evoking memories of games like Super Mario Sunshine, which really is a testament to the seamless flow and engaging gameplay.

Visuals

From the moment you start Astro Bot, you’re treated to some of the most stunning visuals on the PlayStation 5. The game’s graphics, from the metallic textures to the interactive environments like leaves, confetti, and water droplets, are top-notch and showcase the power of a first-party studio.

The DualSense controller further enhances immersion by responding to every movement on screen—from the weight of your jumps to the texture of the surfaces. This time around, the haptic feedback feels more naturally integrated into the gameplay.

The music, composed by Kenneth C.M. Young, perfectly matches the game’s energy with its vibrant and dynamic tracks. The soundtrack blends various genres into upbeat techno rhythms that fit the futuristic yet modern vibe of Astro Bot. The music enhances the experience, particularly during boss battles, where the beats sync perfectly with the intense action.

The world design is just as creative and lively as ever, filled with unique settings and dynamic environments. While some themes are repeated, the levels still offer plenty of variety. The worlds feel vibrant and alive, with enemies roaming about and the environment reacting to your presence. Astro Bot truly shines when it integrates these elements, such as in a level featuring a singing tree (yes, you read that right). However, one minor complaint is that the enemy variety feels limited, leading to some repetitive encounters, especially in the later stages.

Exploration in Astro Bot is a joy, encouraging players to uncover every secret corner. Collecting puzzle pieces, discovering hidden levels, and finding lost bots all feel rewarding and add depth to the gameplay. These collectibles serve dual purposes, offering both nostalgic value and customization options, making them feel like rewards rather than chores.

Conclusion

Team ASOBI has successfully crafted another title that combines fun, challenge, and nostalgia. With its rich world design, inviting gameplay, and countless call-backs, Astro Bot offers something for everyone. It’s a compact yet colourful adventure that captures the hearts of both new players and long-time fans.

While there’s room for more variety in enemies and themes, Astro Bot is a strong contender for Game of the Year and a standout title that deserves its place among PlayStation 5’s best.

Astro Bot Pricing & Availability

Astro Bot launches tomorrow, Friday, September 6ht, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and is available for €69.99 via the PlayStation Store or for €64.99 from Smyths.