Developer: Team Asobi
Platform: PS5
Genre: Action, Platformer
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Astro’s Playroom considered a tech demo for the new PS5 dual sense controller, came out with the PS5 launch in 2020, 4 years later, and we have a new fully-fledged game, Astro Bot. Carrying on from its predecessor, you play Astro Bot, who travels a world of adventure and many planets (more than 50) where you will encounter all kinds of enemies and unique worlds, too. The latest 3D platformer is here, and it’s well worth playing. These games fill the void of well-thought and are just fantastic platformers; there are few platforming games of this quality to play.
In this game, you take the role of Astro Bot, a loveable and cute robot who uses a dual sense controller to navigate a solar system of many planets to rescue your fellow robots scattered over this vast place. Like any platformer, each area (planet) in this game has a certain whether it be a fantastic beach, a water park, or a dark dungeon. You navigate a series of puzzles and use exciting mechanics, which will vary from your environment. In every level, you will use your jump, punch, spin attack, and rocket pack to navigate wonderfully rendered levels with a mixture of puzzles and platforming mechanics to keep you on your toes. In the game, you collect coins, robots, and puzzle pieces, each having a different effect. The coins are used in the gacha machine to get upgrades and loots for your rescued robots. The rescued robots allow you to progress the game, and you must collect a certain amount before battling the main boss of a particular solar system. The puzzle pieces allow access to certain shops and upgrades throughout the game.
The presentation is truly a sight to behold; the 4K visuals and the clever use of colours make the game pop and graphically stunning, and I had no graphical issues/glitches while playing the game. From the charming Astro bot to every character and level, the game is a masterpiece of polished brilliance. The visuals are so captivating that they draw you into the game’s immersive world from the very start. The game also leverages haptic feedback, the mic, and all the buttons on the controller. The speaker is used heavily in this game, adding to the immersive gameplay experience. The music would fit into any magical, excellent movie, too. Like any 3D, you can control and move the camera while navigating this fantastic world.
From the moment you start playing, you’ll be drawn to Astro’s Playroom’s captivating, bright, and vivid visuals. The game’s visual appeal is a testament to the PS5’s capabilities and a critical factor in the game’s ability to immerse you in the world. The design also complements the world-building and look, too. For example, Astro Bot navigates the world using a dualsense controller that doubles up as a spaceship. Each level and world integrates elements from the PlayStation hardware design from the controller buttons, the PS5 console and much more. Astro Bot also does a fantastic job of leveraging some other fantastic Sony titles, and you will see cameos from some of your favourite characters (over 150) as you progress through the game. All the little details and attention to detail make for a rich and fantastic experience tied in with great game mechanics. Astro Bot will be able to use new mechanics on different levels to navigate various challenges; these distinct abilities add freshness to the game and extend the novelty of Astro Bot. Each solar system has its boss, a fantastic battle to make you play through the planet. There is a goal and a payoff from completing the levels and challenges.
The game is likeable and fun; the levels, the characters, the bosses and the gameplay are superb. The levels are diverse, and each new planet unlocked has its own unique set of challenges. The game’s diverse levels and challenges keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, offering a variety of experiences for players to enjoy. Astro Bot reminds me of many platforming games, but its unique mechanics and character make it shine. It’s a brilliant, fun game. The clever use of PlayStation heroes from the PS world with up to 150 characters from a whole host of games makes the levels and design intuitive and intelligent, with lots of surprises.
Overall: 8.5/10
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
