In recent years, Sony’s first-party titles have been characterized by an unwavering commitment to graphical excellence. Games such as Uncharted 4, The Last of Us Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Forbidden West, God of War, and Spider-Man showcase impressive visuals, but they often prioritize aesthetics at the expense of a more vibrant gaming experience, a quality that has become increasingly rare, except within Nintendo and indie titles.
This is what makes Astro Bot a standout entry in the PlayStation library. Featuring a delightful and colorful 3D platforming experience, Astro Bot diverges sharply from its more serious PlayStation counterparts. Unlike other titles, including the visually stunning Ratchet and Clank, Astro Bot offers an unforgettable journey that celebrates joyful exploration and childlike wonder, effectively contrasting with the more somber tone of many current PlayStation exclusives.
Team Asobi, the creators behind the game, previously charmed players with Astro’s Playroom, a free tech demo for the DualSense controller that launched alongside the PS5 in 2020. Astro has transitioned into a memorable character, expanding from a free experience to a fully realized title that captures the hearts of players. While Astro Bot may not boast the complex mechanics seen in more extensive platformers like Super Mario Odyssey, it presents an engaging adventure packed with charm. Players can invest 15-20 hours exploring diverse worlds and uncovering secrets, making the experience rewarding without sacrificing enjoyment for complexity.
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The game’s narrative is reminiscent of a lively Saturday morning cartoon and centers on Astro and his fellow bots aboard their spaceship, the PS5. Their adventure takes a turn when the villain Nebulax attacks, leading to the ship’s explosion and scattering its vital components across multiple galaxies. Astro crash-lands on a desert planet and embarks on a quest to reunite his crewmates while retrieving the missing parts of the mothership ahead of a climactic showdown with Nebulax.
With the PS5 now out of commission, Astro acquires a new vessel, the Dual Speeder, which mirrors the DualSense controller. This serves as the launch point for six expansive galaxies and over 70 levels, each with unique thematic elements. The crash site, where Astro begins his journey, transforms into a thriving base as players rescue bots and gather missing components, turning a desolate environment into a bustling oasis. As Astro’s fellow bots return, they contribute to the site, creating a vibrant collection of PlayStation history with nods to beloved gaming characters.
The crash site populates as you rescue more bots
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The crash site provides a playful space for exploration, where players interact with various bots, hunt for hidden collectibles, and unlock rewards. With over 150 unique bots to discover, this area serves as both a hub for activity and a celebration of gaming culture. A particular highlight involves a bot representation of the Hunter from Bloodborne, who engages in a comical parry animation when struck.
The surrounding galaxies boast uniquely designed planets, each with its own visual theme—ranging from candy worlds to volcanic landscapes, tropical paradises, pixel art realms, and vibrant casino environments. While some levels may rehash familiar concepts or assets, the sheer variety and artistic creativity provide a refreshing take on traditional platforming tropes.
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Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Some planets creatively incorporate elements from other PlayStation franchises, allowing Astro to don a costume reflective of those games. In the “Bot of War” level, Astro wields a miniature version of Kratos’ Leviathan axe, while the “Dude Raider” level pays homage to Uncharted, providing players with dynamic abilities unique to those titles. Although they do not significantly change the gameplay experience compared to the regular planets, these special levels add a nice layer of excitement in completing the adventure.
Each standard planet also hides secrets, offering hidden pathways and unexpected transformations that surprise players. In one level, a simple sapling turns into a massive tree, expanding the playable area significantly. This magical touch exemplifies Astro Bot’s commitment to wonder, ensuring that players are continually enchanted by their journey.
BOY!
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The core of Astro Bot lies in the exploration itself. Players are encouraged to seek out bots and puzzle pieces that unlock new experiences and customization options. With over 300 bots and 120 puzzle pieces scattered throughout the worlds, the collectathon provides a substantial incentive—one that rewards players for diving deep into the game’s rich environments. Following through with these collectibles is relatively straightforward, and while it lacks the intensity of completing Super Mario Odyssey, Astro Bot retains a unique charm that makes the adventure enjoyable.
Astro and the Beanstalk
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The gameplay in Astro Bot emphasizes enjoyment over complexity. While Astro can perform basic actions like jumping and attacking, the game introduces special abilities unique to specific levels, refreshing the mechanics without complicating the experience. For example, players might shrink to navigate previously inaccessible areas or transform into a sponge to manipulate their environment. The simplicity of these features fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing players to savor the adventure rather than face intense challenges.
The captivating soundtrack enhances the overall experience, imbuing each level with personality and energizing gameplay moments. Astro Bot also shines in its utilization of the DualSense controller, fully embracing haptic feedback that immerses players in the environment. Subtle audio-visual interactions—such as the sound of leaves crunching or the feel of traveling through different surfaces—are handled beautifully, creating a tactile connection to the game world that elevates the experience.
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Riding the Dual Speeder comes with immersive controller feedback
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The landscape of recent PlayStation releases shows a concerning trend characterized by unneeded remakes and remasters, a series of faltering live-service titles, and a noticeable absence of major exclusives. As the PS5 enters its fourth year, it seems the current generation has yet to find its footing. With hopes pinned on 2025 to change this narrative, Sony would do well to take cues from the successes of Astro Bot.
The message is clear: large-scale AAA games, despite their high production values, are not the sole direction for gaming’s future. Smaller, creative titles like Astro Bot are not merely an option; they are essential. Team Asobi has skillfully created one of the standout 3D platformers in recent memory, delivering a game that prioritizes joy and colorful adventure. As it stands, Astro Bot represents a vibrant gem in the PlayStation lineup, urging Sony to invest in similarly imaginative projects to cater to the diverse demands of its gaming audience.
Pros
- Engaging and enjoyable gameplay
- Vivid art style
- Compelling exploration elements
- Thoughtful level design
- Outstanding soundtrack
- Remarkable DualSense feedback
Cons
- Limited challenge
- Simplistic gameplay mechanics
Rating (out of 10): 9
Astro Bot released on September 6, exclusively for the PS5.
Pricing starts at Rs. 3,999 for the Standard Edition on the PlayStation Store for PS5.
