Astro Bot – Review – The shining jewel of the PlayStation 5

Ever since Astro first appeared in 2018, I’ve been fascinated by the potential of this little robot who, despite not being the official mascot, has become a sort of ambassador for PlayStation. I must admit that when I heard about the new Astro Bot for PS5, my expectations were sky-high. After the success of Astro’s Playroom , which was a presentation letter for the DualSense’s features, I asked myself: what else could Team Asobi do? And the answer was simple: much more! This new title not only exceeded expectations but also redefined what I expect from a 3D platformer. Below, I’ll break down all the elements that make Astro Bot a masterpiece for PlayStation 5.

Astro Bot begins with a simple story: Astro and his friends are traveling through space, enjoying the tranquility of the cosmos aboard a PS5-shaped ship. However, this calm is interrupted when an alien force attacks the ship, scattering the robots and console components across different galaxies. Like the hero he is, Astro must gather his friends and repair the ship, traveling through an impressive variety of planets, each one more creative and stunning than the last.

Even before I picked up the controller, I already had a smile on my face. Team Asobi has managed to balance nostalgic design with innovative gameplay, transforming Astro Bot into a platforming experience that combines the best of PlayStation history with a bright future for the franchise. The game stands out for being much more than just a “mascot game”; it’s a love letter to video games in their purest form. Now, let’s get into the details.

Mechanics and Gameplay

If you’ve played Astro’s Playroom , you’ll be familiar with the basic gameplay of Astro Bot . However, Team Asobi has expanded the possibilities here in a big way. The basic gameplay revolves around jumping, punching enemies, and rescuing bots scattered across the various planets. However, what really sets the stage apart are the unique abilities you acquire in each level. With each new stage, you’ll find items and power-ups that completely change the way the game plays.

For example, one of the most fun abilities I discovered was Astro’s ability to shrink and move through narrow passages, offering a new perspective on the scenarios and completely changing the way I approach puzzles. Another example are the “power-ups”, such as the clock that slows down time, essential for solving more complex puzzles and passing through platforms that move at an incredible speed. And all of this with millimeter precision in the controls, which makes each jump, punch and dodge incredibly satisfying.

Enemies, on the other hand, vary greatly in design and behavior. While some are simple obstacles that you can destroy with a punch, others require you to use your newfound skills to defeat them. The difficulty progression is smooth, and while the game has its challenging moments, it never becomes frustrating. There’s always a fun and creative solution waiting to be discovered, and each level introduces something new, whether it’s a new mechanic or a new enemy.

Additionally, the level design is something to behold. Each planet has a unique theme, and the creative use of environments and obstacles makes each level an adventure in itself. Whether you’re climbing frozen mountains, sliding down sand dunes, or floating in a city in the clouds, there’s always something spectacular to see and do. The layout of the worlds also encourages exploration. Many of the secrets and collectibles are hidden in places that require a keen eye and skill to reach. Speaking of which, the collectibles hunt is addictive; I found myself replaying levels over and over again just to get that bot or puzzle piece I missed.

Graphics

Astro Bot ’s graphics are simply stunning. From the moment I entered the first level, I was blown away by the level of detail that Team Asobi managed to achieve. The game is colorful, vibrant, and extremely polished, offering visuals that can easily compete with any AAA title on the market. Each planet has a unique and striking aesthetic, from tropical forests teeming with life to futuristic planets with a technological vibe.

The character designs also deserve a special mention. The rescued bots are expressive and full of personality, and it’s impossible not to smile when watching the little interactions they have with each other and with Astro. And it’s not just the main characters who shine. The enemies, platforms, and even background elements are all designed with meticulous attention to detail.

The lighting in Astro Bot is another thing that impressed me. Whether it’s sunlight reflecting off a metal surface or shadows cast in dark caves, everything looks incredibly realistic, even in a world that’s essentially cartoonish. Plus, the frame rate is stable, running at 60 FPS, which only adds to the immersion in the adventure.

Sound

If Astro Bot ’s visuals are impressive, its sound design is equally magnificent. Every step Astro takes, every enemy hit, every platforming sound effect – everything is meticulously planned to enhance the experience. The soundtrack is upbeat, catchy and perfectly suited to each scenario, complementing the thrills of the gameplay.

During my journey, I found myself humming along to the background music several times. The compositions are dynamic, changing as the action intensifies or during quieter moments. The PS5’s use of 3D audio is also phenomenal, providing a deep auditory immersion. In levels where Astro flies across desolate planets or traverses vibrant forests, the ambient sounds change depending on the terrain – be it the sound of water running over rocks or the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Special mention should be made of the DualSense’s built-in speaker. Various sounds, such as the clink of coins or the snap of Astro’s power springs, are emitted directly from the controller, providing a unique and immersive auditory experience. It’s hard to describe how satisfying it is to hear the sound of an elevator’s gears or Astro’s metallic footsteps echoing through the environment – it’s something you really have to experience to understand.

Fun

Astr Bot is pure gaming pleasure. Rarely have I come across a title that so perfectly captures the essence of simple, uncomplicated fun. With each new level, I felt transported back to my childhood, when I would play classic platformers without worrying about anything other than the joy of exploring and discovering new worlds.

The level design is ingenious, with a perfect mix of challenging and fun moments. There’s an impressive variety of mechanics that keep the game fresh from start to finish. And even when the levels seemed to be coming to an end, there was always a surprise or new challenge that kept me wanting to keep playing. Team Asobi did an incredible job of balancing difficulty and accessibility, making Astro Bot a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

Hidden secrets, collectibles, and mini-challenges also add an extra layer of replayability. I found myself returning to previous levels not only to collect what I had missed, but also to relive the joy of completing a level perfectly. Additionally, the presence of themed levels inspired by PlayStation franchises is a treat for longtime fans, adding an extra dose of nostalgia to the experience.

Performance and Optimization

One of the biggest surprises I had with Astro Bot was how well optimized the game is. I didn’t encounter any frame rate drops or technical issues that hindered my experience. The game runs at a smooth, consistent 60 FPS, even in the most intense moments when there are a lot of enemies and visual effects on screen. Transitions between levels are quick, with minimal loading times, making the most of the PS5’s ultra-fast SSD.

Another aspect that deserves to be highlighted is the efficiency with which the game uses the resources of the PS5 hardware, especially the DualSense. The tactile sensation provided by the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback is a differential that elevates the experience to another level. Never has a controller made me feel so connected to the game as the DualSense in Astro Bot . The precision and immersion it provides are simply unmatched.

Conclusion

Astro Bot is a modern masterpiece that exemplifies everything that’s best about platformers. From the stunning visuals to the innovative use of the DualSense, Team Asobi has created an experience that goes far beyond what we’d expect from a mascot game. It’s a game that celebrates the legacy of PlayStation in a unique way, while also establishing Astro as one of the most iconic characters of the current generation.

If you’re a fan of platformers, Astro Bot is a must-have title. It captures the magic of old-school classics while utilizing modern technology to deliver something truly new and exciting. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a video game veteran, this is a game that will surprise and delight you from start to finish.

Positive Points:

• Stunning and vibrant graphics
• Innovative use of DualSense
• Creative levels with unique mechanics
• Nostalgia with tributes to the history of PlayStation
• Immersive Sound Design
• Replayability with secrets and collectibles

Negative Points:

• There are no negative points in this game.

Rating:
Graphics: 10.0
Fun: 10.0
Gameplay: 10.0
Sound: 10.0
Performance and Optimization: 10.0
FINAL GRADE: 10.0 / 10.0