Astro Bot for PS5 is presented as Team Asobi’s biggest and most ambitious project to date, consolidating its place as a benchmark in the platform genre. This title, awaited by many for years, offers an expansive experience with six galaxies to explore and a total of 80 levels that promise hours of fun and challenge. Since its humble beginnings in 2013 with The Playroom, Astro Bot has evolved significantly from a cute character to become the protagonist of unforgettable adventures such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission for PS VR and Astro’s Playroom, the charming game that came pre-installed on every PS5.
Team Asobi returns with its most ambitious project, taking Astro Bot to new heights in an epic galactic adventure.
Astro’s Playroom was much more than just a tech demo; it was a tribute to the history of PlayStation and a showcase of the PS5’s potential, with creative and innovative use of the DualSense controller that won over gamers around the world. For the past four years, fans have been clamoring for a new installment, and that wish is finally being fulfilled with the arrival of this new title, available from September 6, 2024.
I had the opportunity to play this game before its release and this new adventure, and I can say that Team Asobi has surprised once again. Each level exudes sympathy, charisma, and a love letter to the history of classic and new franchises that shaped PlayStation as a benchmark in the gaming industry and, most importantly, a variety of mechanics that keeps the experience fresh and unpredictable. What’s impressive is that, despite being set within the same galaxy, these levels share nothing in common except the high quality of their design. In addition, the freedom of exploration via a ship, which is controlled using DualSense, adds an extra layer of immersion that elevates the gaming experience to new heights.
All in all, Astro Bot for PS5 is not only shaping up to be an excellent platformer, but also one of the must-have gems for any console owner.
A galactic journey full of charisma and stellar challenges
The story of Astro Bot in this new adventure for PS5 is, in its essence, simple but charming, full of the charisma that characterizes this beloved franchise. It all begins when the Astro Bots’ ship, which curiously takes the shape of a PlayStation 5 console, sails through space on a mission. However, their peaceful journey is abruptly interrupted by an alien that decides to chase them. This encounter results in a violent crash that dismantles the ship into several pieces and scatters the entire crew to different galaxies. To make matters worse, the alien takes the ship’s control module, leaving it inoperative and lost on a desolate planet.
This is where our little hero, Astro, comes into action. As the player, you take control of Astro, whose main objective is to reunite the entire crew and retrieve the ship’s parts that are scattered throughout the various galaxies. The narrative, though simple, unfolds with undeniable charm, driven by the expressions and adorable situations faced by the characters.
The setting is equally captivating, with each galaxy offering a distinct world, full of vibrant colors and exquisite detail. Each planet you explore has its own unique visual style and gameplay mechanics, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Accompanied by your small ship, which is controlled with DualSense, you will travel between these worlds, facing a variety of enemies and overcoming clever obstacles.
The game’s design not only seeks to challenge the player, but also to immerse them in a universe where creativity and attention to detail are the norm. With this story and setting, Astro Bot once again manages to capture the hearts of gamers.
A visual feast: vibrant worlds full of life and detail
Astro Bot’s graphics are, without a doubt, one of the game’s highlights. From the first moment you find yourself in space, which serves as your center of operations to select worlds, the level of visual detail is astounding. Each galaxy you explore immerses you in distinct biomes, ranging from classic deserts to snow and ice-covered landscapes, crystalline oceans, tropical beaches, and lush, tree-filled forests.
What really makes each of these worlds feel spectacular is the masterful use of shadows and ray tracing technology. The latter adds an impressive level of realism, with accurate reflections and lighting effects that vary according to the environment, bringing colors and textures to life. In the water worlds, for example, the visual effects of water are particularly remarkable, with ripples and reflections that respond dynamically to the action on screen.
Each environment is designed with a meticulous level of detail, making exploration not only challenging but also a delight for the eyes. The variety of biomes, combined with the graphical quality, makes Astro Bot a visually stunning experience that stands out in the PS5 catalog.
A platform adventure with a collector’s soul and amazing challenges
Astro Bot’s gameplay on PS5 remains true to its roots as a classic platformer, but is enriched with collecting elements that add depth and motivation to exploration. In each world, your mission will be to find three types of objects: lost crew members, puzzle pieces, and a special portal that unlocks secret levels. These portals will not only take you to new galaxies, but also hide more crew members and puzzle pieces, extending the adventure even further.
A prominent feature of the game is the power-ups in the form of small animals that Astro can carry as backpacks or accessories. These range from a little dog that allows you to dash, similar to the Mega Man style, to frog-shaped fists that allow you to hit enemies and reach far platforms thanks to their springs. These power-ups are not only useful, but also add variety to the gameplay. In addition, there are two other power-ups, a mouse and a monkey, whose mechanics are so innovative that I prefer to leave them as a surprise.
One of the most exciting aspects of the game is finding the missing crew members, who make cameos from iconic characters from PlayStation history. Among the franchises represented are Metal Gear, with Snake’s emblematic cardboard box; Okami, which takes us back to the adventures of Amaterasu; Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, both referents of the platform genre; Resident Evil, with its emblematic characters; God of War, where you will find references to the mighty Kratos; The Last of Us, which adds an emotional touch with the characters of Joel and Ellie; Katamari Damacy, with its peculiar prince of the cosmos; and the Legacy of Kain Blood Omen and Soul Reaver sagas, which are a nostalgic wink for fans of the classics.
Also, collecting the puzzle pieces is key, since when you collect 16 of them, you’ll unlock stores where you’ll be able to customize Astro or your DualSense ship. Among these stores is the gachapones store, where you can spend the coins you find in the levels to get themed accessories for the special Astro. These range from Snake’s classic cardboard box to Thor’s hammer from God of War, each being a signature item of the saga to which it pays homage.
Each galaxy includes multiple worlds and a final boss that represents the biggest threat you’ll face. Upon defeating the boss, you will unlock a special Astro that represents one of PlayStation Studios’ most iconic franchises, unlocking a special level with mechanics that pay homage to that game.
Finally, DualSense plays a crucial role in the experience, utilizing vibration and adaptive triggers like never before. You’ll feel the vibration to uncover hidden secrets, and the adaptive triggers will add tension when accelerating your DualSense ship or using power-ups, offering an immersive tactile experience that complements the gameplay.
An Intergalactic Symphony: The Art of Sound and the Soundtrack
Astro Bot’s soundtrack is a true masterpiece, thanks to the talented composer Kenneth C. M. Young, who demonstrates his vast experience in the creation of soundtracks for videogames. Each composition of the soundtrack is absolutely incredible, highlighting Young’s ability to mix different musical styles that perfectly adapt to each environment of the game. From upbeat and energetic rhythms that accompany the most dynamic sections, to calm and enchanting melodies that add a touch of magic to the moments of exploration, Astro Bot’s music enriches the game experience in an unparalleled way.
The sound design is also worthy of praise. Every detail has been carefully crafted to immerse the player in Astro’s world. Ambient sounds are accurate and immersive, such as Astro’s footsteps as he skates on ice, the sound of water as he swims, or the gentle hum of your DualSense ship as it hurtles through space. These aural subtleties not only complement the gameplay, but also add an extra layer of immersion, making every action and every environment feel alive and authentic.
Both the soundtrack and the sound design of Astro Bot manage to elevate the gameplay experience to a new level, making them fundamental elements that not only accompany, but also enrich, every moment of this extraordinary adventure.
An Experience Celebrating the PlayStation Legacy
Playing Astro Bot is an incredibly fun and immersive experience, thanks to its game mechanics and the different modes it offers. The search for puzzle pieces and the exploration to find portals to secret galaxies are challenges that will keep you hooked for hours. But, what really makes this game stand out is the homage to the PlayStation legacy that permeates every corner of the adventure.
Astro Bot is more than just a platformer; it’s a love letter to PlayStation history. Through its levels and characters, the game pays homage to the franchises that defined the experience of playing on a PlayStation console. You’ll find cameos from iconic franchises, not only from PlayStation Studios, but also from other legendary developers such as Konami, Capcom, Bandai, and Square Enix. These references range from Metal Gear, Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, to Okami, Katamari, and The Legacy of Kain. Each of these cameos is a nod to fans who have followed the evolution of PlayStation since its inception, making you feel part of something special and timeless.
Overall, Astro Bot not only delivers fun and entertainment, but also celebrates and respects the rich history of PlayStation. This fusion of solid gameplay with a deep appreciation for the industry’s legacy makes Astro Bot* an unforgettable experience for both new players and veterans who have grown up with PlayStation over the years.
After exploring all aspects of the game, it’s time to summarize the highlights and points that could be improved. Astro Bot is an adventure that manages to captivate with its creativity and homage to the history of PlayStation, but it is not without some details that could be polished.
Astro Bot is a game that shines for its creativity and its emotional tribute to PlayStation, offering a memorable visual and playable experience. Although it presents some challenges in its difficulty and minor technical issues, its wealth of content and affection for the console’s legacy make these details easy to overlook. It is a must-have adventure for any PlayStation fan.
Conclusion: A Memorable Journey through the PlayStation Legacy
Astro Bot is positioned as one of the most exciting and endearing experiences in the world of video games. Through its fun gameplay, this title invites players to explore a series of vibrant worlds, each full of surprises and challenges. The variety of game modes and different biomes enrich the adventure, ensuring that each play session feels fresh and exciting.
From a technical point of view, the graphics are spectacular, highlighting the use of ray tracing and visual effects that bring each environment to life. Kenneth C M Young’s soundtrack perfectly complements the experience, varying from upbeat tunes to nostalgic themes that evoke the rich history of PlayStation.
However, the game is not without its drawbacks. Some players may find the difficulty of enemies and bosses to be overly challenging, and occasional glitches on certain platforms can affect the game’s fluidity. However, these problems are minor compared to the celebration of the PlayStation legacy that Astro Bot represents.
Astro Bot is a masterpiece that combines fun, nostalgia and creativity in one captivating package. It is a tribute to the franchises that have left their mark on the industry and a testament to the evolution of video games, making this title an experience that all PlayStation fans should enjoy.
Rating 90