Astro Bot is back, and this time it’s not just a tech demo or a VR experiment, but a full-blown platforming adventure on the PlayStation 5. With 80 levels packed full of creative ideas, over 300 bots to rescue, and a treasure trove of PlayStation nostalgia, this game marks Astro’s official arrival as a PlayStation mascot to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the platform or just looking for a new platformer to dive into, Astro Bot offers one of the most charming and creative experiences on the PS5. Let’s explore why this game is not only an instant classic but also a celebration of everything PlayStation has built over the last 30 years, time to jump in!
Form VR darling to PlayStation mascot
Astro Bot’s journey began with humble roots as a quirky VR character in The Playroom VR, but it wasn’t long before the little robot made his way into the spotlight with Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, a PSVR title that redefined what platformers could do in virtual reality. Now, on the PS5, Astro has truly come into his own. No longer just a side attraction, Astro is the face of one of the most polished and inventive platformers on the market today.
But what makes Astro’s journey so special isn’t just the leap from VR to the big stage, it’s the way this game integrates PlayStation’s history into every pixel and frame. Across 80 beautifully crafted levels, you’ll find more than 150 cameos from various PlayStation franchises. From iconic characters like Kratos and Nathan Drake to more obscure nods to games like PaRappa the Rapper and Ico, the game is overflowing with Easter eggs and references that PlayStation fans will adore. These cameos are more than just throwaway gags; they’re part of the game’s charm and world-building, helping to create a universe where the past and future of PlayStation collide.
For long-time PlayStation fans, Astro Bot is a love letter to the platform’s legacy. For newcomers, it’s a stellar introduction to the history the brand has to offer. It’s hard not to smile when you see bots dressed up as your favorite characters, or when you stumble upon a lovingly recreated scene from a classic PlayStation game. But beyond all the fan service, there’s a genuinely great platformer here that rivals even the best of what Nintendo has to offer.
A platforming masterclass
Astro Bot isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s a masterclass in platform game design. Each level is brimming with creativity and new ideas, so much so that you’ll often find yourself pausing just to admire the craftsmanship that went into every jump, puzzle, and platform. The game’s designers clearly put a lot of thought into making sure that no two levels feel the same. Every new stage introduces a unique mechanic or twist, keeping the experience fresh and exciting from start to finish.
What’s truly impressive about Astro Bot is how it manages to balance challenge with accessibility. While the core platforming mechanics are intuitive and easy to grasp, the game constantly ramps up the complexity in subtle ways. Just when you think you’ve mastered a particular power-up or movement, the game introduces a new wrinkle that forces you to adapt. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one that the game pulls off effortlessly.
Perhaps the best example of this is the variety of power-ups Astro acquires throughout the game. Each one fundamentally changes the way you approach the level. Astro might gain extendable arms to swing across gaps, or he could inflate like a balloon to glide across dangerous chasms. One moment you’re using a jetpack to make higher jumps, and the next you’re bouncing around as a sponge to soak up water and solve environmental puzzles. These power-ups keep the gameplay fresh and ensure that each level feels like a brand-new experience. You never know what the next world will throw at you, which makes Astro Bot feel consistently surprising.
A feast of surprises
While many platformers tend to follow a predictable formula, Astro Bot constantly surprises with inventive level design and playful mechanics. The levels feel almost like mini-games themselves, with each one offering something new to interact with. It’s the attention to detail that makes each level stand out. From the rich, vibrant environments to the playful interactions between Astro and the bots, everything feels so well crafted.
The game’s pacing is also expertly handled. It introduces new mechanics and gameplay elements at just the right moments to keep things interesting without overwhelming the player. There’s always something new to discover, but it never feels like the game is throwing too much at you at once. Instead, it builds naturally, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny without feeling like a chore.
Bots and bosses
One of the key objectives in the game is to rescue as many bots as possible, which are scattered across the levels. These bots serve multiple purposes: not only do they help unlock new boss battles, they also populate your hub world, which is designed to look like a crashed PS5 spaceship. It’s a wonderfully creative setting where the bots you rescue can interact with different objects, adding life and energy to your home base.
Boss fights are another standout feature of Astro Bot. Each one is beautifully designed, both visually and mechanically. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill platforming bosses, they offer original battles that require precision and strategy, especially since you only get one hit before you’re sent back to the start. While the game isn’t particularly punishing in its difficulty, these boss battles add a layer of challenge that keeps you engaged. And, after every boss fight, you get to rescue an iconic PlayStation hero, adding yet another layer of satisfaction to your victories.
Speaking of iconic heroes, Astro Bot introduces special “hero levels” that are tied to particular PlayStation mascots. Without giving too much away, these levels are some of the most creative and exciting in the entire game. You might have seen Kratos-bot in the trailers, but trust me, nothing can prepare you for the Bot of War level. Each hero-themed level brings something unique to the table, and they’re some of the best moments in the game, especially for PlayStation fans.
The DualSense controller shines bright
If there’s one thing that makes Astro Bot feel truly “next-gen,” it’s the way the game makes use of the PS5’s DualSense controller. This game is a showcase for what the DualSense can do, and it integrates the controller’s features in the most fun and inventive ways. Whether you’re feeling the tension of pulling back a slingshot or the subtle rumble of footsteps in the sand, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers bring a new level of immersion to the gameplay.
For example, one level has you spray-painting by moving the controller, while another lets you control Astro’s robotic arms using the gyro controls. The sensation of these actions, combined with the DualSense’s sound effects, adds a tactile element that elevates the entire experience. You’re not just playing the game; you’re feeling it. This isn’t just a gimmick either; it enhances the core gameplay in ways that make you realize just how integral the controller is to the PS5 experience.
Astro Bot isn’t just a showcase for the DualSense, t’s also a visual marvel. Running at a crisp 60 frames per second with vibrant, detailed graphics, it’s clear that this game was designed to take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware. Levels are filled with dynamic, moving elements that showcase the power of the system, and the overall art direction is simply stunning. Whether you’re exploring a futuristic cityscape or hopping through a lush jungle, the environments are rich with detail and color. It’s a game that feels as good to look at as it does to play.
Conclusion:
Astro Bot is not only a celebration of PlayStation’s past but also a shining example of what the future holds. With its innovative gameplay, charming design, and clever use of the DualSense controller, it stands tall among the best platformers ever made. The sheer joy of playing through its 80 levels, rescuing bots, and discovering all the delightful PlayStation cameos is an experience that’s impossible to put down. This is a game that any platformer fan, PlayStation fan, or even casual gamer will find hard to resist. If this is what the future of Astro Bot looks like, then we can’t wait to see what’s next. For now, though, Astro Bot on the PS5 is an absolute must-play and easily deserves a 10 out of 10.
