Astro Bot Review – An Astounding Ode To PlayStation

Sony has certainly seen better weeks, especially as of late. But then comes a reminder of why they got put on the map in 1995 to begin with. And that’s good games like Astro Bot.

No, wait, I take it back. Astro Bot isn’t good. It’s phenomenal.

The little Bot first came to us years ago with the joyous (but painfully short) Astro’s Playroom. It showed that innovation could still come from the smallest of places. And, of course, demonstrated just what the PS5 could do.

Years later, the geniuses at Team Asobi have given the hero the platformer he truly deserves. Boy, what a wallop it delivers. It’s incredibly fun throughout, with new gameplay gimmicks and other surprises throughout. Not to mention the overflow of wondrous PlayStation nostalgia, including several old faces (in Bot form) joining the party.

With its innovative gameplay, unbelievable presentation and loving tributes, Astro Bot truly is the total package. It easily squeaks its way into the PlayStation 5’s greatest games – and your heart, of course.

Tracking Down Your Buds

The main story of Astro Bot surrounds aspects of Rescue Mission. Your job is to set out on your spaceship (a DualSense controller, duh) and pick up your buddies. These can be typical Astro Bots, although there are special varieties as well. These include Bloodborne bots, classic PlayStation 2 bots, and even…gasp! Crash Bandicoot?! These guys are insane.

While there’s very little backbone to the tale, it leads up to some staggeringly good gameplay moments. Astro Bot generally keeps it simple (but entertaining) with its platforming. These include a laser-fueled jump (which doubles as an aerial attack) and punches. But you acquire power-ups over each stage as well, including extended fists and so much more. There are so many that I can’t even pick a favorite. Gah!

The game not only feels absolutely solid, but makes fine use of the DualSense’s abilities. You can feel the scampering of your hero in each little footstep. What’s more, you can track down secrets, including three hidden puzzle pieces on each stage. And, of course, you can collect coins (PlayStation, obvs) to unlock more goodies.

With so many worlds to explore – and some tremendous boss battles, for that matter – Astro Bot offers a lot. And it’s got replay value galore as you can try to 100 percent each level, and try for better completion times. In pure speedrunner style, of course. Oh, and did I mention this game is loaded with old-school goodness? It’s a loving tribute to PlayStation – at a time when Sony could truly use it.

Honestly, the only fault is that Astro Bot seems a bit easy at first. But like all good platformers, it builds up to something way more challenging later one. So, yeah, build up those skills, because you’ll need them.

Overall, just…wow. I’m in awe of Astro Bot and I likely won’t stop playing it anytime soon. It’s so damn good.

This Astro Bot Has Lots of Shine

To go along with the mesmerizing gameplay, Team Asobi also pours on a rock solid presentation.

The visuals pop to life beautifully, with a solid frame rate, utterly fantastic details and neat little effects. For instance, when you walk into a water world, you see and hear the difference. And when you come back out, you actually see the little droplets left behind. That, friends, is attention to detail.

Animations are also really something to watch, especially with the character-laden bosses. It’s almost like they deserve a game in their own right. (Well, almost.) And the level design is wide open, filled with secrets and awesome gameplay gimmicks. You’re going to be busy for some time just soaking it all in. This is the definition of PlayStation gaming in 2024.

On top of that, the sound design is off the charts. As I mentioned, environmental detail is staggering, and the effects are cute and delightful. And the music is a bouncy score, filled with upbeat goodness and even hints of PlayStation past. It’s about as perfect as you can get – and a reason to invest in some good headphones. (Obviously Sony will suggest theirs, but any will do here.)

This is a showcase piece for the PS5. And, honestly, Sony should give Team Asobi a ton of money to keep doing them. Imagine if these guys made a new Jak and Daxter. Gasp.

No Bots About It, This Is Legend

I’m blown away by Astro Bot. Everything about it not only clicks, but goes above and beyond with its structure. The gameplay is off the charts and offers all kinds of new platforming tricks. The hidden secrets and Bots will keep you busy for some time. And the presentation is amongst the PS5’s best. I bet this would even make Kratos blush. (He’d never admit it, though.)

Astro Bot isn’t just one of the best games of the year. It’s one of the best games of this generation. The more adventures we get like this, the better, I say.