Team Asobi has reached a thrilling climax in its decade-long journey with the release of 2024’s Astro Bot. The adventure kicked off back in 2013 with The Playroom on PS4, serving as an introductory tech demo for audiences to discover the charming little bot. This was followed by the immersive Astro Bot: Rescue Mission in VR and the delightful Astro’s Playroom on PS5, establishing the character as one of the most iconic mascots for PlayStation.
The latest entry in the franchise shines with all the quintessential elements of a platformer, positioning itself not just as a contender for Game of the Year, but arguably a rightful winner. In Astro Bot, the titular character leads the Bots, thrown into peril when an old nemesis resurfaces, threatening his friends and species. This time, an evil alien has invaded, stealing crucial components from Astro’s ship, which is cleverly styled like a PS5 console.
Astro embarks on an epic quest across five expansive worlds, taking down bosses and reclaiming parts to restore his vessel—a narrative as simple yet effective as any classic Mario game. What truly shines is Team Asobi’s ability to breathe life into the world and its inhabitants across a staggering 80 levels and an expansive hub area known as the Crash Site.
From the moment players set off in the Sky Garden level aboard the interactive Dual Speeder vehicle, the stunning visuals and gameplay mechanics dazzle at every turn. If you thought Astro’s Playroom was exceptional, Astro Bot elevates the experience further. The detail is astonishing; the blades of grass sway as you step through, water shimmers realistically, and a lively array of events unfolds on-screen. The backgrounds are alive with characters and creatures, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere, even if they remain distant.
Astro remains ever-engaging and irresistibly cute, his expressive animations—joyfully waving at the camera or recoiling in playful fright—are enhanced by a delightful array of gadgets and abilities. Initially seeming limited, Astro’s moveset mirrors those found in many beloved platformers: jumping, hovering, punching, and using hover jets for attacks. These seemingly simple abilities are pivotal for overcoming challenges and puzzles throughout the game.
What’s especially clever are the level-specific abilities, such as utilizing a PSVR headset to manipulate time or activating a backpack that launches Astro into the air, adding layers to gameplay without feeling forced. Players will soon find themselves wishing more developers would fully utilize the innovative PS5 DualSense controller. While many titles merely skim the surface with haptic feedback, Astro Bot offers a rich tapestry of interactions—every action elicits a unique response, ensuring the controller is as integral to the gaming experience as any character or level design.
But Team Asobi didn’t stop at enhancing controls; there’s a veritable wealth of content to devour. Main story levels range from five to twenty minutes, and players can dive into mini-obstacles and rapid-fire puzzle challenges alongside formidable bosses, ensuring the $59.99 price tag feels justified. Each primary level challenges players to rescue seven robots, including classic "VIP bots," along with engaging extra side missions, secret exits, and collectible puzzle pieces.
As in Astro Bot: Rescue Mission VR, the team expertly hides secrets in predominantly linear levels—challenges that delight and frustrate in equal measure as players uncover surprises with each playthrough.
One of my favorite aspects unfolds in the special world-ending levels, unlocked after defeating bosses. Here, Astro transforms into a revered video game icon, utilizing their distinctive gear and habitat, with gameplay echoing the beloved franchise it nods to. Collectibles in these levels are charming callbacks, and the remixed themes are bound to tug at your nostalgic heartstrings.
During my 10-15 hours spent with Astro Bot, I found myself grinning from ear to ear. It’s a joyful experience that left me laughing (without an ounce of irony) from start to finish—Astro Bot is an enchanting, addictive romp that embraces the spirit of gaming. While it may not reinvent the 3D platforming wheel, it confidently asserts itself as a genre-defining entry. This game encapsulates the culmination of Team Asobi’s relentless dedication over the past decade, proving that both the developer and the franchise are on an upward trajectory.
Pros:
- A rich and varied visual palette
- Mind-blowing levels of detail
- An unbeatable charm that’s hard to resist
- Constantly engaging action and gameplay
A copy of this game was provided by Sony for review. Reviewed on PS5.
