Astro Bot Review
Astro Bot is an absolute joy to play and one of the best platformers I’ve ever experienced. With innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and incredible sound design, it's a must-play—my full review.
Astro Bot has made a big return on the PlayStation 5, and it’s a charming and wonderful adventure you don’t want to miss. Astro has become a beloved mainstay in the PlayStation universe since his debut in 2013’s “The Playroom.” Over the years, this charming little robot has evolved from a tech demo mascot to the star of his own critically acclaimed games. From the PS VR sensation Astro Bot Rescue Mission in 2018 to the delightful Astro’s Playroom on the PS5 in 2020, Developer Team Asobi has consistently delivered innovative gameplay and heartwarming experiences.
"In 2024, the plucky robot has cemented his spot among the pantheon of platforming greats: Mario, Crash, Sonic, and now… Astro Bot."
The latest installment, Astro Bot, continues this tradition but takes everything to new, incredible heights. In 2024, the plucky robot has cemented his spot among the pantheon of platforming greats: Mario, Crash, Sonic, and now… Astro Bot. I don’t know if he’ll hit the same household recognition as the big three, but he deserves it. Astro Bot offers an incredibly entertaining and engaging platforming adventure that stands toe to toe with the best in the genre.
Astro Bot Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer: Team Asobi
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Platformer
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Little Bot, Big Adventure
In Astro Bot, our pint-sized hero embarks on his biggest, most ambitious adventure yet. After encountering a powerful alien enemy, Astro’s spaceship gets shattered into pieces, scattering his bot crew across various planets and galaxies. Now, it’s up to you (and Astro) to find all his pals and rebuild his ship. This lets you navigate diverse and vibrant worlds filled with unique challenges and enemies. The Astro experience includes 80 levels, split across six galaxies and 50 planets where you must rescue 300 marooned bot pals.
"The Astro experience includes 80 levels, split across six galaxies and 50 planets where you must rescue 300 marooned bot pals."
Along the way, you’ll encounter familiar faces from the PlayStation universe, adding a nostalgic twist to his epic quest. From the level design, gameplay, and music, Astro Bot is an absolute joy to play, making it hard to put down the controller as I wanted to see what came next.
"From the level design, gameplay, and music, Astro Bot is an absolute joy to play, making it hard to put down the controller as I wanted to see what came next."
With the latest Astro Bot game, the series has reached new heights, offering a platforming experience that rivals some of the most innovative platformers in the space like Super Mario 64, Fez, and Rayman Legends.
A Tight, Fun Gameplay Experience
Astro Bot’s gameplay is nothing short of stellar. The game is packed with creative mechanics that keep the experience fresh and exciting. Nearly every level and new character you experience has a new gameplay twist that is well thought out and fits excellently with each level’s design. Astro has 15 new abilities in addition to his standard moves that continue to evolve the experience as you play.
"Astro has 15 new abilities in addition to his standard moves that continue to evolve the experience as you play."
One standout feature is the creative use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which add a tactile dimension to the gameplay. For instance, the frog-face gloves with spring-loaded punching abilities are a joy. The left glove is activated by the LT button and the right by the RT button, allowing for rhythmic punching that feels incredibly satisfying.
Another highlight is the Barkster Bulldog Booster, which is essentially a dog rocket booster that lets you dash forward. The game also features red sticky points that you can punch into, turning Astro into a robot-sized slingshot. Combined with tight controls and responsive gameplay, these mechanics make every moment in Astro Bot a delight.
Astro Bot’s Graphics and Performance
Visually, Astro Bot has a fantastic direction, beautiful graphics and is a technically smooth experience on the PS5. The game boasts vibrant, colourful worlds that are brimming with detail. Areas beg to be explored further, and it’s fun to go back into levels and hunt for more bots or collectibles. Each level has a unique aesthetic, from lush forests to futuristic cities, and the art style is charming and whimsical. The animations are smooth and fluid, bringing Astro and his world to life in a polished and playful way. Performance-wise, the game runs great on the PS5; I only experienced one instance of slow-down in an enemy-heavy room. It appeared to be a “one-off” that might have been patched, as when I returned on another playthrough, I didn’t experience the same issue. Since then, I’ve experienced no issues even when the game is going full tilt with hundreds of small items and particle effects on screen. In addition to this, the load times are fast and outside of the issues above, consistent frame rates offer a very smooth gaming experience overall.
Audio and Sound Design in Astro Bot
The audio and sound design in Astro Bot are another massive plus to the overall package. The game features a delightful soundtrack that perfectly compliments the whimsical nature of the experience. The tunes are super catchy just like they were in Astro’s Playroom with even larger arrangements.
"The game features a delightful soundtrack that perfectly compliments the whimsical nature of the experience."
Each level has its own unique musical theme, ranging from upbeat tunes to more atmospheric tracks. Some PlayStation classics have been remixed from major, well-known franchises. I won’t spoil them here, but the remixes are great and some of them have dubs of characters voices that really put things over the top. The sound effects are also top-notch, with every jump, punch, and dash accompanied by satisfying audio cues.
Final Thoughts on Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a triumph in platform gaming. It combines innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and delightful sound design to create a fun and memorable experience. The game is a testament to the creativity and talent of Team Asobi, who have crafted a platformer that stands out in a crowded genre.
"The game is a testament to the creativity and talent of Team Asobi, who have crafted a platformer that stands out in a crowded genre."
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Astro Bot or new to the series, this game is a must-play on the PS5. With its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and delightful sound design, Astro Bot is a shining example of what makes video games so unique. So, grab your controller and prepare for an adventure that will leave you smiling from start to finish. Astro Bot is pure joy, and it should be experienced by gamers young and old.
Astro Bot PROS
+Innovative gameplay mechanics
+Vibrant graphics and smooth performance
+Exceptional audio and sound design
Astro Bot CONS
-Some levels can be quite challenging
-Odd saving and waypoint system
-Occasional graphical and camera hiccups
Overall Assessment of Astro Bot
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 10/10
Replayability: 9/10
Overall Rating: 37.5/40 (94%)
PlayStation Canada provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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