Astro Bot PS5 Review

Astro Bot Review

Astro Bot Review

Since its debut as a mini-game to showcase the PS5 at launch, Astro’s Playroom quickly won the hearts of players. Many clamored for a full-fledged game, and after a long wait, Sony finally fulfilled that dream by announcing a new Astro Bot. This time, it’s a complete game, packed with multiple levels, diverse worlds to explore, and fun mechanics that we spent countless hours enjoying.

Expansion of What We Loved

For those who enjoyed the demo, the good news is that this new game feels like an expanded version of what you experienced before but with plenty of new additions and exciting ideas. If you haven’t played the demo, let me explain: it's a platformer where the protagonist is a small robot, Astro, living in the PlayStation universe. Astro travels through space to repair a giant PS5 whose parts have scattered across different planets after a mischievous green alien interferes.

Simple Yet Engaging Gameplay

The game embraces simplicity in its core design, using just three buttons: one for jumping, one for attacking, and one to activate special abilities. These Power-Ups give Astro unique abilities like turning into a floating ball to glide through the air or gaining boxing gloves to smash through obstacles. These abilities add a refreshing layer of variety without overwhelming the player, leaving plenty of surprises we won’t spoil here.

Linear and Well-Designed Levels

The game’s levels follow a linear structure, with a clear endpoint and plenty of checkpoints along the way. One hit can end your run as there is no health bar for Astro, but this never feels frustrating since the levels are broken into small segments, ensuring you restart from a nearby point. Enemies in the game are diverse and require different strategies to defeat, often tied to the special ability given to you in each stage.

A Love Letter to PlayStation History

The game is not just an adventure but also a celebration of PlayStation’s rich history. Many of the game’s worlds are inspired by classic PlayStation games, and you’ll encounter over 300 little robots to collect—some of which are dressed up as iconic characters from first- and third-party PlayStation games. This nostalgic element is woven beautifully into the gameplay, offering a delightful experience for fans of the brand.

Collecting and Exploration

Collecting robots is a core part of the experience, but it never feels overbearing or tedious. In each level or planet, there are around 7 robots to rescue, adding an enjoyable layer of discovery. Some robots require clever exploration and problem-solving to reach. Additionally, you can collect Jigsaw pieces that unlock customization options for your ship and Astro’s suit in the HUB area. There are also secret endings to certain levels, similar to what we’ve seen in classic games like Super Mario World. If you find the hidden exit, you unlock secret levels or entire planets in a hidden galaxy.

Inspiration from Nintendo

The developers at ASOBI have clearly drawn inspiration from Nintendo's iconic games, and that’s a good thing. One of the standout mechanics is guiding the rescued robots to help you in specific tasks, such as carrying heavy rocks or building bridges to cross valleys. In each situation, the number of robots needed is displayed, reminiscent of Pikmin. There’s even a subtle tribute to Metroid, which we’ll let you discover on your own. The team’s admiration extends beyond the PlayStation ecosystem, and they’ve crafted something special.

Memorable Boss Fights

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its boss battles. These aren’t just confrontations at the end of levels but are sometimes seamlessly integrated into the level design itself. The bosses are visually stunning, challenging, and fun to fight, often requiring the use of your newly acquired abilities. Some bosses reappear later in the game, offering a more intense and exciting challenge as they evolve.

A Return to the Golden Age of Platforming

What makes Astro Bot even more special is how it celebrates PlayStation games while teaching them a valuable lesson. In an era where many games rely on vast open worlds, resource gathering, and countless side quests, Astro Bot returns us to a simpler yet deeply rewarding era of gaming.

Conclusion

Astro Bot offers a linear but richly layered platforming experience. It’s a focused, engaging game that balances brain-teasing exploration with simple, delightful gameplay. With its charming worlds, unforgettable music, and simple yet satisfying mechanics that revolve around just three buttons, Astro Bot delivers a perfect platforming experience. It also serves as a heartfelt tribute to PlayStation’s legacy, celebrating the memories and joys it’s provided to generations of gamers in a fresh, inventive, and emotional way.