In 2020, “Astro’s Playroom” was included in the PS5 at launch and it was much more than a demo of the DualSense. Therefore, the minuscule of platformer suggested that Sony might have an answer to Super Mario for the company.

Now, with Astro Bot, both Sony and Team Asobi have not only achieved that, but created a platform that can be considered on par with Nintendo’s best. Astro Bot release date was 6th September, 2024

As with the previous game, Astro Bot, players return to the role of the brave, planet-saving helmeted hero. It goes all out for a complete adventure which is rather engaging and it could take the members about 20 hours to complete, at the very least if they wanted to.

This game is friendly, expansive, and entertaining that although it fully utilizes the new features of the PS5 controller, it’s done in a very natural way rather than forcing it.

Of course, the game makes good use of the DualSense technologies, although Astro Bot would remain one of the series’ highlights even if it lacked such gimmicks. It is greatly customizable as well, with controls that are some of the best and sensitive.

The real beauty is contained in the abundance of maneuvers that the protagonist has in his/her disposal. The game spans over fifty plus levels where it involves the process of assembling components to fix Astro’s spacecraft and save as many of fellow robot pals as possible, which amounts to three hundred.

It is not just the case of jumping from platform to another in this one as well. In addition, the game adds some nice puzzles, tough enemy confrontation, and great bosses’ battles.

The power-ups of Astro Bot are included in those which are based on several forms of animals such as ants to add more depth to the game’s platforming genre. These additions allow Astro to engage in activities such as moving on walls and ceiling like a monkey, to be as small as a mouse.

Some bonus items such as transforming into a giant sponge which can grow in size by sucking water on it gives creative approach. Players can also become small and the water can be used to put out the fires or to make growing platforms.

What adds value to those abilities is that they are not repeated throughout the campaign. When they do reappear, they do so with new features, hence, people are not bored of the game’s play.

There is one floating device that looks like an elephant backpack which becomes a bag that inflates enemies and when they get big enough, they explode.

If there is one thing that is always exciting in science, then it is the discovery of new planets. Practically every world is different from other ones with regards to the graphics and the dynamics.

It is the excellent creativity of the Team Asobi here, in providing uniqueness in every planet while there is always a surprise around the corner.

When spins off of regular PlayStation games like God of War or Uncharted appear, the levels derived from them are fun, if not as unique as the fully original levels.

These are some added features that are mere tribute to the history of PlayStation and are good for fans. As the players advance in the game, they will be able to save robots in the shape of characters from other famous PlayStation titles which will enhance the player’s experience.

Conclusion

Astro Bot is not only one of the best platformers ever made, but also a game that stands toe-to-toe with the finest titles on the PlayStation 5.

It is what one can consider as nearly a perfect platform, given the excellent use of the DualSense controller, the creativity added to the level design and variety of gameplay.

A platforming game for any fan, rookie or veteran, Astro Bot gives a playthrough worth enjoying, which should suffice for any player to buy the PS5.