Astro Bot: A Platforming Masterpiece for All Skill Levels

Astro Bot, the latest installment in the Astro series, is more than just a game for kids. Developed by Team Asobi, it is a skill-driven celebration of the joys of video gaming that caters to players of all skill levels, from children to seasoned gamers. With its precise controls, adorable characters, and an exciting variety of mechanics and environments, Astro Bot has quickly become one of the best games produced by Sony.

Elevating the Platforming Genre to New Heights

Rescuing Bots and Rebuilding the PS5 Spaceship

Players embark on a mission to rescue 300 robot friends after an alien intercepts their spaceship, a souped-up PS5, and scatters the crew across six dangerous galaxies. Perched atop a lone DualSense controller, Astro scours 50 planets, collecting other bots by punching them (in a friendly way) and storing them inside the touchpad before depositing them on a secure world. Simultaneously, Astro searches for the missing parts of the PS5 spaceship, guarded by formidable bosses in each galaxy.

Diverse Mechanics and Environments

The game introduces a wide range of new mechanics, including spring-loaded boxing gloves that resemble frog faces, an octopus that inflates Astro like a balloon, a mouse backpack that shrinks him, a penguin-propelled swimming booster, and a stopwatch that freezes time. These unique tools are seamlessly integrated into the level design, resulting in a diverse array of platforming challenges and environments, from a spooky castle filled with toxic-green ghosts and invisible platforms to a deconstructed space station in a cosmic setting and an entire planet constructed from giant, neon-lit casino props.

Mastering the Basics and Exploring Hidden Secrets

Astro's arsenal consists of a laser-propelled hover ability, a standard punch, and a chargeable spin move, which are combined with the specialized tools acquired throughout the game. This focused approach allows Team Asobi to refine each mechanic and then apply them in innovative ways, resulting in a rewarding and robust platforming experience. While the game is not punishing, it still presents a significant challenge, requiring patience, awareness, and platforming skill. Completionists will delight in discovering the many secret passages and hidden bots cleverly tucked away, while speedrunners will appreciate the responsive controls and platforming challenges.

Celebrating the Gaming Universe

Astro Bot features 300 bots to collect, many of which are nods to popular video game franchises beyond Sony's own properties. Capcom and Sega are well-represented, with some bots eliciting excited reactions from players who recognize them. The game also includes memorable levels centered on iconic Sony franchises like God of War, showcasing Astro wielding Kratos' ax. Team Asobi has expertly woven references to a wide range of beloved video games into Astro Bot, creating a delightful celebration of the gaming medium.

Technical Mastery and Sensory Delight

Astro Bot is a visual and auditory masterpiece, with sharp, polished landscapes and interactive details that bring the world to life. The game's physics engine is a standout, with Astro's movements and interactions with the environment feeling utterly convincing and tactile. From the buckle and sway of giant inflatable daisies under Astro's feet to the sound and feel of skating on thick ice, the integration of haptic feedback and audio create a immersive, ASMR-like experience. Scattered throughout the levels are piles of textural objects, like sprinkles, dice, skulls, and glass stars, adding to the sensory delight of exploring each environment.

The Charm of Astro and His Friends

Astro and his bot companions are endearingly expressive, with Astro reacting to his surroundings with adorable animations like shivering in the cold, quivering in fear, and tapping his feet in excitement. The bots themselves are equally charming, turning around and shaking their "booties" at Astro before he punches them into the DualSense controller. The pause screen even allows players to flick all the collected bots out of the digital controller, watching them flail in mid-air before landing safely back inside.Astro Bot is a platforming masterpiece that celebrates the joys of video gaming for players of all skill levels. It seamlessly blends accessibility and challenge, offering an introduction to common mechanics while also presenting a significant test for seasoned gamers. With its technical mastery, sensory delights, and endearing cast of characters, Astro Bot is a must-play experience that will leave players captivated and eager for more.