Astro Bot Review – Emerging from the remnants of the now-defunct Japan Studio, Team Asobi has consistently delivered one remarkable gaming experience after another. Their creations, such as The Playroom and The Playroom VR, served as delightful tech demos, showcasing the unique capabilities of the PlayStation Camera, DualShock 4, and PlayStation VR headset. However, with Astro Bot Rescue Mission, the team proved their prowess in crafting a full-fledged, captivating adventure. This winning streak continued with Astro’s Playroom, a launch title for the PlayStation 5 that masterfully highlighted the DualSense controller’s innovative haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Astro Bot: The Magnum Opus of Team Asobi
Astro Bot stands as Team Asobi’s most ambitious and remarkable creation to date, a true magnum opus that redefines the 3D platforming genre. Undoubtedly, it ranks among the greatest games of its kind ever conceived. At its core, Astro Bot revolves around a community of endearing white robots, whose peaceful existence is shattered when an evil green alien – the final boss from Astro Bot Rescue Mission – attacks their PS5 spaceship, scattering them across the cosmos. Donning his DualSense controller ship, the courageous Astro embarks on a journey through various galaxies, determined to rescue his robotic companions.
A Nostalgic Celebration of Gaming History
One of the game’s most captivating aspects is the inclusion of bots modeled after iconic video game characters, ranging from beloved PlayStation mascots like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon to obscure figures from the vast catalog of first- and third-party titles released for PlayStation consoles over the years. Longtime gamers will revel in the thrill of discovering these cameo bots, each one a delightful surprise that evokes a sense of nostalgia and celebrates the rich tapestry of gaming history.
Moreover, these cameo bots aren’t mere cosmetic additions; some of them directly influence the gameplay mechanics. Each galaxy culminates in a special level themed after a PlayStation game, where Astro assumes the abilities of the hero from that particular title. For instance, in the God of War level, Astro wields the iconic Leviathan Axe, allowing him to freeze objects for puzzle-solving purposes and engage in combat, just like Kratos himself.
Astro Bot’s Ingenious Level Design and Boss Battles
Astro Bot is an unadulterated celebration of joy, a masterfully crafted experience that constantly surprises and delights players with its ingenious level design and boss battles. The stages are not only visually stunning, brought to life by genius art direction and top-notch graphics, but they also take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware capabilities.
The DualSense controller plays a pivotal role in immersing players in the game’s vibrant worlds. Whether it’s the subtle patter of rain on Astro’s umbrella or the roar of a spaceship’s rocket boosters, Astro Bot showcases the game-changing potential of the DualSense’s haptic feedback, speaker, and adaptive triggers when utilized in perfect harmony. It’s a shame that most other PS5 games have yet to fully exploit these innovative features.
Constantly Evolving Gameplay Mechanics
As players journey through Astro Bot‘s gorgeous worlds, they are constantly blown away by the clever new gameplay mechanics introduced in each level. While the core experience remains a traditional 3D platformer collect-a-thon, the game continually introduces fresh gimmicks and exploration tools, allowing the developers to build levels in completely unique and distinct ways. This sheer variety is breathtaking, and remarkably, there isn’t a single dull or uninspired level to be found.
Initially, the game may seem a tad too easy, but as players progress, they’ll encounter increasingly challenging, checkpoint-less stages that truly put their 3D platforming skills to the test. The boss fights, in particular, are a true highlight, defying player expectations while remaining rooted in the genre’s traditions. These encounters deliver visual spectacles, offer a satisfying challenge, and, above all, are an absolute joy to conquer. Mini-bosses also make unexpected appearances throughout the levels, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Astro Bot’s Rewarding Hub World and Collectibles
In Astro Bot, players are tasked with collecting stranded bots, coins, and puzzle pieces throughout the levels. These collectibles serve a greater purpose in the game’s hub world, the Crash Site, where hundreds of rescued bots congregate. Players can use these bots to rescue even more of their robotic companions, while puzzle pieces can be used to create images of objects that transform into interactive buildings within the hub.
The first building players construct is the iconic gacha machine from Astro’s Playroom, where coins can be spent to unlock additional items that further populate the hub world with interactive elements, gradually transforming it into a living monument to PlayStation history.
The Joy of 100% Completion
While the prospect of collecting every item may seem daunting, Astro Bot makes the pursuit of 100% completion an absolute delight. The levels are so enjoyable that players will have no qualms about revisiting them to uncover missed collectibles and secrets. Additionally, the game offers an optional bird companion that can be purchased with coins, helping players locate any remaining items they might have missed, ensuring that the search never becomes frustrating.
A Masterpiece in Every Sense
Completing Astro Bot‘s main story takes approximately 10 hours, while obtaining the coveted Platinum trophy requires around 15 hours of playtime. However, the true beauty of Astro Bot lies in the meticulous attention to detail and the unwavering commitment to delivering a truly exceptional gaming experience.
From the stunning visuals and ingenious level design to the masterful implementation of the DualSense controller’s capabilities and the rewarding collectible system, Astro Bot is a triumph of game development. It stands as the best 3D platformer since Super Mario Odyssey graced our screens in 2017 and will undoubtedly be remembered as an all-time classic of the genre.
Every PlayStation 5 owner owes it to themselves to experience this masterpiece, and one can only hope that Team Asobi will continue to grace us with more extraordinary creations in the future.
