Astro Bot

I've been playing computer games since the Atari VCS back in 1978. Or actually, come to think of it, even Pong before that.

I've played so many different games over the years. Early platform games, flight sims, first person shooters, puzzle games, adventures.. You name it. And on so many, many different formats. Consoles, computers, handhelds...

One thing I've found is that as technology gets better, gameplay doesn't necessarily improve. It's easy to hide poor gameplay behind a load of bouncing music and eye candy graphics. I still find some of my favourite games to play are on much older platforms as once you learn to see through the hype and graphics.. some games are no more than a pretty face.

The puzzle solving of Raiders of the Lost Ark on the Atari VCS was a game changer in its day, which only really was surpassed when Tomb Raider came out for the original Playstation.

Donkey Kong was an excellent platform game that finally got beaten by Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega mega drive.

Doom was an excellent first person game on PC's which set the bar for every first person shooter afterwards.

And the cuteness and fun of the LEGO games is hard to beat.

When it comes to the Sony Playststion there have been a lot of hits and misses over the years, and as the consoles have gotten more powerful it's become harder to judge a game on its merits, without factoring in the changing world of gaming. 3d graphics, realistic sound effects, hyper realism. Despite all of these, many modern games just have no... soul, for want of a better word.

Then along comes Astro Bot.

I have played with the original Astro bot on the PS4 when I bought a VR headset, and back then I thought it was charming, cute and a lot of fun. But now, the full release has come along and they've managed to combine all the best parts of original old school great gameplay, with modern sounds and graphics.

Firstly, the soundtrack is excellent. It's modern music, but has a real 16 bit vibe to it. And that's really the first clue of what they've done here.

Sony have managed to take all that was inspiring from Super Mario, Tomb Raider, Sonic, Lego, and many others.. and roll them up into a very pretty, very playable adventure/problem solving/platform game.

Mix in the fact that there are so many nods to their earlier products and major game franchises and you get the feeling that Astro Bot really was written as a love letter from true gamers, to true gamers of all ages.

The gameplay just feels so instinctive, and the problem solving while not easy to master, just feels so familiar. Even controlling Astro Bot just seems to invoke some forgotten muscle memory inside me. The double jumps came naturally to me thanks to playing LEGO Star Wars. The puzzle solving came naturally after solving puzzles on so many puzzle games before, and all while being reminded of some of the best moments from Sonys PlayStation history.

I found myself able to approach new challenges like ascending the climbing walls and bouncing on trampolines as if I'd already been playing the game for years. Everything really does feel so familiar, like putting on your favourite pair of comfy pair of trainers.

There literally is no learning curve. You can turn it on, and the gameplay feels almost instinctive. That doesn't mean it's easy, it's not. But the challenges are welcoming, not frustrating.

The soundtrack is excellent as well, did I mention that?

I'm only a few hours in, and I've barely scratched the surface of how much gameplay there is. There is hours and hours of gameplay ahead. And even then, there will be many more hours of fun trying to re do some earlier levels to release those final bots in order to achieve perfection!

I really can't recommend this game enough. It's suitable for all ages, and really does have something for everyone.

This by far has to be one of the best purchases for the PS5, but then look at the ratings and other reviews if you don't believe me.

A game that every PS5 should have installed.

Astro's Playroom is a game filled with so much love and attention to detail that it's an absolute joy to play. From the very first moment, you can feel the dedication of the developers to make every little corner of this game an experience. The levels are creatively designed, and the controls are incredibly smooth.

What's especially impressive is how the game plays with nostalgia while also showcasing the new features of the DualSense controller in innovative ways. It's a love letter to PlayStation's history and a must-play for any fan.

For me personally, Astro's Playroom is one of the best games I've ever played. It's not only a technical masterpiece but also a game that is just pure fun and constantly leaves you amazed.

After playing Astro's Playroom it was really cool to see how much Team Asobi expanded on the mechanics of that game with this one. There were more special abilities to use, especially in the end levels of each galaxy.

And there was a ton of physics simulations and particles to go send flying in the air. A lot of stuff was destructible which was cool, and just like in Astros Playroom there was haptic feedback with a lot of things in the game. I really think Team Asobi are masters at haptics because this game was up to the same level of controller feedback as the last one, which I rarely see that level of inclusion in other PS5 games.

There were plenty of levels and each one I think didn't get boring. There were also a lot of levels that had pretty good music. Although the audio mixing could be better on some levels.

ASTRO BOT (2024) is a really great, exciting and super nostalgic game! This game is a special nostalgic treat, as if especially recommended to those gamers (like me) that grew up on the many great PlayStation products over the years, as well as still enjoying them today. If you've ever played the pre-installed "Astro's Playroom", you may have something of an idea of this game, in terms of style and sensation.

This full Astro Bot game utilizes those previously explored areas and so much more. It takes the player on an new epic experience, with new effects, sensations and worlds to explore. Mechanically, the game uses very smooth, very fluid controls making for a very fast paced and

"JOIN ASTRO IN A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSIZED SPACE ADVENTURE! The PS5® mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the bot crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO's new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe!"

Overall, this was a really fun play.

10/10 Astro Bot Review

Astro Bot: Fun, cute, vibrant, and nostalgic. This adorable bot punched his way into my life. The game wasn't necessarily hard, aside from the challenge levels. The final one, in particular, was really difficult, but the sense of accomplishment when you complete them is fulfilling. Along with one of the most repetitive yet splendid playlists, this game stands out.

Astro Bot is extremely vibrant, though at times, it feels too bright. Since it's a simple G-rated game, there are no options for sound or brightness settings, which sometimes hurt my eyes.

My Secondary Review

Astro Bot 2024 Review

Astro Bot 2024 is a delightful return to form for Team Asobi, delivering an exceptional platforming experience that blends vibrant visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia for PlayStation fans. This charming adventure expands on the foundation set by Astro's Playroom, with an even greater sense of wonder and creativity, cementing its place as one of the best platformers of the year. In the past years of my life, this is the only game that made me extremely joyous or at least happy throughout 90% of the whole game. The past few years of Playstation exclusives have been usually darker or gritty than others like Nintendo. But this game is just a Nintendo game mad by the amazing things PlayStation has that Nintendo doesn't.

Gameplay and Design

Astro Bot continues to shine with its inventive level design and engaging mechanics. Each stage feels fresh, presenting players with new challenges and abilities to keep things interesting. For instance, Astro can transform into various forms, such as a jet-butt Bulldog or an indestructible ball, allowing for unique ways to tackle obstacles and find hidden collectibles. This creativity keeps players on their toes, encouraging exploration and puzzle-solving.

While the game isn't particularly difficult, it features some tricky challenges in later levels, particularly the challenge stages, which ramp up the difficulty considerably. These levels provide a welcome sense of accomplishment for players seeking tougher tests.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Astro Bot's presentation is a standout feature, with its vibrant, almost overwhelmingly bright world. The game's cheerful and colourful design may feel a bit intense at times, but it perfectly matches the light-hearted tone of the game. Some players might find the lack of brightness settings an issue, especially if the vibrant colours strain their eyes during longer play sessions. However, this visual style adds to the overall charm, making it fun for players of all ages.

DualSense Integration

One of Astro Bot's defining features is its seamless integration of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The developers expertly utilized these features to enhance the gameplay experience, whether it's the tactile sensation of Astro's punches or the tension felt when using his thrusters. These small yet impactful details make the game more immersive, turning even simple actions into something engaging.

Collectibles and Cameos

As you explore the game's 50+ levels, you'll come across a host of collectibles and Easter eggs. From hidden bots scattered across the universe to PlayStation cameos from iconic franchises, Astro Bot packs its world with nods to the brand's rich history. For completionists, the game offers plenty to do, and the collectibles add extra replay value. However, not all collectible elements are perfect. For example, the Lost Galaxy portals, which transport players to bonus levels, can disrupt the flow of normal levels by marking them as complete before you've had a chance to finish. This slightly detracts from the game's otherwise smooth pacing.

Conclusion

Astro Bot 2024 is a stellar example of modern platforming done right. The game is a joy to play, with clever level design, creative abilities, and impeccable use of the PlayStation 5's hardware. It may not push the boundaries of difficulty, but it's packed with charm. Fans of platformers and PlayStation's legacy will find a lot to love. While some minor pacing issues and visual intensity might affect certain players, the overall experience is nothing short of delightful.

If you're a fan of platformers or just looking for a fun, heartwarming game that showcases the best of PlayStation, Astro Bot 2024 is a must-play. It's also a must-have if you own a PS5. Moreover, this game is a new competitor to Mario and his franchise, and Astro is increasingly becoming Sony's mascot, or at least it feels that way.