Astro Bot Review: A New Contender for the Best 3D Platformer on PlayStation
If you thought Astro’s Playroom was just a charming tech demo, think again. Astro Bot, the latest masterpiece from Team Asobi, doesn’t just pay homage to PlayStation’s rich history it launches itself into the stratosphere of platforming games, rivaling even Nintendo’s beloved Mario series. Filled with nostalgia, inventive gameplay mechanics, and an endless stream of joy, Astro Bot is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of everything that makes video games magical.
For 30 years, Sony has delivered an incredible library of games, but platformer mascots haven’t consistently reached the heights achieved by Mario and his Nintendo cohorts until now. With its vibrant levels, playful abilities, and a sprinkle of old-school charm, Astro Bot takes center stage as a worthy contender in the 3D platforming genre.
Astro Bot’s Gameplay: A Thrill Ride from Start to Finish
Astro Bot feels less like a video game and more like a theme park each level is a new ride, filled with surprises around every corner. You never know what’s coming next, and that’s what makes this game stand out. In some ways, it doesn’t match the insane creativity seen in Super Mario Odyssey or Galaxy, but it doesn’t have to. Astro Bot carves out its own space with innovative mechanics and clever level designs that feel fresh yet familiar.
The gameplay is simply delightful. From time-bending casinos to Japanese bathhouse-inspired levels complete with sponge systems, every stage bursts with creativity. One standout moment involves a day/night switch that dynamically alters the level design. Imagine floors and walls shifting before your eyes, leading to brand-new paths and hidden treasures. It’s like walking through a digital version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory an adventure filled with whimsy and wonder, minus the Oompa Loompas.
The Power of Astro Bot: Experimentation at Its Finest
What makes Astro Bot truly shine are the special abilities our little robotic hero picks up along the way. Astro’s basic movements jumping, double-jumping, and hovering are smooth and finely tuned. But it’s the added powers in each level that keep things exciting. Take the Twin Frog gloves, for instance. These sticky-tongue gadgets let you grapple and swing through levels, while also giving you the ability to ricochet projectiles right back at your enemies.
Another standout is the “Toy Story” mode, where Astro shrinks down to a tiny size, allowing him to scurry across oversized shelves and leaves in search of hidden goodies. The mouse mechanic makes you feel like a miniature adventurer in a world of giant obstacles a clever twist that changes the way you view and interact with the environment.
Even old powers are reimagined with new flair. The Monkey Climber, a throwback to Astro’s Playroom, now features a massive robotic ape, giving Astro the ability to throw rocks and pound the ground, bringing a whole new level of destruction to his adventures. The game is constantly throwing new ideas at you, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, another surprise awaits.
PlayStation Nostalgia: A Love Letter to the Fans
Astro Bot isn’t just a platformer it’s a love letter to the PlayStation community. The game is overflowing with Easter eggs and cameos from PlayStation’s vast library of iconic characters. You’ll find everything from Crash Bandicoot to Spyro the Dragon, and even more obscure faces like Mister Mosquito. Each of these characters is reimagined in Astro’s world as adorable bots, often appearing in unexpected places like dessert-themed lands filled with sprinkles or icy battlefields reminiscent of Shadow Moses.
The real magic, though, lies in the special levels where Astro borrows powers from these beloved characters. The God of War-inspired level, where Astro wields Kratos’ Leviathan Axe, is a standout. Using the axe to freeze objects and smash enemies adds an exhilarating twist to the gameplay, and the way it seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern mechanics is pure genius. These cameo levels are like mini fan-service-filled tributes to PlayStation’s greatest hits, and they’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Boss Fights: Inventive and Challenging
Astro Bot doesn’t hold back when it comes to boss fights. Each one is more inventive than the last, combining visual spectacle with clever mechanics. The bosses manage to feel both challenging and fun, always keeping you on your toes. Mini-bosses also pop up throughout the game, providing unexpected battles that break up the platforming action in just the right way.
One of the game’s most charming aspects is its playful tone. Whether it’s battling a giant anthropomorphic playing card or rescuing a beloved PlayStation hero from a surreal, dessert-filled land, Astro Bot knows how to keep things light hearted. There’s a touch of irony and slapstick humour throughout, making the game as much fun to watch as it is to play.
The DualSense Experience: A Game-Changer
Astro Bot is, without a doubt, one of the best showcases of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. From the subtle rumble of raindrops on Astro’s umbrella to the intense tension of the adaptive triggers during boss fights, the game makes full use of the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The controller reacts to everything happening on-screen, bringing a level of immersion that few other games can match.
At times, it feels like you’re not just controlling Astro, but actually experiencing the world with him. Every movement, every action whether it’s swinging on ropes or zipping across floating platforms feels tactile and responsive, adding a new layer of depth to the gameplay. Even the sound design plays a role, with audio cues coming through the controller’s speaker, enhancing the overall experience.
Exploration and Collectibles: An Adventure Beyond the Main Path
Astro Bot may seem like a straightforward platformer at first glance, but there’s much more beneath the surface. While most levels are linear, the game offers sandbox-like areas for players who love to explore. Hidden warp points lead to new locations, and the “Lost Galaxy” is filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Collectibles play a significant role in Astro Bot’s replayability. Every level is packed with stranded bots, puzzle pieces, and coins, all of which are used to expand your hub world, the Crash Site. The gacha machine, returning from Astro’s Playroom, offers a fun way to spend your hard-earned coins, providing new memorabilia and dioramas that bring the PlayStation-themed bots to life. The sense of progression is visualized in the Crash Site, turning it into a lively, interactive space that feels like a monument to PlayStation’s history.
A 3D Platformer Masterpiece
After spending roughly nine hours with Astro Bot, I can confidently say that this is one of the best 3D platformers ever made. The game is a constant delight, from its inventive level design to its charming characters. But the real magic lies in the way Team Asobi has taken familiar mechanics and injected them with new life, creating a game that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
Astro Bot isn’t just about platforming it’s about joy. It’s about the pure, unfiltered excitement of discovering something new around every corner. Whether you’re a longtime PlayStation fan or a newcomer to the world of Astro, this game is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
Astro Bot is more than just a great game it’s a celebration of everything that makes PlayStation special. With its vibrant worlds, inventive mechanics, and playful tone, it stands tall among the best platformers in gaming history. Team Asobi has crafted a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come, and if you haven’t played it yet, there’s no better time than now. Astro Bot is waiting, and it’s ready to take you on a wild, unforgettable ride.
