Astro Bot is a charming 3D platformer developed by Team Asobi and published by Sony. It released on 6th September 2024. It is a direct follow on from the amazing Astro’s Playroom, a nostalgia laden hardware and software showcase that is included for free on every PS5.
From Playroom to Kaboom
The game picks up I’m assuming straight after Astro’s Playroom, with Astro and all of the bots hurdling through space on the PS5 mothership. Now, it was never hinted that the PS5 had any kind of space flight capabilities but it kind of makes me feel like my PS5 is a little bit more special, knowing that.
As they fly through space having an awesome time, Nebulax, the only way I can possibly describe him, an oversized alien in an undersized UFO, shows up and is up to no good. He attacks the PS5 and crew, removes the CPU, causing the mothership to explode. With the PS5 in tatters, it’s internal components and crew bots strewn across space, it crash lands with Astro on a desert planet.
I will say it was a little harrowing to see Astro Bot broken and lifeless. But here comes the new Dual Speeder to the rescue, looking so good they made him a physical controller, which I’ve had the joy of using while I played through Astro Bot. If you wish to check my impressions on the controller, you can do so here.
So with Astro, the Dual Speeder, and the remnants of the Mothership completely separated from every other bot who was having a jolly old space party, it’s up to them to find the missing astrobots, the missing components of the PS5, the kidnapped CPU and get everything back on track again. That’s your story as simple a premise as it is, it just works.
Looking For Some Bot Stuff
The main collectible in Astro are the bots. These range from normal bits to PlayStation themed bots, and this was dealt with beautifully. There’s a decent mix from every generation, obscure references, including Vib Ribbon and Kurishi from PS1.
Ape Escape also gets its own level that was so fun and true to the source that I went and bought the classic on the store just to relive it. Even adult rated characters like Pyramid Head, Snake and Clickers from the Last Of Us are present and look adorable as bots. There’s so many bots to name here and each is an absolute nostalgia trip but there’s more to collect than that.
The jigsaw pieces also make a comeback in a great way. There are multiple puzzles to complete and once you do, they become a physical place. The gacha machine is the first, and I loved that in the Playroom. There’s also a speeder customization area, a place to change Astros outfit, and more I will let you find out for yourselves.
Then there’s a new addition, wormholes. These are hidden on some levels and take you to hidden levels to find more bots and puzzle pieces.
Interplanetary Adventures
As Astro zooms into space on the dual speeder, we are treated to our first look at the level select menu. This is a clever interactive top down view of the galaxies, each galaxy containing the planets which act as the levels.
You’re free to fly the speeder around each galaxy, looking out for asteroids, stars and aliens which unlock hidden levels and jigsaw pieces. Once you pick a planet you rocket towards it and take control of the speeder just prior to landing. This gives you chance to get a wide, sprawling view of the level ahead, even pick up a hidden few coins or jigsaw piece along the way.
The levels are so varied just like they are different planets. There’s pirate worlds, construction worlds, cake worlds, retro pixel worlds, and so many more. Even the level names have callbacks to PlayStation classics. Construction Derby made me laugh quite a bit.
Most levels have power ups as varied as the levels themselves. Different galaxies bring in even more power ups, and they are a literal blast. They’re not just a combat or traversal power up but rather, an inspiring mix of both. New obstacles need to be overcome, new enemies can only be dispatched with them or hidden puzzles use the power ups to find bots or puzzle pieces.
Every now and again you’ll find a photo op area. These are cardboard scenes with a face cut out for Astro and these are fun little moments that made me chuckle a few times.
The Callback Levels
As I mentioned earlier, Ape Escape gets a whole level dedicated to its monkey catching gameplay. These callback levels round off completion of a galaxy. As if the game wasn’t varied enough.
These levels bring in some big PlayStation heroes like Kratos and Nathan Drake and more, along with their signature gameplay. Team Asobi have translated these games perfectly to Astros playstyle.
So, How’d It Go?
Astro Bot is an immaculate representation of Playstation past, present and future. It’s a joy to play, for a brief session or a longer marathon. The variety and gameplay will keep you engaged all the way through. Remembering all the games referenced as you find bots is an absolute nostalgic joy.
