Astro Bot [Review]
There’s something undeniably powerful about the nostalgia of waking up early on a weekend, grabbing a bowl of Fruit Loops, and spending hours in the quiet morning playing video games. It’s a memory many of us share—those moments when the house was still, the world outside didn’t matter, and it was just you, your controller, and a colorful, exciting world to explore. Games back then had a sense of wonder, fun, and yes, frustration, that kept us hooked. The joy of gaming was simple, yet unforgettable.
As the years have gone on, the video game industry has evolved tremendously. Graphics now deliver cinematic experiences that rival the best of Hollywood, from the sweeping vistas of Red Dead Redemption 2 to the emotional weight of The Last of Us and the mythic grandeur of God of War and Uncharted. These titles have earned their place in the annals of gaming history, but sometimes, it’s the simplicity of gameplay that really reminds us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place. Enter Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi and released exclusively for the PlayStation 5. In this gem of a platformer, Team Asobi takes us back to the roots of gaming by focusing on crisp, responsive controls, delightful mechanics, and a world brimming with wonder.
A Galaxy-Spanning Adventure with Astro
In Astro Bot, you control Astro, a plucky little robot who has become one of PlayStation’s most endearing mascots in years. The game kicks off with Astro and his crew cruising through space, only to be attacked by aliens. As a result, the ship’s vital components and Astro’s fellow bots are scattered across multiple galaxies, and it’s up to you to retrieve them. The game is a nostalgic love letter to PlayStation fans, as the planets you explore borrow visuals, sounds, and elements from classic PlayStation titles. Some planets subtly reference iconic franchises, while others serve as full-blown tributes to beloved characters.
Your primary goal is simple: explore each planet, find and save your fellow bots, and collect puzzle pieces that unlock various cosmetic features. Each planet contains a set number of bots, and rescuing them adds to your growing crew back at your home-world. It’s a charming setup that keeps you motivated as you jump from world to world, with each area offering new surprises and challenges.
Power-Ups and Punches
While the game may seem straightforward, Astro Bot offers plenty of surprises when it comes to gameplay. Astro is equipped with a basic attack in the form of a standard fist-swing, as well as lasers that both add to your jump height and also damage enemies below. The real fun, however, comes from the various power-ups you find on each planet. Whether it’s spring-powered boxing gloves with alligator heads, a bulldog that propels you forward, or a time-slowing ability, the power-ups are creative and add a fresh twist to each level. The game encourages you to make the most of Astro’s relatively simple moveset, keeping the gameplay engaging from start to finish.
Each enemy type requires a different approach, whether that’s using Astro’s lasers to damage enemies below, using a charged spin attack, or the planet’s specifically-provided enhancement (grabbing a snake by the tail and taking it for a ride with a rocket, for example). The diversity of mechanics ensures that the game never feels repetitive. Even though Astro Bot sticks to traditional platforming gameplay, the constant variety in execution keeps things fresh and fun throughout.
Each planet in Astro Bot is also stocked with tons of easter eggs, including a great twist on the screenshot feature with various hidden cutouts that trigger special sequences. These were always a blast to uncover, and I found myself snapping these pictures whenever I could.
A Home-World Full of Surprises
One of the most delightful aspects of Astro Bot is the interactive home base. As you rescue bots across the galaxies, they teleport back to your home-world, where they unlock new areas and interactive elements. For example, saving 20 bots might allow them to lift a massive boulder, revealing hidden treasures, while 60 bots could form a ladder, granting access to new areas. With 300 bots to save in total, you’ll find yourself constantly returning to the home base, eager to discover what new surprises await.
As you progress, the game cleverly raises the stakes by requiring a certain number of bots to unlock boss battles in each galaxy. And if you’ve missed a few bots along the way, don’t worry—Team Asobi has you covered with a clever “finder” mechanic. For 200 coins, you can unlock a bird companion with radar abilities that help you track down any missing bots, puzzle pieces, or warp zones. It’s a fantastic feature that rewards thorough exploration while keeping you engaged in the game itself, without the need to consult guides or external resources.
A Visual and Auditory Delight
Visually, Astro Bot is an absolute joy. Each planet is bursting with color and creativity, offering a mix of vibrant, upbeat environments and moodier, more atmospheric areas that still maintain the game’s cheerful tone. The technical execution is flawless, with crisp animations and details that would have been mind-blowing just a decade ago. From fountains of gems that scatter realistically when you interact with them to the intricate texture of Astro moving under a blanket, the level of detail is impressive and immersive.
The soundtrack is equally delightful. From jazzy, upbeat tunes in a casino-themed plane to deep, bassy tones sung by a massive tree as you explore its boughs, the music perfectly complements each world. Even the sound design of the ship’s components cheering as you repair them adds to the joyful, lighthearted atmosphere. It’s the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you long after you’ve put down the controller.
A Perfectly Paced Weekend Adventure
With a playtime of 12-15 hours (and 20 hours for those aiming to collect every last trophy), Astro Bot offers a perfectly paced weekend adventure. While some may balk at the $60 price tag for a relatively short game, the experience is well worth it. It’s a polished, beautifully crafted platformer that rekindles the joy of those early gaming mornings. It’s not about epic cinematic cutscenes or sprawling narratives—it’s about having fun in a vibrant, imaginative world.
Final Thoughts
In a gaming landscape filled with massive open worlds and cinematic experiences, Astro Bot is a breath of fresh air. It captures the essence of what made us fall in love with video games in the first place: simple, fun, and deeply engaging gameplay. Team Asobi has crafted a gem that not only serves as a tribute to PlayStation’s rich history but also reminds us of the joy that gaming can bring. Whether you’re a longtime fan of platformers or new to the genre, Astro Bot is a must-play. It’s an absolute triumph and one of the most fun gaming experiences I’ve had this year.
