Astro Bot Review – Celebrating Sony’s Iconic Legacy

Team Asobi has firmly established itself as the creative force behind one of Sony’s most recognizable mascots of recent times, Astro Bot. Though Astro Bot has only appeared on two PlayStation platforms so far, he’s quickly become a central figure in Sony Interactive Entertainment, representing everything that’s fun and family-friendly. For games with a Mature rating, characters like Kratos or Ellie may still dominate, but for all-ages entertainment, Astro Bot has become the go-to mascot. Now, in the latest 3D platformer that stars Astro Bot, the little hero brings along hundreds of friends for a nostalgic and delightful journey.

A Tribute to Sony’s Legacy

Astro Bot’s previous adventure, Astro’s Playroom, was designed as a tech showcase for the innovative features of the PlayStation 5. However, this latest game goes beyond being a simple tech demo—it’s a celebration of over 30 years of Sony’s gaming history. While Sony has been focusing more on live service games and cinematic blockbusters in recent years, this title is a reminder of the many beloved mascots that helped shape the PlayStation brand. The game features over 100 cameo appearances from characters across gaming history, from Vib-Ribbon and Persona 4 to Klonoa. Even mature-rated heroes like Raziel and Kain share the stage with more whimsical characters, creating an eclectic mix that honors PlayStation’s legacy.

Gameplay with Unique Collectibles

Astro Bot can punch, run, and jump to solve most of the challenges he faces, but each stage introduces a new twist in the form of a unique collectible. For instance, in one level, Astro uses a DualSense-shaped airship to navigate tight corridors, while in another, he discovers frog-shaped gauntlets that allow him to punch enemies from a safe distance. These gadgets also help him overcome environmental obstacles, such as sticky goo that requires swinging across gaps. Each collectible is cleverly designed to fit the level’s theme, adding variety and excitement to the gameplay.

Charming Characters and Whimsical Worlds

Astro Bot’s charm extends beyond his abilities. His animations are filled with personality, from the way he floats through the air with his jetpack to his idle movements between challenges. The environments and supporting characters are equally delightful, each designed with the same level of care and whimsy. Despite the game’s story revolving around an alien dismantling your PlayStation 5 spaceship, every character seems to live in a carefree world. Whether it’s a robot or an organic creature, they all carry on with their lives, even when Astro is bouncing on their heads to collect coins or puzzle pieces.

Exploration and Replayability

Each level in Astro Bot offers new abilities and collectibles, making every stage feel fresh. Players can complete most stages in under 10 minutes, with the majority of collectibles easily found on a first playthrough. For those who miss any collectibles, a bird companion can be purchased for 200 coins. This bird follows Astro Bot and chirps when there’s a hidden collectible nearby, making it easier to replay levels and find everything. This feature adds to the game’s replay value, ensuring players will return to find every hidden item.

Challenging Yet Accessible

While the game is filled with charm, it does present some challenges. With no difficulty options, taking damage means returning to the last checkpoint, which can be frustrating for younger or less experienced players. However, the game’s generous checkpoint system ensures that players won’t lose much progress. Despite the occasional tough platforming segment or challenging enemy encounter, Astro Bot remains approachable, making it a fun experience for players of all ages.

Innovative Use of the DualSense Controller

Much like Astro’s Playroom, this game makes full use of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. Every step Astro Bot takes is translated through haptic feedback and audio, with each surface giving a unique sensation. The game’s use of these features enhances the immersion, allowing players to feel the difference between walking on grass and stone. However, these immersive features come at a cost—DualSense’s battery life is drained more quickly, meaning players may need to swap controllers during long sessions.

Memorable Soundtrack

The game’s soundtrack is both delightful and catchy, though it can become repetitive over time. While there are several memorable tunes, particularly those composed by Kenny Young, the constant repetition of Astro Bot’s vocal theme might become a bit grating. However, the overall sound design remains strong, with enough variety to keep most players entertained throughout the game.

A Platformer That Stands Out

Astro Bot is one of the few platformers that keeps players smiling from start to finish. Its sense of wonder and whimsy is hard to match, and the diverse worlds Astro Bot visits ensure that each new stage feels fresh. While his journey may not be over, this adventure is one of his best yet, bringing hundreds of friends along for the ride.