Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience
Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience
editors’ score

9.0
superb

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Astro Bot is a gem among games, one that brings a smile to my face and reminds me why I fell in love with gaming in the first place. It’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun jumping on platforms!


Astro Bot Game review

Games like Astro Bot, a 3D platformer created by Team Asobi, are simply impossible to resist their charm and keep a perpetual grin on our faces. In 2020, with the debut of the PS5, every console came bundled with Astro’s Playroom, free of charge. This game provided players an opportunity to explore the new functionalities of the SSD drive and controller. It’s heartening to see Sony invest in this modest franchise as it shows promise to ascend among the Japanese giant’s leading exclusives.

Interstellar bots

The game starts off by depicting a journey through space in a massive spaceship resembling a PlayStation 5 console. Abruptly, we’re ambushed by an ominous green alien who devastates the spaceship and scatters its debris across diverse galaxies. As you might expect, we weren’t the only ones aboard the mothership; other robots were with us, and due to this unexpected assault, they now find themselves in jeopardy. Our captivating protagonist is saved by a compact ship that resembles a DualSense controller. The remnants of the PlayStation 5 console crash onto a small, sandy planet, which will function as our home base moving forward.

Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience

In essence, the opening moments of this game feel like a well-trodden path, yet it somehow manages to bring a grin to my gaming face. The storyline of Astro Bot isn’t exactly groundbreaking; it sets the stage for me, the player, to embark on a rescue mission for stranded bots and collect pieces of cosmic console hardware to keep the adventure going across the universe. But what really makes Astro Bot stand out among its peers is the gameplay experience.

PROS:

  1. great audiovisual design;
  2. brilliant special levels;
  3. variety and number of available mechanics;
  4. references to Sony games;
  5. fluidity of gameplay.

CONS:

  1. at times repetitive soundtrack;
  2. some kind of encyclopedia with information on references would be useful.

Abundance of mechanics

The game Astro Bot offers a delightful play experience that’s hard to forget, with jumping on platforms being an exhilarating joyride. Each move I made with the tiny robot was not only gratifying but also engaging, bordering on being habit-forming – almost as if it were a captivating drug. It’s worth noting the exceptional functionality of the DualSense controller too. The sensation of our robot walking on metal surfaces through the controller is remarkable. The resistance felt on the triggers when launching our ‘spaceship’ adds to the immersive gaming experience. These elements underscore the impressive potential of ninth-generation technology.

Without straying from our topic, let’s discuss how to collect console components and save our robot companions. To do this, we need to access particular galaxies first, followed by the planets they contain. When we arrive at a planet, we often receive a new tool that introduces unique gameplay elements, providing diverse methods for clearing each level. In essence, these tools are terrific as they introduce variety and keep the game interesting rather than monotonous.

Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience

Upon landing on a planet, we usually encounter a sequence of engaging challenges that never become aggravating, even in the late game stages. Along our journey, we save robots, gather collectibles, and solve relatively straightforward environmental riddles. This entire experience is immensely enjoyable and showcases the PS5’s capabilities to its full potential (more details on that soon). After conquering multiple planets within a galaxy, we unlock a boss level, which essentially is a challenging puzzle that demands efficient utilization of mechanics we have learned earlier. On rare occasions, following a boss fight, a unique level influenced by Sony exclusives appears. These exceptional levels are truly remarkable, and I’ll leave the rest to your imagination because experiencing them personally is quite extraordinary.

Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience

Personally speaking, when it comes to the visual and auditory experience, Team Asobi has truly exceeded my expectations. They’ve served up a delightfully colorful graphic design that’s nothing short of beautiful, with each planet showcasing its own unique aesthetic. Frequent pop culture references are sprinkled throughout the game, but they never feel tired or repetitive; instead, they continually introduce fresh and innovative elements. The music occasionally repeats, but it also has moments that surprise and charm, like a singing tree in one level whose tune I’ve found myself humming long after playing.

Sony’s best ad

Astro Bot is undeniably destined to be treasured as the ultimate gem among Sony gaming enthusiasts, serving as both a tribute and a showcase of the enjoyable experiences offered by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game’s abundance of references to past games is staggering, making it so extensive that even seasoned Sony fans might struggle to identify all the brands and Easter eggs. To enhance the experience, an in-game guide or encyclopedia could be helpful, providing brief explanations for the robots dressed in unfamiliar attire. Such a feature would make the game an even more delightful adventure for fans of the Japanese console.

Astro Bot Review: A Joyful Experience

As a dedicated video game enthusiast, I can confidently say that Astro Bot is one of those exceptional games that rekindles our passion for the medium. With its meticulous attention to detail in both visual and audio aspects, it’s a masterfully crafted title. But what truly sets it apart is its engaging gameplay, which manages to remain fresh and captivating even after extended play sessions. Moreover, it’s a game that can be enjoyed by the entire family, making it a perfect choice for shared gaming experiences.

Approximately 15 hours are needed to finish “Astro Bot”. The game offers secret stages that test even seasoned platformer veterans, adding to its allure. Although most of the gameplay is relatively easy, it doesn’t diminish the delightful feeling of completing each level. Furthermore, there’s an after-game content as I previously mentioned. There’s a lot to explore in this game world inhabited by the green alien. I’m eagerly looking forward to purchasing my own copy and striving to unlock all the achievements in this endearing game.

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2024-09-10 14:32