Platformers are part of my gaming DNA. Some of my earliest memories have me chasing down dragon eggs with my dad in Spyro the Dragon or smashing crates and stockpiling Wumpa Fruit in Crash Bandicoot futilely to get an extra life before the all too familiar game over screen. It’s the genre that kickstarted my love for games and highlighted the creativity and fun the medium offers. Astro Bot is a nod to those earlier games, feeling like a spiritual successor that honors and draws inspiration from those titles to create something fresh, exciting, and masterful. Astro Bot is a masterpiece that stands alongside the industry’s finest and could, in time, even rival Mario as a platforming icon.
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PlayStation’s Adorable Mascot
Astro Bot is a cute little automaton first introduced on the PS4 and the star of the PS5 launch pack-in, Astro’s Playroom. Following the events of the short title, the little leader of bots meets an alien that destroys the PS5 and sends his little friends flying across the galaxy. It’s up to Astro to speed across the universe to find his lost friends and repair their console starship.
This cute premise kicks off one of 2024’s most impressive titles, which realizes the potential of a straightforward mascot platformer.
Astro Bot is the first game since Super Mario Odyssey to capture the joy and wonder of early platformers like Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot. It focuses on making an enjoyable experience for everyone. No walled-off content asking you to pay extra to play. It’s just a complete package sure to bring you a smile. Team Asobi’s title proves a market for games like this and that you’re never too old for a family-friendly adventure.
Platforming Perfection
With five galaxies and over 80 levels to discover, Team Asobi has plenty of tools to keep Astro’s adventure interesting. Astro has several tricks and tactics for navigating the various levels.
Some levels have him scaling walls with the Monkey Pack. Others allow him to traverse spike paths by curling up in a metal ball. Some even let him shrink to the size of a mouse and climb through walls.
There’s no shortage of powerups for Astro in this journey. While the inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, Sonic Adventure 2, and Crash Bandicoot is obvious, the game never feels like an outright copy. Every level does its best to build upon what came before. I still can’t believe how well-crafted these levels were, and I found myself replaying them even after seeing all the collectible bots and puzzle pieces.
The absurd amount of level variety and venues to choose from also kept the game from getting stale. Casinos, spas, space stations, and giant construction plants are just a few level types in this constantly enriching adventure.
While Astro Bot isn’t by any means the most challenging platformer in recent memory (that crown still lies firmly with Crash Bandicoot 4), there are higher difficulty levels that appear later in the game—asking players to clear a gauntlet of obstacles for particular bots. They’re great for those looking for a bit of a challenge later in the game. Some of my favorite little buddies were hidden here, making the struggle worth it.
Dualsensitive
Apart from sensational level design, Astro Bot makes incredible use of the Dualsense controller’s capabilities. For instance, the finely tuned vibration makes blowing wind, skating on ice, and sliding across spikes feel incredibly distinct.
Haptic feedback makes shooting water, firing up a jet engine, and popping a pistol feel distinctly different.
Blowing a horn requires actual air on the controller, and steering a ship through space requires physical movement from the player. These choices work flawlessly with the experience.
Each sensation reminds me of how little developers use the functionality of what’s become one of my favorite gaming controllers. They all highlight the Dualsense’s potential and how it can be used going forward.
Hello, Old Friends
One of the standout tie-ins for Astro Bot is the easter eggs and references to previous PlayStation icons. It’s not just one or two, either. There are almost 200 hidden bots with references to mascots and characters from PlayStation’s past.
Find them in the wild, and you’ll get a cute tagline that nods to their franchise. While you only need a handful of bots to unlock new levels, I found myself tracking them down. I couldn’t wait to see what game or property got referenced next.
It’s not just a one-off reference, either. Once you find a bot, you can head back to the base and hit the Gacha machine to unlock their accessories. Pair a bot with the accessory, and the way they act changes. Jak gets a Daxter sidekick bot that sits on his shoulder. Lara Croft has a dinosaur chase her around the map. The list goes on, and each one was a treat to uncover.
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. You’ll rescue unique reference bots with extraordinary levels to tackle once you beat a boss (and each of the game’s bosses is incredible). Here, you take on the identity of the bots from mascots of PlayStation’s past and hunt for bots from a specific title.
One level has you chasing down little robot monkeys with a net dressed as Spike from Ape Escape, while another has you shooting enemies out of trees with Nathan Drake’s pistol. It’s the icing on the cake that puts a cute spin on previous PlayStation titles. Now, if only we could get PlayStation to revive some of these games. . .
Soundtrack of the Year? Possibly
In addition to what is already an unrivaled experience in 2024, Astro has a soundtrack with no business being as incredible as it is. It’s a glorious and epic score that elevates Astro Bot even more, making it unforgettable.
Boss battles have gritty metal and rock music blasting in the background, with an orchestra accenting every hit and impact. Snow levels play a glassy and wistful tune as Astro skates around. EDM blares during challenge levels. Everything here fits the feel of Astro Bot perfectly, and I can’t imagine anyone getting through this title without having these incredible tunes trapped in their head by the end. Just listen to the Launch Trailer if you don’t believe me.
Astro Bot’s theme alone is already a staple in the soundtrack for me, with the cute little bot singing his intro each time the game boots up. I’m sure it will be played among the titles named Game of the Year contenders.
Verdict
Astro Bot is a flawless 3D Platformer that stands among the industry’s finest and is an instant classic. Its incredible level of design, boss battles, and mechanics build upon the best platformers that came before, making this title more than just a celebration of PlayStation’s past; it is a surefire staple for its future.
Masterpiece
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A delightful celebration of PlayStation’s history and heritage | Your face will hurt from smiling so much |
| An intuitive and revolutionary platformer that stands next to the industry’s finest | |
| Sensational soundtrack | |
| Beautifully designed levels and boss battles | |
| Plenty of collectibles and easter eggs to enjoy |
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