Astro Bot (PS5) review: A nostalgic platformer that knows how to have fun

When Japan Studio’s Astro Bot Rescue Mission dropped back in 2018 for the PlayStation VR, it was a pleasant surprise. Especially with its clever design and inventive use of the DualShock 4. Fast forward a couple of years to Astro’s Playroom, which came bundled with the PlayStation 5. While essentially a flashy demo to show off the new hardware, it had enough charm to convince many of us that this could be the Mario to Sony or Sonic to Sega.

Now we have Astro Bot, a full-fledged platformer that ditches the PSVR(2) headset and being developed by Asobi Studio (Trivia: In April 2021, Japan Studio was reorganised and merged with Team Asobi and other SIE studios). So, does the game hit the mark? Well let’s say I really enjoyed the game but it’s not without its flaws.

Right from the get-go, Astro Bot sets itself up as a playful nod to PlayStation’s history. You’ve got Astro, our little robot friend, piloting a PS5-looking spaceship before it’s promptly shredded by a hulking green alien. It’s not the most original setup, but it’s fun enough to get things rolling. Crashing onto a desert planet, Astro is left to hunt across galaxies to retrieve the scattered parts of his ship. That said, Astro Bot’s story isn’t the focus here – it’s his platforming chops.

And, to be fair, the platforming here is solid.

Astro Bot's level design continually throws fresh challenges your way, keeping you on your toes with creative power-ups that feel like they could each sustain an entire game of their own. For example, one level transforms Astro into a sponge that soaks up water to smash through barriers or puts out fires. Another sees him donning a vacuum-trunked elephant backpack to float through the air or inflate enemies until they burst. These inventive mechanics add depth to the platforming and ensure each level feels like a brand-new experience. It's this kind of imagination that makes each new world a joy to explore, whether you're scaling cliffs, gliding over gaps, or trying to figure out how to solve puzzles with your latest quirky power-up.

Where the game hits its stride, though, is in its sense of discovery. The levels are littered with collectibles, from bots paying tribute to beloved PlayStation franchises to random knick-knacks that serve little purpose other than to make you smile. There’s a certain joy in stumbling upon these nods, whether it’s a tiny Kratos lookalike or a miniature Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn. For long-time PlayStation fans, it’s like a digital scavenger hunt through the company's history.

Just like how the PS4 DualShock 4’s features were key to Astro’s Playroom’s gameplay, Astro Bot takes full advantage of the DualSense controller, delivering a tactile experience that makes every step, jump, and punch feel more engaging. The haptic feedback, for instance, gives a distinctive sensation as Astro moves across different surfaces – whether it’s the subtle crunch of sand underfoot or the satisfying thunk of a metal platform. Unlike some games that treat these features as gimmicks, Astro Bot weaves them into the gameplay naturally, enhancing the sense of control without overwhelming you with the tech. It feels less like a demo for the hardware and more like an evolution of how we interact with games on a deeper level.

If you’re a completionist, you’re looking at around 20 hours to see and do everything, but the main campaign can be polished off in about 10 to 15 hours. It’s not a particularly tough game, though there are a few moments where the difficulty ramps up unexpectedly. The final few levels might test your patience, but nothing that a seasoned gamer can’t handle.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the game’s length versus its price. At S$79.90, Astro Bot isn’t the longest game around, and this could deter some gamers from buying it. It’s a fair point. Astro Bot is selling at a premium. But for my money, those hours are well spent. It’s a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome; it gets in, has its fun, and gets out. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. I know it’s what I wanted.

Ultimately, Astro Bot isn’t here to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a charming, light-hearted romp that knows how to play to its strengths through its variety and its celebration of all things PlayStation. It may not have the legacy of Mario or the attitude of Sonic, but Astro has proven he deserves a spot in the platformer pantheon. It’s a joyful ride while it lasts, and if this is any indication, Astro has plenty of bright adventures ahead. Just maybe don’t expect it to be the next great gaming epic, and you’ll have a blast.