I recently stared proudly at my PSN account, admiring my freshly unlocked platinum trophy for Astro Bot. But with that sense of achievement came a thought: how could I explain why this game truly deserves its near-perfect rating?
This wasn’t my first time with Astro Bot. Earlier this year, I had the chance to try out a demo version and shared my first impressions. Those initial thoughts still hold up, as Team Asobi has delivered on their promises with the final release. But what makes this game deserving of the label “perfect”? Let’s dive into the details.
Nostalgia meets modern innovation
From the moment you start Astro Bot, it’s clear that the developers have heavily leaned into PlayStation nostalgia. Astro’s spaceship, shaped like a PlayStation 5 console, immediately gives away the theme. Throughout the game, you’ll come across references to iconic PlayStation games and characters. Even the little robots you rescue are often dressed like legendary PlayStation heroes.
But this nostalgia isn’t just surface-level. Astro Bot goes a step further by actively incorporating famous PlayStation characters into the gameplay. Without giving too much away, you’ll find yourself battling alongside or against notable figures like Nathan Drake (Uncharted), Aloy (Horizon), and Kratos (God of War). These encounters aren’t just cosmetic; they come with gameplay mechanics directly inspired by those games, such as using Kratos’ axe or Aloy’s bow. It’s like getting mini-versions of these legendary titles, fully integrated into Astro Bot’s universe.
Creative gameplay and smooth controls
In Astro Bot, your journey takes you across different galaxies, each with planets representing individual levels. As you progress, you must help Astro recover his spaceship’s vital components—memory, SSD, GPU, cooling system, and more—each cleverly linked to the PlayStation 5. But beyond the nostalgia and references, what truly shines is the sheer creativity of the gameplay.
Each planet is unique, featuring different challenges, environments, and abilities for Astro to use. Whether you’re exploring a casino, diving underwater with a penguin, or flying with a chicken-shaped jetpack, the game constantly surprises with its inventive level design. However, it’s worth mentioning that some mechanics—like Astro transforming into a mouse or a water-soaked sponge—are a bit underused, leaving you wanting more of these brilliant ideas.
One standout feature is the precision of the controls. Astro responds perfectly to your inputs, making the game feel fair. When you die, it’s usually because of your own mistake, not due to a flaw in the game. That level of control is rare, and Astro Bot nails it.
Challenging, but sometimes frustrating
While most of Astro Bot is accessible and fun for players of all skill levels, there are some optional challenge levels that will test even the most seasoned gamers. These special levels, themed after the PlayStation symbols (triangle, square, circle, and X), offer a significant difficulty spike. At times, these challenges can be infuriating, with moments where you’ll want to throw your controller in frustration.
Still, for those who are up for the challenge, mastering these levels and collecting all the game’s trophies can be incredibly rewarding. With around 20 hours of gameplay, Astro Bot offers enough variety and content to keep players entertained without becoming repetitive.
Stunning visuals and sound design
Of course, none of this would matter if the game didn’t look and sound great—and Astro Bot doesn’t disappoint. The game’s levels are vibrant, dynamic, and filled with interactive elements. The attention to detail is remarkable, and it’s a joy just to explore these imaginative worlds.
On the technical side, Astro Bot runs flawlessly at 60 frames per second in 4K resolution on a standard PlayStation 5. Visually, it’s a masterpiece, proving that you don’t need a PS5 Pro to experience next-level graphics.
The audio design is equally impressive. From the quirky sounds of the robots to the epic soundtrack, the game’s music enhances the overall experience. Special shoutout to the remix of God of War‘s theme—it’s a must-hear for any fan of video game music.
Conclusion: A near-perfect platformer
Astro Bot strikes an incredible balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering one of the most entertaining and polished platforming experiences of the year. While a co-op mode could have been a fun addition, the game still stands strong as a single-player experience. It’s not only one of the best games I’ve played in 2024, but also a serious contender for Game of the Year.
| Astro Bot Pros ✔ | Astro Bot Cons ✘ |
|---|---|
| Inventive and beautifully designed levels | Some challenge levels can be overly frustrating |
| Beloved characters and engaging gameplay mechanics | Could benefit from a co-op mode |
| Precise controls, impressive visuals, and excellent audio | |
| Enough collectibles and challenges to keep players coming back |
Fact-checking section:
- Fact: Astro Bot features references to iconic PlayStation games like Uncharted, God of War, and Horizon.
Verified: Yes, these characters and mechanics are central to several levels. - Fact: The game runs at 60 FPS in 4K on a standard PS5.
Verified: Yes, Astro Bot is optimized for 60 frames per second at 4K resolution. - Fact: The game offers around 20 hours of gameplay.
Verified: Yes, this estimate matches typical playthroughs, including optional challenges.
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