Astro Bot Review – A Love Letter to PlayStation Gaming

Astro Bot, the highly anticipated platformer from Team Asobi, is set to launch on September 6th. This highly anticipated platformer offers players a fresh and exciting adventure with the charming robotic protagonist, Astro. Moreover, Team Asobi’s signature creativity and technical prowess shine through in this vibrant and immersive platforming experience, which promises to take full advantage of PlayStation hardware capabilities.

Story

The story of Astro Bot begins with our robotic hero and his Bot crew piloting the PS5 mothership through the vast expanse of space. Their routine journey takes an unexpected and dramatic turn when they encounter a mysterious UFO. In a sudden and aggressive move, the enemy forcibly steals the processor from the PS5 mothership, a critical component that leaves the ship powerless and vulnerable.

Astro’s journey takes him on a perilous yet exciting adventure across a diverse array of galaxies and planets. Each location presents its own set of challenges and wonders, from summer water parks and ancient ruins to snowy landscapes and traditional Japanese-inspired settings. The variety of environments ensures that Astro’s quest remains fresh and engaging throughout.

As Astro explores these varied worlds, he not only searches for his lost crew members and spaceship parts but also uncovers the mysteries of each planet. Furthermore, the story unfolds gradually as Astro pieces together clues about the enemy that attacked them and the reason behind the theft of the PS5 processor.

Gameplay

Astro Bot’s gameplay is a testament to Team Asobi’s innovative approach to platforming. The game is structured around various galaxies, each containing 6-8 planets with distinct themes and challenges. Players will explore standard planets, face off against bosses, discover hidden mini-planets, and venture into special crossover planets where parts of the fallen PS5 mothership can be found.

Equally important, the game features a diverse array of galaxies, including a mysterious Lost Galaxy that unlocks after activating certain mechanisms. Each planet boasts a unique theme, ranging from summer water parks and ancient ruins to snowy landscapes and traditional Japanese architecture. Additionally, this variety ensures that every level feels fresh and exciting, with environments, props, and enemies all reflecting the planet’s distinct theme.

In particular, one of the game’s standout features is its innovative use of abilities. Astro gains different powers on each themed planet, adding depth to the gameplay and puzzle-solving mechanics.

Some notable abilities include:

• Twin-Frog Gloves: Allow Astro to swing to higher platforms and attack distant enemies.
• Elephant Watering Can: Absorbs and releases slime to create temporary platforms.
• Mouse Shrinker: Transforms Astro into a small mouse to access tight spaces.
• Time Stopper VR: Slows down the surrounding environment, enabling Astro to navigate tricky terrains.
• Transformation Sponge: Turns Astro into a sponge that can absorb water for various puzzle-solving applications.

As players progress, they can unlock new features at the base, such as the Gatcha Lab for collecting items, the Dual Speeder Paint Shop for vehicle customization, and Astro’s Costume Shop for character outfits.

As a result of being a first-party Sony Interactive Entertainment title, Astro Bot makes full use of the DualSense controller’s capabilities, incorporating motion controls, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback to enhance immersion and provide unique gameplay experiences.

Special IP Collaboration

Astro Bot features exciting collaborations with other popular gaming franchises, adding an element of surprise and nostalgia for players. Additionally, these collaborations are integrated into the game in two main ways: through VIP Bots and Special Planets. Throughout the game, players can rescue VIP Bots – characters from various popular games reimagined as robots.

Throughout the game, players can rescue VIP Bots – characters from various popular games reimagined as robots. On each regular planet, players typically encounter 2-3 VIP Bots. These include familiar faces like Kratos and his son from God of War, Joker from Persona 5, and characters from Metal Gear, among others. Additionally, the inclusion of these VIP Bots adds an element of excitement and anticipation, as players never know which beloved characters they might encounter next.

The Gatcha Lab, a feature unlocked at the Crash Site base, plays a crucial role in enhancing the VIP Bot experience. Similarly, players can use coins collected throughout their adventures to obtain special items for these VIP Bots. When a VIP Bot receives its exclusive item, it can be found at the center of the Crash Site, where players can interact with it.

Each galaxy in Astro Bot features special crossover planets where parts of the fallen PS5 mothership have landed. These planets are uniquely themed after elements from other popular games, offering a more immersive crossover experience. Furthermore, the collaboration goes beyond mere visual references – on these special planets, Astro himself transforms to match the theme.

Players will find that Astro dons costumes and gains abilities inspired by the featured game’s protagonist. This extensive use of gaming collaborations sets Astro Bot apart from many other platformers, turning it into a celebration of gaming culture while maintaining its own distinct identity.

Verdict

Astro Bot stands out as an exceptional platformer that combines innovative gameplay mechanics with charming visuals and clever level design. The game’s variety in themes, abilities, and challenges ensures a consistently engaging experience from start to finish. In addition, the integration of special IP collaborations adds an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia, making each new discovery a delight.

The thoughtful use of the DualSense controller’s features enhances immersion, showcasing the potential of the PlayStation 5 hardware. With its creative puzzles, diverse worlds, and lovable characters, Astro Bot offers a platforming adventure that caters to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers alike. While the game may not revolutionize the platforming genre, it excels in delivering a polished, entertaining, and memorable experience. In conclusion, Astro Bot proves that with the right blend of creativity, technical prowess, and attention to detail, even familiar gameplay concepts can feel fresh and exciting.

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