Astro Bot review: The new PS5 special is a heartfelt tribute and a trip down memory lane

• Astro Bot takes players on a nostalgic journey, evoking fond memories of gaming’s simpler days
• With its accessible gameplay and generous reset system, Astro Bot caters to both newcomers and seasoned players
• The game is a visual feast, complemented by a catchy soundtrack and immersive haptic feedback

Remember when gaming was much more about the experience and not so much about the graphics? When there were physical memory cards, CDs and wired controllers? Now what if we tell you that there is a game that takes you back to those good old days with a fresh twist. I am talking about Astro Bot, the PS5 exclusive that released last month and guarantees hours of entertainment along with a nostalgic rush.

Now, PS5 players might already be familiar with the game as along with the launch of the console in November 2020, the free game Astro’s Playroom was also released. The game was more or less a tech demo for the then-new DualSense controller but received a lot of love from us all. It was a short and sweet ride, with low difficulty and eye-catching elements. Perhaps it is because of the love that the game received that developers thought of releasing a fuller game with our favourite white robotic mascot.

When I first booted up Astro Bot on a Friday night, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. As a gamer, I’ve had my fair share of platforming adventures, but this one struck a chord that I didn’t expect. Team Asobi has crafted something truly special and it is a delightful blend of charm, creativity, and innovation. I can even go so far as calling it the Mario of the PlayStation world.

The game is available on the PlayStation Store for Rs 3,999.

Astro Bot review: Gameplay and difficulty

From the moment I took control of Astro, I was hooked. The controls are spot-on—responsive and precise, making it easy to navigate the colourful worlds packed with challenges. I loved how each planet introduced new mechanics that kept me on my toes. Whether it was getting a dog as a friend who helps you rush past hurdles or a fun balloon transformation, every new ability felt like a mini-reward for my curiosity.

In terms of difficulty, the game strikes a perfect balance; it’s challenging without being punishing. I found myself celebrating small victories, whether I was timing my jumps perfectly or discovering hidden paths that seemed to tease me from the corner of my eye. The design is brilliant—each stage feels thoughtfully constructed, with a nice mix of platforming, puzzles, and adorable enemies that sometimes made me laugh out loud. The first boss fight that I encountered in the game, fighting a mechanical gorilla, was quite engaging and full of little surprises. I was breaking through glass doors, hopping here and there to defend myself, quickly moving to the next safest space, and whatnot. But not once did I find that the boss fight was too challenging and I needed to practice before moving on.

Thus, Astro Bot feels like a game for players of all skill levels and even new ones. My younger cousin, who isn’t a gamer, got intrigued by the game when I was playing and wanted to try it out for herself. After a bit of training, she was enjoying herself to the fullest. The generous reset system made it easy to bounce back from mistakes without feeling frustrated. For gamers who enjoy a challenge though, the game might seem too easy.

Astro Bot review: Visuals, haptic feedback and sound

From the very first moment when you take control of Astro and the PS5 mothership crashes, you can feel that you are on a ride that will be visually pleasing. And when you rescue the bots from various planets, they all hop in on a single controller in the game which adds a really nice touch.

If I were to sum up this section in a single line, I would say that Astro Bot is a visual feast! The art style is charming and vibrant, with each landscape bursting with life. I couldn’t help but smile when Astro made his way underwater with the fishes, played around with paint, bounced off inflatable daisies or glided across icy terrains. It was satisfying to see the environment react dynamically to Astro’s every move.

Coming to the sound design, it is absolutely top-notch. The soundtrack is catchy, setting the perfect mood for each level.

As I skated across the ice, wandered around a land which had ice cream instead of snow, or jumped through the rain, the haptic feedback from the DualSense controller made every action feel tangible and rewarding. My favourite was wandering through a floor full of sprinklers and hearing the sound that came from it. I actually brought my controller closer to my ears just to hear the sound of the sprinklers. If you want to listen to something relaxing and rewarding, this is the game to play.

There is no doubt that this game uses your dual-sense controller to the best of its abilities. Something that we also saw with Astro’s Playroom.

Astro Bot review: World and characters

What really captivated me was the heart and soul of the game. Astro is the cutest little robot, with animations that made me chuckle. Be it his excited foot-tapping or those adorable shivers when he’s cold, I enjoyed noticing the little details. Collecting and interacting with the various robot friends also added so much joy to my playthrough.

Plus, the nods to other games were a delightful treat. I loved spotting characters and settings from franchises like God of War and reminiscing about my gaming days as a child. It felt like a warm hug from my childhood, and I appreciated the playful references spread throughout.

In a world full of games that often feel forgettable, Astro Bot shines as a joyous reminder of what makes platformers so special. It’s not just a game for kids; it’s a celebration of creativity and playfulness that resonates with anyone who loves gaming.

If you’re looking for an experience that radiates joy and challenges you to explore, Astro Bot is a must-play.

About limited edition Astro Bot DualSense controller

There was no better way to enjoy the game with PlayStation 5’s limited edition Astro Bot-themed DualSense wireless controller. The controller features a sleek white and blue design that mirrors the adorable robot it's modelled after. It has a glossy finish at the top which enhances its grip as well as look.

The most striking part of this controller is the touchpad, which is adorned with Astro Bot's eyes. However, these eyes aren't animated. The buttons are highlighted with a lighter blue hue, which is in accordance with the design language of the entire controller.