Review | Astro Bot 'Bloody Spectacular' (PlayStation 5)

There are few games that manage to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, but Astro Bot pulls it off effortlessly. From the moment you take control of the shiny little robot, you’re thrust into a world that feels both familiar and brand new. It’s a celebration of PlayStation’s past, while pushing the boundaries of what modern platformers can achieve.

For those who grew up with gaming, Astro Bot evokes the same sense of wonder we felt discovering classics for the first time. For newcomers, it’s a thrilling and unforgettable journey, showcasing the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and its DualSense controller.

Astro Bot is one of the best 3D platformers I’ve ever played.

A DualSense of Wonder

This game pushes the envelope in nearly every aspect of its design. From gameplay to technical innovation, Astro Bot delivers an experience that’s masterfully crafted and fun from start to finish.

Astro’s Playroom, which served as a prequel of sorts, was a neat introduction to the power of the PlayStation 5 and the DualSense controller back in 2020. But Astro Bot takes that to the next level, introducing new abilities and senses like no other developer; the controller haptics and mechanical feedback make you feel every single step, jump, and explosion.

Whether it’s the sensation of Astro’s tiny feet running across different surfaces or the rumble of enemy attacks, the DualSense’s technology is completely unlocked.

*The controller is essential to working out the way forward, feeling for other correct blocks to push.*

Developers, take note: this is the gold standard for how to use the DualSense. No other game, to date, has matched Astro Bot in using this controller to enhance gameplay. It’s a masterclass in adapting technology, and Team Asobi has set the bar incredibly high.

My two young children were by my side throughout my 20-odd hours of game time, each helping me press the triggers simultaneously at the end of each level to launch toward the stars. This is as much of a family game as it is for grown adults.

Astro Bot is Simple, Yet Satisfying

I was determined to complete everything – and I did. Every bot, every trophy, every gacha item — I collected them all. If you’re a PlayStation tragic, you’re going to have a wonderful time. From character skins to iconic weapons, each collectible holds a special meaning.

*Just want to pinch its giant rosy cheeks!*

The core mechanics are simple: jump, double jump, punch, and spin. But even with its simplicity, the game manages to remain engaging and fun throughout. Astro’s laser feet are a key tool in taking out enemies, especially the Goomba-like creatures that deploy spikes around their bodies.

The variety of enemies ensures the game never feels repetitive, though there are plenty of familiar foes from Playroom. You’ll face everything from electric enemies to slimy, spitting baddies (my least favorite). While combat isn’t complicated — there are no tricky combo moves — it’s still satisfying. Astro’s moveset might be limited, but it never feels like it’s holding the game back.

Platforming Perfection

The level design in Astro Bot is nothing short of brilliant. Some levels are linear, reminiscent of classic platformers, while others feature open areas that feel like a fresh spin on games like Super Mario or Banjo-Kazooie. The balance between these designs keeps things varied and exciting, constantly surprising you with new mechanics or hidden paths.

One moment you’re navigating tight corridors, and the next you’re running across larger landscapes, collecting and fighting to your heart’s content. It feels nostalgic, yet brand new.

*Boy! Bot Kratos is one of many exciting characters to find in Astro Bot.*

There are also a handful of themed levels featuring some of the best from PlayStation, including God of War. This is as far as I’ll go in terms of spoilers, Kratos is heavily marketed for the game so we can leave it there — but just know there are so many more incredible surprises.

One particular level sees Astro on a journey into an underwater world, with the power-up embracing the idea of a toy penguin with clicky-clacky flippers. With the penguin on his back, Astro can swiftly explore this world under the sea.

Each level requires Astro to rescue bots and collect puzzle pieces hidden throughout. Some are easier to find than others, and saving all the bots on the first try is a deeply satisfying experience.

X, △, ◻, O Challenges

Astro Bot may look cute and cosy on the surface, but some platforming levels hit hard! Throughout the game, you’ll come across and need to rescue lost PlayStation symbols, which unlock four challenges each.

One challenge in particular — Splashing Sprint — left me stuck for far longer than I’d care to admit. This challenge involves using a water squirting rubber duck to cool lava while dodging flamethrowers and missiles. I was glad when it was finally over!

A Robotic Symphony

The whole time I’ve been writing this, I’ve had the Astro Bot theme tune in my head. The audio design in Astro Bot is just as memorable as the visuals and gameplay. Each level has its own unique soundtrack, perfectly capturing the vibe of the environment.

The hidden levels even feature a robotic voice singing “Secretttt…it’s the secretttt,” which is small on paper, but adds more quirky charm to the game. Team Asobi also brings back hits from Astro’s Playroom, like “SSD,” which fans will instantly recognise.

The sound design is immersive and helps to reinforce the connection you feel to Astro’s world. Every action is accompanied by satisfying audio cues, whether it’s the sound of a puzzle piece clicking into place or the whir of Astro’s laser feet mid-jump. All of this is reflected through the speaker in the DualSense controller.

I’ve Got The Need For Speed

At launch, there’s no time trial or speed running feature – probably my only gripe about the game, if you’d call it that.

But extinguish your torches and put away the pitchforks! Team Asobi has confirmed that trial levels (or some sort of equivalent) will be available soon in a free DLC.

Some of the PlayStation Symbol challenge levels would be excellent if the clock was ticking, much like in Astro’s Playroom.

Graphics, Performance and Accessibility

This game is gorgeous. From the characters to the worlds Astro Bot explores, Team Asobi has truly played god. Visually, Astro Bot builds on the foundation laid by Astro’s Playroom but takes things to a whole new level.

Where Astro’s Playroom was a playful showcase of what the PlayStation 5 could do, Astro Bot fully embraces the console’s power to create an even more immersive and breathtaking experience. The vibrant, meticulously crafted environments pop with detail, from shimmering water effects to the way light bounces off metal surfaces. Each world feels alive, filled with charm and character.

When it comes to accessibility, there’s not a whole lot of options available. That said, you can activate a freelook camera mode in settings, allowing you to hold down “Circle” to freely look around Astro. You can turn on visual cues for puzzles to simulate controller vibration and invert the thumbsticks. There’s also options to disable the motion controls in the DualSense — perfect for when you’re playing on the PlayStation Portal.

Should I play Astro Bot?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Yes, you should. Whether you’re a long-time PlayStation fan reveling in the nostalgia or a newcomer experiencing the joy of discovery, there’s something magical here for everyone. It’s the perfect, pass controller, family video game.

With DLC on the horizon and no shortage of surprises to come, Astro’s adventure is far from over. I can’t wait to dive back in and see where Team Asobi takes us next. If the Platinum Trophy is anything to go by, we’ll be seeing Astro again sooner than later.

The future of platforming has arrived and it’s bloody spectacular. Astro Bot stands out with its perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern innovation. It feels like a celebration of everything PlayStation, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Astro Bot is out on Friday for PlayStation 5 and retails for around $100 AUD.

Quest Daily scores Astro Bot:

10/10

A review copy of Astro Bot was supplied to Quest Daily by PlayStation Australia for the purpose of this review.