Astro Bot Review: A Nostalgic PS5 Platforming Triumph

Astro Bot, released on September 6, 2024, is a dazzling PS5 platformer from Team Asobi that blends inventive gameplay with heartfelt PlayStation nostalgia. Its vibrant visuals, diverse levels, and charming secrets make it a standout title, celebrating the console’s legacy with cameos from beloved franchises. While minor performance hiccups like occasional frame drops exist, they rarely detract from the experience. The game’s clever mechanics and whimsical sound design elevate its appeal, though some challenging levels may test younger players. Priced as a premium title, Astro Bot delivers exceptional value for fans of the genre and PS5 owners seeking a joyful, polished adventure.

Astro Bot’s visual presentation is a triumph of artistry and technical prowess on the PS5. The game bursts with vibrant colors and crisp details, from lush jungle planets to neon-lit casinos. Each environment feels distinct, with playful touches like voxel-art landscapes and child-friendly haunted graveyards showcasing Team Asobi’s creativity. Character designs, especially Astro and his 169 cameo bots, are charmingly detailed, sporting accessories that nod to PlayStation classics like Uncharted and God of War. The game leverages the PS5’s power for silky-smooth animations and dynamic lighting, immersing players in its whimsical universe. Compared to genre peers like Super Mario Odyssey, Astro Bot holds its own with a unique blend of modern polish and nostalgic flair. Minor visual hiccups, such as occasional texture pop-ins, are rare and don’t overshadow the overall brilliance, making it a feast for the eyes that matches its joyful tone.

Astro Bot’s gameplay is a masterclass in platforming innovation. Players guide Astro through a galaxy of planets, each introducing fresh mechanics like spring-loaded gloves, jetpacks, or time-freezing tools. Levels are bite-sized—typically 5-10 minutes—yet packed with variety, ensuring a brisk pace over the 15-hour campaign. Exploration is rewarded with hidden puzzle pieces, bonus stages, and collectible bots, appealing to completionists and casual players alike. The controls are tight and responsive, leveraging the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback for tactile immersion, like feeling raindrops or wind gusts. Compared to Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Astro Bot feels more focused on pure platforming over combat, though some late-game challenges demand precision that might stump younger audiences. The game’s intent—to celebrate PlayStation through play—shines, but its single-player focus means no co-op chaos like in Sackboy: A Big Adventure. It’s a polished, inventive experience that respects player time and skill.

Astro Bot’s story is light but endearing. Astro, a plucky robot, must rescue his scattered crew after a UFO attack, traversing planets to rebuild his ship. The narrative is a simple framework for the gameplay, but its charm lies in the 169 cameo bots—PlayStation icons like Kratos and Nathan Drake—each with unique designs that evoke nostalgia. There’s no deep lore or dialogue, aligning with the game’s kid-friendly tone, yet the character interactions through animations and level design carry emotional weight. Astro himself is a silent, expressive hero, akin to Mario, radiating personality through actions. While the story won’t rival narrative-driven titles like The Last of Us, it’s not meant to; it’s a vehicle for fun and fandom. Players expecting complex arcs may find it lacking, but for its intended audience, it’s a delightful backdrop to the adventure.

The audio in Astro Bot is a standout, with a whimsical soundtrack that perfectly complements its playful vibe. Catchy tunes shift with each planet’s theme, from upbeat marches to eerie graveyard ditties, keeping the mood lively. Sound effects—like Astro’s beeps, environmental clinks, and gadget whirs—enhance immersion, especially through the DualSense’s speaker. The nostalgic sting of PlayStation startup sounds woven into the score is a treat for veterans. Compared to Astro’s Playroom, the audio here feels more layered and dynamic, though it lacks the iconic heft of a Mario soundtrack. It’s a cohesive package that elevates the experience without overwhelming, proving Team Asobi’s attention to sensory detail.
Astro Bot is a strictly single-player affair, with no multiplayer modes to speak of. This aligns with its focus on solo exploration and platforming precision, much like Astro’s Playroom, but contrasts with genre peers like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, which offers co-op. While this keeps the experience streamlined and personal, it might disappoint players hoping to share the fun with friends. The game’s design doesn’t suffer for it—its secrets and challenges are tailored for one—but in an era where social gaming is prized, the absence feels notable. For its intended audience of solo adventurers and PlayStation fans, this isn’t a flaw, but a deliberate choice.
Astro Bot runs at a steady 60 FPS on the PS5, showcasing the console’s capabilities with minimal load times and fluid gameplay. Digital Foundry praised its “virtually flawless” execution, though some players report minor frame drops or crashes, often tied to rest mode or overheating. These issues are infrequent and fixable—adjusting to 60 FPS mode or ensuring proper ventilation helps—making them outliers in an otherwise smooth experience. For a $60 title, the polish meets expectations, outshining less optimized peers like Sonic Frontiers. It’s a testament to Team Asobi’s technical skill, delivering a reliable adventure for most players.