Astro Bot Hands-On Preview – A Joyful PS5 Platforming Adventure

I can’t remember the last time I played a PlayStation game that made me feel as I was while playing Astro Bot at Summer Game Fest 2024. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve loved plenty of Sony’s first-party titles with their cinematic flair, refined gameplay, and deep systems. But after my 45-minute demo of Astro Bot, it feels like something long overdue. It’s no less polished and certainly doesn’t come across as a budget, but it delivers a console-defining experience ready for everyone.

Astro Bot it feels like a game that steps away from the recent push for $300 million blockbuster scope, and focus on what makes gaming so special, the fun. Astro Bot is whimsical, delightful, and, most importantly, an absolute blast to play, even if it is more challenging than its bubbly façade may suggest.

During my hands-on time with this PS5 action platformer, I was quickly blown away. I admit that I didn’t play much of 2018’s Astro Bot Rescue Mission on PSVR or spend more than a few hours with the PS5 pack in Astro’s Playroom , despite loving the look of both. But after experiencing a solid chunk of the mascot’s first full-fledged outing, I’m convinced the Mario-inspired formula isn’t just a fun distraction and could easily be the next great PlayStation Studios franchise.

Just to set the stage for the game, Astro Bot is a whimsical journey through over 80 levels across 50 planets and six galaxies. Your goal is to rescue 150+ fellow bots representing iconic PlayStation characters from the brand’s 30-year history, such as Kratos and Nathan Drake , Ratchet , etc. Even just diving in blind, I could not help but be enchanted by the many characters of many games I have loved over the years, but in a new, less self-serious way.

“ Astro Bot is whimsical, delightful, and, most importantly, an absolute blast to play, even if it is more challenging than its bubbly façade may suggest.”

PlayStation, over the past few generations of consoles, has delivered some amazing stories, but while they may lead to some great stories, fantastic series and films, it does not necessarily lead to light-hearted fun. Astro Bot has found a way to bring the fun back to PlayStation, and it is magical.

This celebration of the PlayStation legacy, not unlike Astro’s Playroom , felt like a blast from the past of previous console generations when games like this weren’t so uncommon. But while its predecessors felt more like tech demos or interactive museums, Astro Bot ‘s platforming, presentation, and world design are strong enough to stand on their own, nostalgia aside. These are some of the most intricately crafted levels I have seen this side of Nintendo, and even after 45 minutes, my adult self could not help but smile.

Each world you explore offers up new mechanics and challenges that keep the game feeling fresh as you work through the challenges and systems at play in Astro Bot. The game quickly teaches you the many ways to take on the challenges of the world, and even with new concepts thrown at you, it never feels overwhelming, giving just enough to give that sense of satisfaction as you complete each subsequent level.

Even the boss giant octopus boss I managed to reach felt unique and fresh, giving enough challenge to test all I had learned while never loading the player with more than they can take on. Using springy frog arms, I punched the cephalopod and slingshot Astro into its legs and arms in a multistage battle. It provided just the right amount of challenge. I was leaning forward in my seat, but my joy never turned to frustration. After about a handful of attempts, I managed to take it down finally, and I audibly cheered, much to the amusement of the PR people in the room.

I have to admit, I was skeptical of how many features of the PS5 the game looked to use, but I am convinced the team knows what they are doing. Astro Bot’s magic is how naturally it integrates DualSense’s unique features and makes it all feel seamless to the experience. The haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, gyro aiming, and built-in speaker enhance immersion without ever feeling gimmicky or obtrusive.

Feeling the distinct sensation of sand crunching underfoot, the tension of pulling back a bowstring, or the weightlessness of hovering via the controller made the colourful world tangibly compelling in a way few other games have achieved. This is a Sony internal team showing just how well they know the hardware and delivering a game that demonstrates that knowledge in a way I did not think possible.

While I don’t think it can surpass just how fun the experience Astro Bot is to play, the visuals show you don’t need to be dark and gritty to be beautiful. From the lush, shimmering blue caves to the pastel playground in the clouds, every environment I explored popped with personality and imaginative details begging to be noticed. Each level felt distinct, yet part of a cohesive, playful universe, and I was pushing to see as much of it in my limited playtime as possible.

“ Astro Bot’s magic is how naturally it integrates DualSense’s unique features and makes it all feel seamless to the experience.”

Astro Bot is a game that PlayStation needed this generation and one that finally shows why the whole family can enjoy a PS5. Generous checkpoints, ample powerups, and responsive controls make it easy to hop back in after an untimely demise. But much like modern Mario titles, there is still plenty to sink your teeth into, from deviously placed collectibles to optional challenge rooms that demand perfect timing and precision. I only played 45 minutes and managed to see just how rusty my platforming skills have gotten over the years, and yet the game managed to never be frustrating, with plenty of ways to take on challenges.

Even though I am glowing, I must acknowledge that my impressions are based on a limited slice of a game, with there still being many hours I have not even had a glimpse of. However, if the rest of Astro Bot maintains this level of quality, it could be something truly special. Above all else, it’s an injection of lighthearted, mischievous fun that feels right at home on PS5.

It has been a long time since I have genuinely had this much fun in a modern game. Astro Bot left me grinning from ear to ear in a way few games have managed in recent memory. If the full adventure can sustain the creativity, polish, and sheer joy of what I experienced, PlayStation may have a new mascot to stand proudly alongside its most iconic heroes. September can’t come soon enough , and I can’t wait to continue my adventure across the galaxy with PlayStation’s little, adorable bot.