Astro Bot out now on PlayStation 5!
Just the other week Astro Bot released on the PlayStation 5. This delightful platformer builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors in the Astro series, delivering a robust and charming experience that showcases the full potential of the PS5 hardware. Developed by Team Asobi, the game follows the cute robot protagonist, Astro, as he embarks on a mission to rescue his scattered bot friends and reassemble a PS5-shaped spaceship that was dismantled by a villainous alien named Nebulax. This premise sets the stage for a wide-ranging adventure across six beautifully designed galaxies, each filled with vibrant, detailed environments, innovative mechanics, and tons of collectibles to uncover.
During the game you will play as and meet characters of some of the most famous PlayStation franchises, including ones with links to Greek mythology like God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn. The name Astro itself comes from the Greek word for star, which comes from the Greek goddess of falling stars Asteria.
Astro Bot’s greatest strength lies in its creativity and use of the DualSense controller. Each level introduces new mechanics that make ingenious use of the PS5’s advanced features. For instance, the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback provide a deeply immersive tactile experience—whether you’re skating across icy platforms, flying through the air with a glider, or even blowing into the controller’s microphone to solve specific puzzles. These features help make Astro Bot not just a platformer but an experience that feels uniquely tailored to the PS5.
Astro Bot Gameplay Loop
The gameplay loop itself is highly engaging. Players explore planets, collecting hidden bots, puzzle pieces, and coins while encountering challenging obstacles and enemies. Each galaxy has a specific theme, with levels that range from a spooky haunted castle to a neon-lit casino world. The variety in these environments is one of the game’s most appealing aspects, offering something new at every turn while maintaining tight, responsive platforming mechanics. Astro’s abilities, such as a hover-jump, punch, and chargeable spin attack, form the core of the combat and traversal systems, and these are complemented by the power-ups and new skills that are introduced in later stages.
While Astro Bot’s story is lighthearted and straightforward, the game more than compensates with its charming characters, colorful visuals, and engaging world design. The game has drawn comparisons to beloved platformers like Super Mario Odyssey for its ability to constantly surprise players with fresh ideas and inventive mechanics. Whether it’s shrinking down to navigate tight spaces with the help of a robotic mouse or using a frog-like power-up to punch through obstacles, there’s always a new twist to the platforming formula that keeps things interesting.
Greek Mythology in Astro Bot
One of the most intriguing aspects of Astro Bot is its playful incorporation of references to both PlayStation history and other gaming franchises. In particular, one of the standout levels is “Bot of War,” a clear homage to the God of War series, where Astro wields Kratos’ iconic axe in a snowy, Norse-inspired setting. This not only serves as a fun Easter egg for fans of PlayStation’s past but also introduces elements that evoke Greek and Norse mythology within the game. This connection brings a sense of mythic adventure to an otherwise whimsical platformer, blending the playful nature of Astro Bot with the epic scope of God of War’s legendary landscapes and lore.
The “Bot of War” level is particularly notable because of its use of environments and aesthetics reminiscent of Greek mythology. Though the main theme of the game is lighthearted, these mythological references offer a moment of contrast—Astro wields Kratos’ axe with the same fury as the Spartan himself, albeit in a cute, cartoonish form. This blending of styles showcases the game’s ability to appeal to a wide audience, from younger players new to platformers to older gamers who appreciate the callbacks to more mature franchises.
In terms of technical performance, Astro Bot is a visual delight. The game’s use of vibrant colors, detailed textures, and smooth animations make each world feel alive, from the rustling grass in the wind to the intricate lighting effects in its darker, more atmospheric levels. The soundtrack and sound design are equally impressive, with levels like “Bot of War” featuring an epic, driving score that enhances the intensity of the action.
Asteria, Greek Titan Goddess of Falling Stars
Speaking of Greek mythology, the name of Astro itself comes from Asteria, the Greek Titan goddess of stars. Watch this video below to learn more about Asteria. Or visit our page about the Titans.
The boss fights in Astro Bot are another highlight. Each galaxy culminates in a showdown with a larger-than-life enemy, requiring players to master the platforming mechanics and utilize new abilities they’ve learned along the way. These battles are exciting without being overly punishing, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility that makes the game approachable for players of all skill levels.
Astro Bot also stands out for its replayability. While the main story can be completed in a relatively short time, the game’s abundance of hidden collectibles, secret areas, and unlockable content ensures that completionists will have plenty to keep them busy. There are over 300 bots to find across the game’s 80 levels, with many cleverly hidden in secret passages that require keen observation and platforming skill to discover.
Astro Bot is a standout platformer that demonstrates the power of the PlayStation 5. Its clever use of the DualSense controller, varied level design, and charming world make it one of the best games on the platform, offering a joyful experience for both casual players and dedicated fans of the genre. The nods to Greek mythology and other iconic PlayStation franchises add a layer of depth and nostalgia, further solidifying Astro Bot as a must-play title for PS5 owners. Whether you’re new to the Astro series or a returning fan, this game is sure to leave a lasting impression. Visit the official website of Team Asobi or PlayStation for more.
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