Astro Bot Review

thesixthaxis.com:

When Astro Bot’s Playroom was released, there was one resounding criticism: where is the full game? Effectively a tech demo that came preinstalled on all PS5s, this sequel to the PSVR-exclusive Astro Bot Rescue Mission was all about showing off the new DualSense controller. Sure, the game was amazing, but it was a very strange use of the new mascot and face of PlayStation. We were all left wondering: when will it be Astro’s day in the sun? Well, that day is finally upon us, and it has been well worth the wait!

Travelling through space on a flying PS5, having a great time, Astro’s ship is suddenly attacked by an alien who wants the console’s ultra high-tech innards for itself. Astro’s crew of 300 bots is scattered throughout the galaxy and the PS5 crashes on a desert planet.

But all hope is not lost. Astro is repaired by the Dual Speeder (your DualSense) and sets about exploring more than fifty planets across half a dozen galaxies, each time sending bots back to the desert planet which quickly becomes your home base with all the usual trimmings — the gatcha machine, costume changing and an all new animal safari park.

Each planet is a self-contained level and follows a different theme, some with cute nods to iconic franchises. Some of the bots you rescue are iconic in their own right, too — the level where you find Crash Bandicoot also has crates of Wumpa fruit and a platforming section that hits you right in the childhood.

Playing through the game with my wife next to me, I was excitedly explaining the core mechanics of God of War Ragnarok, when I was asked to freeze some water to make a platform. My excitement only grew with each additional nod and easter egg thrown in by Team Asobi.

From the jungles to sandy beaches, Halloween-inspired to winter-themed, the level design is breathtaking throughout. You can spend hours exploring each level, either on your own or with a partner or child who helps point out the interactive elements or collectables on screen. It really is