Astro Bot sets a new standard for the platforming genre with its innovative 3D gameplay and vibrant cosmic setting. Players control Astro, a charismatic robot, navigating him through a sprawling universe made up of six galaxies and 50 planets. Each level is uniquely designed with intricate challenges that test both reflexes and puzzle-solving abilities. The game utilizes the “Dual Speeder,” a spacecraft shaped like the DualSense controller for PlayStation 5, to travel between galaxies, adding a layer of thematic depth to the navigation. Astro is equipped with new abilities that enrich the gameplay; for instance, the introduction of Barkster, a bulldog ability that lets Astro charge through enemies and obstacles, and a pair of frog-themed gloves that enable long-distance punches and bounces off certain surfaces, offering fresh ways to tackle the game’s diverse environments.
Astro Bot excels in level design and integrates characters inspired by iconic PlayStation franchises such as God of War and Uncharted, enriching the game’s universe with familiar faces reimagined as “VIP bots.” These more than 150 recruitable characters add collectible charm and strategic elements to the gameplay, as each bot comes with unique traits that can assist in navigating levels or defeating enemies. At the end of each galaxy, players face off against formidable bosses, each requiring a different strategy to defeat, which makes use of Astro’s upgraded abilities and sometimes the help of the recruited VIP bots. These epic boss battles are highlights, providing challenging climaxes to each galactic adventure and testing all the skills players accumulate throughout the game. Despite not supporting PlayStation VR2, Astro Bot offers a deeply immersive experience, leveraging the full capabilities of the PlayStation 5 to deliver engaging, responsive gameplay that pushes the boundaries of traditional platformers.