Team ASOBI
Astro Bot is the platformer we’ve all been waiting for on PS5
A title that pushes the capabilities of DualSense to the limit.
Back in June, we had the opportunity to preview Astro Bot, the PS5 platformer that makes the most of DualSense capabilities. At the time, we could tell that the game was full of possibilities, and now that we have been able to play the final version, we can confirm this. The maturity of the development team has led them to create one of the most original games on Sony’s console.
A sequel with great additions
As we mentioned in our first impressions, this installment is a direct sequel to Astro’s PlayRoom and the story begins where the little robot ASTRO and his crew are stranded after being attacked by aliens, being trapped in different galaxies with a good number of planets. Here the little android will have to use his DualSpeeder (a ship in the form of DualSense) to travel to more than 50 planets and find 300 BOTS and parts to rebuild the mother ship in the form of PS5.
Gameplay with many on- and off-screen effects
What stands out most about this game is how they have managed to give DualSense a more than predominant role, as it has different types of haptic sensations.
From undoing a giant zipper, blowing a windmill, breaking glass, crushing porridge or soda cans with a robotic hand, assembling computer parts, soaring with a rocket, and even feeling the sand are just a few of the thousands of things you can feel with the controller.
Another thing that stands out is the detail that has been taken care of with the BOTS that we rescue since 150 are a nice nod to the dozens of franchises that PlayStation has.
As a good platform game has endless corners to find pieces of puzzles, coins, BOTS, and secret places, it is key not to stop looking at all levels in 360 degrees.
The dynamics with the larger enemies are moderately challenging, but that’s because it’s clear that the developers wanted to make this game something for all audiences.
It is important to note that the game, like many PlayStation titles, has a number of accessibility options, such as camera controls, the ability to switch all gyroscopic controls to stick, or the use of visual aids for a wide range of interactions (haptic cues, aiming reticles, etc.).
Visuals from another planet
The graphics of the game are beautiful and the animations perfectly match what we feel with the controls, in fact, it is one of those titles that invites you to play with your family, since more eyes can help you find everything that is hidden. The light, shadow and particle effects are really impressive.
Sounds coming from everywhere
This game is recommended to be played through the TV speakers with a good surround audio system, as the sounds coming from the DualSense are part of the experience, as Astro Bot often tries to break the fourth wall.
Astro Bot is definitely one of the best platform titles of the PS5 and even of this generation, as it takes the experience beyond the screen thanks to the technical marvel of DualSense.