Astro Bot (2024) is a platform video game developed by Team Asobi and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 5. Serving as the sequel to Astro's Playroom (2020), it marks Team Asobi's first independent project following its separation from Japan Studio. Released in celebration of PlayStation's 30th anniversary, the game achieved widespread critical acclaim and sold 1.5 million copies by November 2024. At the Game Awards 2024, it garnered multiple accolades, including the prestigious Game of the Year award.
Gameplay
Astro Bot is a 3D platformer that puts players in control of the titular character, Astro, a small and agile robot. Utilizing the DualSense controller, players guide Astro through various levels filled with challenges and secrets. Astro retains his signature moves from previous entries, including jumping, hovering, punching, and performing a spin attack. The swimming mechanic from Astro Bot Rescue Mission makes a return, after being notably absent in Astro's Playroom.
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Levels
Astro Bot features 90 levels spread across six galaxies, each containing 60 planets. Levels are categorized into three difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The main story levels, referred to as "playful stages," are designed for Easy and Normal difficulties, while the optional "complex stages" focus on Hard difficulty. Each level displays a difficulty indicator before entry. Additional playful and complex stages are planned as free post-launch downloadable content by the end of 2024.
Players navigate galaxies and levels using the "Dual Speeder," a spaceship shaped like a DualSense controller. The ship is controlled by squeezing analog triggers and tilting the DualSense, with free movement available on the level selection screen.
Like Astro Bot Rescue Mission, levels include Bots to rescue—ranging from seven in platforming stages to one or two in boss fights and challenges. A total of 315 Bots are available for collection, including 301 at launch, 10 from the Stellar Speedway DLC, and 4 from Astro's Playroom. Additionally, "V.I.P. Bots"—unique collectibles inspired by PlayStation characters—can also be rescued, with 150 available initially and more arriving in future DLC. Bots can be viewed and interacted with in a central hub world.
Some levels pay homage to iconic PlayStation franchises, with five stages based on Ape Escape (PlayStation), God of War (PlayStation 2), Uncharted (PlayStation 3), LocoRoco (PlayStation Portable), and Horizon (PlayStation 4). These levels feature abilities inspired by the franchise heroes, such as Spike’s Monkey Net and Kratos’ Leviathan Axe.
Collectibles and Rewards
Coins scattered throughout planets allow players to purchase costumes, Dual Speeder skins, and items for V.I.P. Bots through a gacha machine. These items reference iconic PlayStation artifacts, triggering unique animations when gifted. Coins can also be used to buy a bluebird helper that aids in finding missed Bots or puzzle pieces after the first level attempt.
Abilities and Boss Battles
Astro gains 15 new abilities, enhancing traversal and combat. Examples include:
- Barkster the Bulldog Booster: Grants an air-dash for traversing gaps and attacking enemies.
- Twin-Frog Gloves: Enables long-range punches and swinging on certain surfaces.
- Handy-D: A climbing companion that allows Astro to swing and ground-slam.
Boss battles at the end of each galaxy integrate these abilities, offering unique challenges.
Accessibility
The game features robust accessibility settings, including single-stick control, PlayStation Access controller support, and options to disable gyro controls, haptics, and adaptive triggers.
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Here's a rewritten and streamlined version of the "V.I.P. Bots" section:
V.I.P. Bots
Astro Bot features numerous V.I.P. Bots that reference iconic characters from PlayStation's history. Notable examples include Atreus and Kratos (God of War), Kulche (LocoRoco), Spike (Ape Escape), Aloy (Horizon), and Nathan Drake (Uncharted). Nicolas Doucet, Team Asobi’s creative director, highlighted the significance of these references as a “generational bridge,” allowing parents familiar with these characters to share their history with their children.
Building on the cameos from Astro's Playroom, Team Asobi expanded the number of V.I.P. Bots significantly in Astro Bot. The challenge lay in balancing humor—such as the amusing reactions Bots display when punched—with respect for the legacy of these beloved characters. PlayStation Studios like Santa Monica Studio and Naughty Dog praised the playful yet reverent representation of their characters.
The team also navigated the potential risk of overshadowing Astro himself. Initially considering a sequel without PlayStation references, Team Asobi ultimately embraced them, recognizing fans' appreciation for the nostalgic cameos in Astro's Playroom.
The Bots’ designs retain the charm of the originals while incorporating distinct Bot elements, such as replacing human hair with vinyl and using LED-lit eyes. Characters heavily reliant on specific facial features were adapted with full-head masks.
A total of 173 V.I.P. Bots are featured in the game, including characters from Sony franchises like Ratchet (Ratchet & Clank) and Sackboy (LittleBigPlanet), alongside third-party icons with significant PlayStation histories.
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