Astro Bot Review: Sony’s Best Game in Years and Possible 2024 GOTY Contender

Astro Bot, initially perceived by many, including us, as a cute game for children, is a masterclass in game design that appeals to the general public, including seasoned gamers. Team Asobi, the development team behind the game, designed it with a clear intent to cater to everyone —from children and newcomers to gaming veterans.

For example, while the adorable characters and accessible mechanics may attract younger players, Astro Bot’s skill-driven nature ensures it holds appeal for even the most experienced players.

In fact, Astro Bot is currently the best-reviewed game of the year on Metacritic, with a 94/100 score from 115 critics if we exclude the rating for Elden Ring’s DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree. Therefore, what makes this game a GOTY contender? The review below will do our best to explain it.

Astro Bot Inherits Its Predecessors’ Best Traits

Astro Bot is technically the fifth entry in the Astro universe. It follows its line of predecessors, including The Playroom (2013), The Playroom VR (2016), Astro Bot Rescue Mission (2018), and Astro’s Playroom (2020). However, Astro Bot marks the first full-fledged, fully-priced game, and it borrows ideas from these previous titles but refines and compiles them into a focused 3D platformer with dozens of main worlds and unlockable planets.

Firstly, what sets Astro Bot apart is its variety of mechanics, with each new level introducing a unique gameplay feature. For example, each level introduces new mechanics, from spring-loaded gloves to time-freezing stopwatches, keeping the gameplay dynamic and unpredictable. There are even references to new mechanics like laser-propelled hover abilities and unique tools such as Kratos’ axe in a God of War-themed world.

The environments also range from spooky ghost castles to neon-lit casino planets. With over 50 planets to explore, the game contains secrets, collectables, and unlockables that make each level feel fresh and rewarding. From Capcom to Konami and Sega, these branded bots delight players by referencing beloved franchises, as it’s a free-for-all level of creativity reminiscent of It Takes Two without any filler content.

Astro Bot’s Plot, Settings and Gameplay Mechanics

In Astro Bot, players embark on a mission to rescue 300 robot friends scattered across six dangerous galaxies after an alien intercepts their spaceship — a PS5-themed vessel. Astro, the protagonist, navigates 50 planets, collecting bots by punching and kicking them into a friendly onboard touchpad before securing them in a safe world. Along the way, Astro also searches for missing parts of the PS5 spaceship, each guarded by a galaxy boss.

Astro’s arsenal is simple, consisting only of a punch, a hover ability, and a chargeable spin move. However, the game excels at finding new ways to use these abilities, such as referencing beloved franchises like God of War and Uncharted by transforming into Kratos or wielding Nathan Drake’s pop gun.

From what we can see, the design philosophy here is about quality over quantity, with every move refined to perfection. This focus on simplicity makes the game easy to pick up but hard to master, especially for completionists who will find plenty of hidden bots and secret passages to discover.

Lastly, the game features a central location/hub world where players can interact with their rescued bots, customise their DualSense controller, and engage in different puzzles. In addition, players can visit the Gacha machine to unlock new in-game items and bots by spending collected coins and taking pictures with their bots and animals they encounter in the Safari Zona. Extra puzzles and mini-games are also throughout the hub for added variety.

Marvelling at Astro Bot’s Visual and Sensory Controls

Another of Astro Bot’s most impressive aspects is its attention to detail, particularly in its physics, visuals, and sound design. From the satisfying sensation of landing on a giant inflatable daisy to the crisp sounds and vibrations delivered through the DualSense controller, Astro Bot excels at providing an immersive experience.

AYO!!! the music or beat on this stage goes HARD!!!! The transition is dope! Like I had to pause the game and let it rock on the surround sound! Music is bananas in this game but this stage is my favorite. That drop is 🔥🔥🔥👍🏾👍🏾 #AstroBotPS5 #AstroBot

Ps nice touch on the TLOU… pic.twitter.com/FwSUPe5Zla

— Kutdown on Gaming not HELLDIVERS2 🇺🇸🇯🇲🏀🎮🗽👟 (@kutdownOngaming) September 7, 2024

The game’s haptic feedback system is especially noteworthy, as every action — from raindrops hitting Astro’s umbrella to skating across icy surfaces — feels incredibly tactile and lifelike. The sound design is equally impressive, with fun, catchy background music and interactive sound effects that change based on Astro’s surroundings. It’s ASMR for platformer fans.

Also Read: The 5 Best Gaming Soundbars in 2024 with Surround Sound

Parting Notes

With everything considered, Astro Bot isn’t a brutally difficult game, but it does present its fair share of challenges, particularly in its later levels. At its core, Astro Bot is about the joy of play. It’s a game that reminds players of the fun and creativity that can define the platforming genre.

While it nods to Sony’s gaming history with its many references to beloved franchises, Astro Bot feels like a fresh experience, constantly introducing new ideas and mechanics to keep players engaged.

For more gaming reviews, guides and news updates, follow our Twitter page for timely updates and more on the latest information from your favourite games and studios.