There are games you admire, and there are games that simply make you smile from start to finish. Astro Bot belongs firmly in the second group. Developed by Team Asobi, the studio behind the free Astro’s Playroom that came with every PS5, it is a full-sized 3D platformer that went on to win Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. After finishing it and chasing most of its secrets, we can confirm the praise is deserved.
The story
The story is simple and silly in the best way. Astro and his crew are flying through space in a mothership shaped like a PS5 when a green alien attacks, scattering the crew across the galaxy and stealing the console’s parts. Your job is to explore different planets, rescue hundreds of lost bots and rebuild your ship.
It is not a deep story, but it does not need to be. It is a perfect excuse for a colourful adventure.
Level design
The levels are where Astro Bot shines. Almost every stage introduces a new idea and then uses it creatively for just long enough before moving on. One level gives you a sponge that soaks up water and makes you huge. Another gives you a dog-shaped jetpack. Some levels shrink you down, others slow down time, and a few play with gravity.
Because the ideas change so often, the game never feels repetitive. You are always wondering what surprise is waiting in the next world.
The DualSense magic
Astro Bot is the best showcase for the PS5 DualSense controller. The haptic feedback lets you feel the difference between walking on sand, metal, glass or ice. Rain taps lightly in your hands. Adaptive triggers resist when you pull certain tools. Some abilities use the motion sensors or the touch pad.
It sounds like a gimmick, but it adds a surprising amount of personality. Playing Astro Bot with a third-party controller would lose a lot of its charm.
A celebration of PlayStation
Many of the bots you rescue are dressed as famous characters from PlayStation history. Fans will recognise heroes from classic and modern games, and some special levels are built around famous franchises. You do not need to know these references to enjoy the game, but long-time PlayStation fans will have a huge grin on their faces.
Collectibles and hub
The crash site acts as your hub, and it slowly fills up with the bots you rescue. They interact with each other and with the environment, which makes collecting them feel rewarding. There are also puzzle pieces that unlock new features and a gacha-style machine that gives cosmetic prizes using coins found in levels. There are no real-money purchases.
Difficulty
Astro Bot is generally friendly. Checkpoints are generous and most levels are easy to finish. Optional challenge levels are much harder and test your platforming skills. This makes it a great game for families, younger players and anyone who wants a relaxing experience, while still offering something for experienced players.
Length and value
The main adventure takes most players around 12 to 15 hours, with more time needed to find every bot and secret. Every level is polished and packed with detail, so it never feels padded. We think it is easily worth full price, but it is also worth watching for PlayStation Store sales.
Weaknesses
Our complaints are small. Some boss fights follow similar patterns, and players who want a tough challenge will only find it in the optional levels. It is also only available on PS5, so players on other platforms will miss out.
Tips
- Use the DualSense controller for the full experience
- Explore every corner; many bots hide behind breakable walls
- Revisit levels with new abilities from the hub
- Try the challenge levels after finishing the main story
Who is it for?
Astro Bot is for everyone with a PS5. It is ideal for families playing together, platformer fans and anyone who wants a happy, stress-free game.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play Astro’s Playroom first? No, but it is free on PS5 and a nice warm-up.
Is Astro Bot suitable for kids? Yes. It is colourful, non-violent in tone and easy to control.
Is there multiplayer? No. It is a single-player game.
Our favourite moments
Without spoiling too much, a few levels stood out. One stage turns time itself into a toy, letting you speed up and slow down the world to solve platforming puzzles. Another has you growing and shrinking to explore different layers of the same area. There is also a stage built entirely around a bouncing, squeaky surface that feels incredible through the controller’s haptics.
The special levels inspired by PlayStation franchises are another highlight. They recreate the mood and mechanics of those games in miniature, and each one feels like a small tribute made by people who clearly love these series. Even if you do not recognise every reference, the variety they add is wonderful.
Playing with kids
Astro Bot is one of the best games to play with children in the room, even though it is single-player. The bright colours, cute bots and funny animations keep younger viewers entertained, and kids can take turns on easier levels while adults handle the trickier sections. Because there is no blood, no harsh language and no online interactions, parents can relax while their children play.
Is it worth buying a PS5 for?
This is a common question. On its own, Astro Bot is not long enough to justify buying a console. However, combined with the PS5’s other exclusive games and its free Astro’s Playroom, it is one of the strongest reasons to choose PlayStation over other platforms, especially for families.
Accessibility
Astro Bot includes helpful options such as adjustable vibration strength and clear visual cues. Because most levels avoid punishing difficulty, players of different ages and skill levels can enjoy it comfortably, and long play sessions remain relaxing rather than tiring.
Verdict
Astro Bot is a masterclass in creative level design and controller feedback. It is joyful, beautifully made and full of love for gaming history. If you own a PS5, this is one of the first games you should buy.
