Astro Bot (2024)

AstroBOT 2024, the latest installment from Team Asobi, marks a triumphant return of the beloved robot to PlayStation 5. As the spiritual successor to Astro’s Playroom and Astro Bot Rescue Mission, this game offers a delightful platforming experience that showcases the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 while delivering a rich, engaging, and immersive adventure. Released in September 2024, AstroBOT is quickly gaining traction as one of the best platformers of the year.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about AstroBOT 2024, from its gameplay mechanics and narrative to its use of cutting-edge PS5 technology. Whether you’re a veteran fan of the series or someone looking for a fun new game, AstroBOT is shaping up to be a must-play for platforming enthusiasts.

The Story: A Galactic Adventure

AstroBOT 2024 takes players on an exciting, interstellar journey across more than 50 different planets. When the PlayStation 5 mothership is attacked by Astro’s nemesis, Nebulax, the ship’s components and crew are scattered across the galaxy. It’s up to Astro and his fellow bots to repair the ship, save their crew, and ultimately confront Nebulax for a final showdown.

The game’s narrative combines classic platforming tropes with sci-fi elements, making it accessible for younger players while also providing enough depth for seasoned gamers. The focus is not only on the action-packed space battles but also on the exploration of new worlds filled with creative environments, puzzles, and collectibles​

Wikipedia​

Team ASOBI.

Gameplay: A Platforming Masterpiece

Team Asobi has doubled down on creating a platforming experience that’s both accessible and rewarding. AstroBOT 2024 features intuitive level-based gameplay, where each world presents a new challenge for players to overcome. The levels are packed with secrets, collectible items, and hidden paths, making exploration a key element of the experience.

Astro comes equipped with a range of new abilities, making use of DualSense controller features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to create a tactile experience. For example, the adaptive triggers simulate resistance when Astro interacts with certain objects, adding an immersive layer to the gameplay​

Team ASOBI.

The game caters to players of all skill levels. While the main path is designed to be manageable for all players, there are optional levels that provide a significantly greater challenge. These side quests allow players to fully test their platforming skills, rewarding them with unique in-game items​

Wikipedia.

DualSense Controller Integration: A New Level of Immersion

One of the standout features of AstroBOT 2024 is its seamless integration with the DualSense controller, fully utilizing the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. This is where the game shines, as it pushes the boundaries of immersive gameplay on PlayStation 5. For example, players can feel subtle vibrations as Astro runs across different surfaces, adding a layer of physical feedback that makes each jump and movement feel more impactful​

Wikipedia​

Team ASOBI.

The game also uses the controller’s adaptive triggers in creative ways, such as simulating the pressure required to squeeze an object or creating resistance when pulling a lever. These elements not only enhance gameplay but also make the world feel alive and responsive to the player’s actions. This focus on tactile engagement through the DualSense sets AstroBOT 2024 apart from other platformers on the market.

Visuals and Audio: A Feast for the Senses

AstroBOT 2024 is visually stunning, with each planet boasting its own distinct aesthetic, from lush forests and icy mountains to futuristic cities. The level of detail in the environments, paired with the smooth animations of Astro and the enemies he encounters, highlights the power of the PlayStation 5’s hardware. The game runs seamlessly at 60 frames per second, providing a crisp and fluid gaming experience that is pleasing to both casual and hardcore gamers​

Wikipedia.

In terms of audio, the game also takes full advantage of 3D audio, making it easier for players to detect sounds from specific directions. Whether it’s the soft hum of a spaceship or the approaching footsteps of an enemy, the audio cues enhance the overall immersion of the game​

Team ASOBI.

Special Features: V.I.P. Bots and PlayStation Easter Eggs

A fun addition in AstroBOT 2024 is the inclusion of V.I.P. Bots, where players can unlock and interact with characters inspired by famous PlayStation franchises. These special bots appear throughout the game, offering nostalgic cameos and Easter eggs for fans of titles like Ratchet & Clank, Horizon Zero Dawn, and God of War. These cameos are subtle, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for dedicated PlayStation fans without overshadowing Astro’s own adventure​

Wikipedia.

Community and Replay Value

AstroBOT 2024 is built to engage the gaming community. Players can take part in time trials and global leaderboards, competing against friends and others from around the world. The game also includes a robust photo mode, allowing players to capture and share moments from their journey, fostering community interaction and replayability​

Team ASOBI.

With over 50 planets to explore, each packed with collectibles and hidden surprises, AstroBOT 2024 provides significant replay value. The inclusion of time trials, secret levels, and achievements means that players will find themselves coming back time and time again to improve their scores and complete their collection.