Step aside, Sackboy. Astro has officially won me over in his latest 3D platforming adventure. Playing this game makes me feel like a kid again, rediscovering the magic of gaming.
There’s something special about revisiting the pure joy of classic platformers, and Astro Bot (2024) for the PlayStation 5 is a perfect example. In a time when many games are bogged down by heavy narratives or ultra-realistic graphics, Astro Bot reminds us of the simple magic that gaming can offer. Developed by Team Asobi, this title is more than just a fun platformer—it’s a nostalgic love letter to PlayStation fans and a potential new mascot for the brand. Let’s take a deep dive into why Astro has stolen my heart and rekindled my love for gaming.
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To be fair, I never liked Astro. When he first popped up in The Playroom on the PlayStation 4, he was this adorable little robot, but the features of The Playroom were quickly overshadowed by some of the strangest content I’d ever seen on the platform. He became associated with that odd side of gaming, and in my mind, lost his charm. I missed Sackboy.
I’ve always been team Sackboy. The Little Big Planet series was an absolute treasure, combining creativity, platforming, and even a dash of programming logic. Sackboy was the perfect mascot—cheeky, charming, and part of a franchise that had real depth. But after spending some serious time with Astro Bot on the PlayStation 5—launched just this year (2024)—I’m willing to let go of Sackboy’s crown and it on to Astro.
Astro Bot’s Revival
Astro Bot, released in September 2024, was developed by Team Asobi. Team Asobi is led by Nicolas Doucet, who serves as the creative director and studio head. Before founding Team Asobi, Doucet worked at London Studio, where he contributed to titles like EyeToy and The Getaway. His background is heavily rooted in developing games that integrate hardware innovations with gameplay, which is evident in Team Asobi’s focus on utilizing PlayStation’s cutting-edge technology, such as the DualSense controller and PlayStation VR. His leadership has helped establish Team Asobi as a studio known for crafting joyful, tech-driven platformers… that just might explain why Astro Bot just seems like a perfect fit for the PlayStation 5.
The game might have flown under the radar for some, overshadowed by blockbuster releases like Spider-Man 2 and Starfield, but for me, it’s one of the most delightful games of the year. The way it taps into the best parts of platform gaming, and combines them with modern tech and charming nostalgia, is nothing short of magical.
Gameplay: A Love Letter to Classic Platformers
The plot is straightforward: Astro embarks on a mission to rescue his scattered crew across six vibrant galaxies. While the narrative isn’t groundbreaking, its simplicity works in its favor. It’s all about fun, exploration, and discovery as you jump between lush forests, mysterious volcanoes, and quirky landscapes.
The gameplay took me back to the golden days of Mario 64. Every level in Astro Bot feels like a masterclass in platforming design, with puzzles and challenges that are both nostalgic and innovative. The DualSense controller’s haptic and adaptive triggers are perfectly integrated, making every jump and action feel tangible without ever becoming gimmicky.
The motion controls, touchpad features, and even microphone use (like blowing to solve puzzles) are all subtly woven into the gameplay. Instead of feeling forced, these elements enhance the experience and bring a level of immersion that I haven’t felt since the early days of 3D platformers.
Collectibles and PlayStation Nostalgia
What made me fall in love with Astro Bot even more was the treasure trove of PlayStation nostalgia. You can spend in-game coins on the Gacha Machine to unlock artifacts from PlayStation history. From Metal Gear Solid to God of War and beyond, there are collectibles and character bots that reference nearly every iconic PlayStation franchise.
These references aren’t just fan service—they’re woven into the game with so much love and care that it’s impossible not to smile as you discover them.
Astro: The Mascot We Deserve
Playing Astro Bot made me feel like a kid again. It reminded me why I fell in love with gaming in the first place—the pure joy, the sense of discovery, the charm that’s been missing in so many modern titles. Instead of focusing on ultra-realistic graphics or heavy, emotionally charged narratives, Astro Bot gives us what we truly need: fun.
If you have a PlayStation 5, this is the game that you absolutely need to play. It’s an adventure that’ll make you smile, help you unwind, and make you feel like a kid again. Sorry, Sackboy, but Astro is the new king. You’ve earned the title, Astro—you’re the mascot PlayStation needs.
Editor’s note: We received a promotional copy of Astro Bot for the PlayStation 5.