Hardcore PlayStation fans will likely be both pleasantly surprised and disappointed to uncover what characters are included and how much love their franchises receive in Astro Bot. After rescuing Bot crewmembers, half of whom resemble beloved characters from PlayStation games, they return to the game’s hub world, and as more are uncovered, it grows into a playground for the rescued to occupy. As the player progresses, they’ll unlock new pathways and cosmetics not just for Astro but for the PS-themed Bots.
Astro Bot hides over 300 secret bots, including 195 cameo bots from other games spanning PlayStation’s long history. What’s amazing is despite how wide-reaching the references are in Astro Bot, this isn’t just a celebration of PlayStation’s first-party stuff but so much of what’s defined gaming for decades. Monster Hunter, Space Channel 5, Wipeout, Legend of Dragoon, Tony Hawk, the list goes on and on.
My wife and I enjoyed It Takes Two but some of the one off I was glad to get rid of. My kid on the other hand hated how you kept learning new stuff only for it to be dropped and never return again, just like this review, and I was getting this for them for their birthday. I just watched the ACG review on YT and this game looks phenomenal, lots of things that remind me of the Mario games and lets be honest, there is not a better platformer out there to take notes from. Also the advantages or lets say unique features this game has over the Mario series are way better graphics and for Playstation gamers all the Bots that remind you of well known games. The game on ps5 i’ve been waiting for since i got one basically… The switch has remained my most played platform after all these years because of the lack of games like this, for me the essense of gaming…
While I’d never say any of its main worlds ever approach being truly “difficult” in the pursuit of that 100% completion goal, some enemies or obstacles did take a few tries. Thankfully, checkpoints are often generously and frequently located, meaning you’re only ever moments away from the spot of your previous demise. This proverb rings loud and true for Team ASOBI as they are flung into AAA spotlight. The PlayStation first party studio got its start in 2013 with The Playroom, an augmented reality tech demo coinciding with the release of the PS4. goal 123 was comprised of a collection of mini games intended to demonstrate the PlayStation camera and DualShock 4. Although at the time, the bot we would one day be gushing over, looked slightly different.
Marketing And Release
Every action I performed with the little robot was not only incredibly satisfying but also addictive—almost like a drug. At this point, I should also mention the amazing capabilities of the DualSense controller. When our robot walks on a metal surface, we can feel it through the controller. When we launch our little ‘spaceship,’ we experience resistance on the triggers.
If you give Kratos Bot a friendly punch at your Crash Site, he’ll use his axe to freeze you into an ice cube. Well, to unlock the “Thaw, God of Thunder!” trophy in Astro Bot, you need to trick Kratos Bot into freezing Thor Bot instead. Trophy in Astro Bot in the Slo-Mo Casino world of Serpent Starway. Look for the four golden slot machines by the third checkpoint in Slo-Mo Casino (right after you enter the casino doors).
There are even whole extra levels to find within levels, with warp points hidden like buried treasure that jet you off to new locations in the “Lost Galaxy”. I’m a big fan of this Russian doll structure and the way it introduces new lands. It ensures a constant supply of surprises throughout Astro Bot’s roughly nine-hour duration.
Gyro can be disabled as an accessibility feature if players prefer. Matthew Adler has written for IGN since 2019 covering all things gaming, tech, tabletop games, and more. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch. If you’re looking for even more savings this season, check out the entire PlayStation’s 2025 Black Friday sale for deals on games, consoles, and more. To unlock the levels in “Lost Galaxy” you must find the 10 Secret Level Exits (‘Lost Galaxies’) in the other Nebulas.
Nostagia Is A Double-edged Sword In Astro Bot
Not only that, the game also has unique gimmicks in each level, which make them fresh and interesting to play. Team Asobi further drills down on the toy-like charm of gaming by fully committing to the DualSense’s unique features. I feel pronounced haptic feedback when I hop into a stormy level and feel each raindrop in my palms. When I turn into a metal ball to stop a ceiling from crushing me, I can feel the resistance of the adaptive triggers pushing back on me. I even use the microphone to blow into a giant horn, a kind of delightful gameplay interaction that even Nintendo has moved away from in recent years.
More Gaming Reviews
Most of the Astro Bot cameo characters are pretty easy to identify, but there are a few VIP Bots who are obscure and thus can be difficult to place. For more PS5 game deals, check out the list of PlayStation console exclusives that are still up for grabs for major discounts this holiday. Unfortunately, the future is a bit uncertain for Astro Bot, as Team Asobi hasn’t revealed what’s next after this DLC pack. Considering the popularity of the game, it’s easy to assume more DLC is on the way, though as of now, nothing is official. What fans do know is that Sony has been thrilled with Astro Bot’s reception and performance. In fact, Sony announced more games like Astro Bot are being planned, expanding its family-friendly offerings.