One ofAstro Bot’s greatest strengths is its high level of variety. WhileAstro’s platforming mechanicsstay largely the same throughout the game, a new power-up is introduced every few levels or so, significantly impacting gameplay. These power-ups range from rocket backpacks that are used frequently during the game’s 10-20 hour runtime, to a shrinking power-up that’s used for just one level.
All that’s to say thatAstro Botis home to some truly innovative, genuinely fun gameplay mechanics. ButAstro Bot’s best feature isn’t just one unique mechanic, it’s the game’s PlayStation franchise-inspired levels, which feel like the culmination of the game’s strongest aspects all rolled into one.
Astro Bot’s Best Levels Still Have So Much Potential
Astro Bot’s PlayStation Levels Were The Pinnacle of Fan-Service
At the end of each ofAstro Bot’s five galaxies, players are presented with a boss fight with some kind of animal-themed automaton. Defeating each of these bosses will reward the player with a newly rescued Bot, all of which have been pulled from a PlayStation first-party franchise. Once rescued, these PlayStation Bots unlock the final stage in each galaxy, each of which is themed around the franchise the Bot comes from.
Once in the level, players gain a unique mechanic that directly references the respective PlayStation franchise, and they use that to traverse a world that’s entirely themed around the IP. For instance, in the ‘Bot of War’Astro Botlevel, players get to wield Kratos’ Leviathan Axe and use it to carve their way through enemy robots, exploring environments themed aroundGod of War Ragnarok’s Nine Realms and rescuing Bots that look like Thor, Thrud, and otherGod of WarNorse Saga characters.
What elevates these PlayStation levels beyond being just a neat bit of fan-service are the extra touches in their presentation. Along with the stage’s world looking like the franchise it’s referencing, enemy visual designs are also slightly altered to look the part, such as in theUncharted-themed level where enemies are adorned with pirate bandannas. These levels also play a remixed version of the franchise’s theme, mixing the upbeat, joyful tones ofAstro Bot’s soundtrackwith iconic PlayStation scores.
Astro Bot’s PlayStation Levels Should Only Be The Tip of The Iceberg
By the time players roll credits onAstro Bot, they’ll have experienced a total of five levels based on different PlayStation franchises, each one offering a distinct, incredibly memorable experience filled with well-earned fan-service. But that should just be the start. There are countless PlayStation franchises that deserve a stage of their own inAstro Bot, many of which have gameplay mechanics perfectly suited toAstro Bot’s power-upsystem.
AGhost of Tsushima-inspired level inAstro Bot, for instance, could let players swing a sword as Jin Sakai. ADeath Strandinglevel could task players with creating makeshift platforms and bridges to deliver a package to the end of the stage. ABloodbornelevel could let the player parry oncoming attacks. ALast of Uslevel could have the player sneaking past Clickers and throwing bricks as a distraction. AShadow of the Colossusstage could see players climbing a titular creature. AnInfamouslevel could give the player temporary superpowers. There’s no shortage of great ideas just waiting in the wings for the nextAstro Botgame.
JOIN ASTRO IN A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSIZED SPACE ADVENTURE
The PS5® mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the bot crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO’s new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe!
Blast off on a supersized adventure
From sandy beaches to lush jungles and piping-hot volcanoes, explore a myriad of memorable planets in search of Astro’s lost crew!
Power up your platforming
With your new powers, battle out a whole new roster of quirky baddies and huge bosses. Feel every hop, punch and crack through your DualSense wireless controller.
Join the PlayStation celebration
Reunite with over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes and celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history!
