And it’s the same in terms of level design as well, just a huge level of variety that means certain motifs and mechanics are explored only once or twice. In my opinion, the variety and constant new ideas is a big part of what makes this game great, but it sounds as though that might not align with your taste. If you liked Playroom overall, though, you’ll definitely like this. I read the review, not worried about spoilers in a platformer, and I’m wondering how many of the different one off play mechanics felt gimmicky? I really like platforming but going back to Playroom I really hate that climbing gyro mechanic, doesn’t feel fluid or natural at all.

What Are All Special Bots In Astro Bot? Ferox – Defender Ship

What makes Astro Bot such a genuine treat to play, however, is the fact that you never know what to expect from any given level. Some are on the linear side, testing your platforming skills, but others are more open, giving you some freedom as to how to achieve your goal. https://g28.autos/ might find yourself equipped with gloves that allow you to pummel enemies at range, for example, or a bulldog strapped to your back with which you can charge into heavy items and send them flying. One graphics mode only, at a super crisp resolution and unwavering 60fps.

Here are the games released during 2025 that have won major industry awards or received nominations for those awards. We’ll update our awards tracker whenever new awards and nominations are announced. Outside of bosses and minibosses, there initially doesn’t appear to be a great range in enemy types. Sure, some are coated in different colours of paint or dressed to fit in with their surroundings, but they are all vanquished via the same few fundamental jump and hit combos. Later on, though, the design book opens up and introduces some of my favourite foes. These include an anthropomorphic playing card that flings a hand of clubs and spades your way, which you can then jump on to make your way towards the enemy to deal a killing blow of your own.

While enemies and themes could have used more variety, Astro Bot is a sure-fire Game of the Year contender and poised to be one of PlayStation 5’s signature titles that’s well deserving of said namesake. For what it is, though, Astro Bot is incredible, and that is worth celebrating here and now. I just can’t help walking away from the experience with a bittersweet taste in my mouth and a hope that someday soon, we don’t have to look to gaming’s past for the best bits of it all. Furthermore, Rise of the Ronin was also mentioned, as a few more recent games, along with Croc and Worms for two classics. Beyond that, eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot a few possibilities in the game’s credits. The likes of Ubisoft were thanked as credits rolled, notably for their inclusion of Assassin’s Creed, Beyond Good & Evil, along with Rayman.

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I saved a hidden bot after spotting a group of enemies off to the side, suspiciously gathered around a defenseless monkey. What could have been a 30-second moment turned into a 20-minute one as I gleefully interacted with every detail I could, just as a kid might. Astro Bot is back in action later this month with five new challenge levels. How a baby robot went from tech demo to iconic Sony mascot–and put its studio on the map in the process. On the cute side of things, Astro reacts to his environments with endearing animations like shivering in the cold, quivering in fear and tapping his tiny metal feet in excitement, and his bot friends are similarly expressive. When Astro boops his head on an impassable ceiling, he makes the sweetest little flinching motion.

Many platformers have done a lot over the years in abilities/level design/marketing not reaching people, more dialogue/combat/other crap & level design/movesets taking a hit. @Bluetrain7 Nearly every level has at least one Bot to rescue, including the challenge levels and secret levels. In order to get the Platinum, you need to rescue every Bot and get every Puzzle Piece. @rjejr I personally wouldn’t describe any of it as gimmicky; if I could compare it to anything, think of Super Mario Galaxy. Mario gets various power-ups throughout the game and often they only feature a couple of times — it’s like that.

All Astro Bot Cameos (full Vip Bot List)

In Ghost House, VR Bots appear as residents of a large house which is haunted by Bot ghosts. In Mini Bots, VR Bots appear in the display room and one is used in the Grabber as the crane. In Robots Rescue, playing as Astro Bot, who makes his debut in this game, 20 VR Bots appear as his missing comrades that must be found. In Toy Wars, a general appears in the opening cutscene, alongside VR Bots that work in the background. It looks absolutely stunning and perfect for a family-friendly platformer. The whole aesthetic and atmosphere of the game are enhanced by its distinct and recognizable designs.

It’s not intentional, but just days after Sony humiliated itself with the closure of Concord, along comes a PlayStation 5 exclusive dedicated to celebrating the 30 year history of PlayStation. Not only that but it’s a single-player action game with no microtransactions or season passes, or any of the other increasingly invasive hallmarks of modern console gaming. Astro Bot is filled to the brim with Easter Eggs, but there are also some secrets to find and special unlockables to earn for finding bots and puzzle pieces.