Finding each of these characters is a constant highlight of Astro Bot. Some are placed right in front of you, but most require the aforementioned curiosity to pull you off the beaten path in search of the game’s bountiful secrets. One of the best mechanics–which I very much hope becomes standard in the genre moving forward–is a robot bird companion who can join you in any level you decide to replay.

In one, you hit switches that change the level between night and day, changing the entire layout at the same time. In another, you shrink into a tiny mouse, seeing things from a whole new perspective and opening up wild new solutions to puzzles. Past that, another level has you growing flowers to make your way up an ascending staircase of giant pots. There are musicals to play through, obstacle courses, giant robots to resurrect, and more. I could go on and on about every unique level, but the wonder of Astro Bot lies in discovery itself.

Astro Bot is a showcase for the DualSense’s bells and whistles unlike anything since, well… Triggers tighten in your fingers and rumbles are sent through your thumbs. I found my whole body involuntarily drifting from side to side as I guided Astro’s ship with the motion controls. I’d also recommend turning your controller speaker volume up if, like me, you have it muted by default – you’ll be missing out on some fantastic audio flourishes otherwise. And while there’s nothing to quite rival the GPU earworm of four years ago (despite the best efforts of a giant singing tree), the music is a consistent delight throughout. gg88.com of Team ASOBI discuss what it takes to make a platformer feel good.

Polygon Man – Marketing Mascot (later: Playstation All-stars Battle Royale)

He’s also our go-to guy for Sonic-related matters, much to his delight/chagrin. These are just three examples, but quite literally every level in the game has some kind of unique idea or design. There are some repeats in terms of power-ups that Astro Bot is given, little devices or creatures that give them new moves. Even though these power-ups appear across multiple levels, they’re always used in tandem with that level’s unique design, making them feel fresh. That focus on variety also applies to the game’s visuals and aesthetics, with the game painting a huge swath of memorable locations — from ghoulishly haunted mansions to arid desert settlements and vast space stations. An extra level of difficulty can be found in the semi-hidden trial-like stages found by exploring among the overworld’s stars, though.

However, Christmas NiGHTs into Dreams is still the most special Christmas experience I’ve had with Christmas in games and it was both magical and unique back in 1996 when it released. To find them, you must explore each part of the level and solve all its miniature challenges. Each power-up has its own small challenge, puzzle, or platforming sequence for you to conquer. Most of the stages in Astro Bot are relatively linear, though there are hidden areas and diversions to explore throughout the adventure. But this bonus level has a different structure; it’s much more open, and utilises every power-up rather than leaning into just one or two. Once you’ve rolled credits on Sony’s superb platformer, you’ll unlock a new stage named Winter Wonder, and it’s probably the most feel-good, most Christmassy thing you can play on PS5.

Regular enemies are wearing reindeer antlers, and many animal bots are bobbing along to the music and enjoying the festivities. It’s so cheery and fun, even more so than is typical for Astro Bot, and it’s the perfect Christmas playground to mess around in and absorb its joyful atmosphere. Looking for something festive to play on PS5 to keep the holiday vibes rolling? In our view, there’s nothing better than Astro Bot’s post-game Christmas level. Balan wasn’t great but each suit even for 80 to me went yeah I can sense each has a fair purpose even if not implemented well of the use cases, it still has a use. Like Rayman 3 did with it’s suits which is why I bought Balan, I still got my fun out of it besides how bad it is for sure.

Studio Spotlight – Team Asobi

This is what Shawn Layden called for all those years ago, but he seems to have been ignored. I’ve grown out of platformers as I’ve aged, but this looks to bring me back! I think I’ll actually buy the game now because it seems absolutely wonderful. Instead of leaping to the boss fight, approach the large snowball that’s being nurtured by two penguins — after you defeat all the enemies.

Approach the mechanical frog and blow in your controller’s microphone (or simply mute the mic and the game will do it for you). Shrink down and ride the bubbles up the tree (make sure to rescue the caged bot on the way). The secret exit in Downsize Surprise is close to the end of the level. Progress the level normally until you reach the ladybug trampoline burrowed in the snow. If you jump on it, you’ll notice a rather large seal made out of ice perched on a nearby tower. Ignore this for now and continue a bit further up the path, where you’ll find a charging pig.

All these power-ups combined with the varied level design make for a game that never runs short of ideas, and it’s brilliant. PS5 pack-in Astro’s Playroom was a taster dish, teasing players with a short but sweet experience; Astro Bot, then, is the full three-course meal. Once you’ve beaten all 10 of the Lost Galaxy levels (although it’s currently unclear if you also need to get the 100% completion gold flag on these levels as well), a present will appear in the middle of the nebula. Fly over and activate the present to enter the Final Encore level, which has five bots and two puzzle pieces — just like the rest of the Lost Galaxy levels. [newline]Team Asobi has announced that five new levels are coming to Astro Bot as weekly drops, starting on Feb. 13. (That’s today!) As with previous additions to the Game of the Year winner, the new levels are free to download — and, of course, each comes with a new Special Bot to rescue.

You will encounter your first Rescued Bot on Sky Garden, near the very start of the level. There is one Puzzle Piece that floats in space in the Gorilla Nebula once you’ve beaten all levels through Apes On The Loose. The second puzzle piece can’t be reached until after you break the first blue hourglass, drain it of liquid, and then pop the cork. From that platform, turn left and kill the green blob sitting under the platform. Use it in conjunction with your rocket ability to reach the top of the platform where you fought the slime. Proceed through the level from bot #1, taking the spiral platform, defeating the snake, and continuing your climb.

As the name implies, this is one of the most difficult levels in Astro Bot, so be sure to check out our full walkthrough for tips on how to complete the Great Master Challenge. Armored Hardcore is the last Astro Bot DLC stage in the Vicious Void galaxy and rewards players with an Assassin’s Creed Cameo Bot. The Astro Bot franchise first began back in 2013 with a collection of mini-games known as The Playroom on PlayStation 4. This collection served as a way to showcase the PlayStation Camera and DualShock 4 capabilities.

Speaking of the use of DualSense, the game uses all of the controller’s features to the max. It adds so much to the in-game experience that this game might actually be the perfect demo to showcase what a PS5 and DualSense can do. The use of adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and gyro controls makes the game perfect for the console. Special Bots can be found as you progress through Astro Bot, each one dressed as a character from PlayStation’s long history. There are hundreds of them to collect, appearing in each level of the game.

As I journeyed through Astro Bot’s gorgeous worlds, I was constantly blown away by the clever new hook each level introduced. While a traditional 3D platformer collect-a-thon at its core, Astro Bot is always throwing in a new gimmick to make each level feel fresh and distinct from all the others. Oftentimes, these gimmicks add a new exploration tool, in turn giving the developers the freedom to build levels in completely different ways. The sheer variety Astro Bot delivers is breathtaking, and like I said, there’s not a bad level in the bunch. Ever since it was first formed within Sony’s now-defunct Japan Studio, Team Asobi has put out one high quality game after another.

There are 42 Rescued Bots to collect in Serpent Starway, and you must rescue all of them in order to unlock the Fangs Very Much! This includes all Rescued Bots on secret worlds in Serpent Starway. There are 43 Rescued Bots to collect in Tentacle System, and you must rescue all of them in order to unlock the Tentacular Spectacular trophy. This includes all Rescued Bots on secret worlds in Tentacle System. As we embark on this new year, we are pleased to announce the release of fresh content for Astro Bot, starting today. Some of you might have caught a glimpse of an unreleased level during the PlayStation XP Tournament Final held in London on January 18.