Astro, that tiny robot, saw the light of day again due to the release of the new PlayStation 5 console. For everyone who meets him for the first time, it should be said that he was created as a character by the studio Asobi TEAM (a division of the well-known Japan Studio composed of an experienced team of talented professionals).
Believe it or not, this is the third Astro game! He first appeared on the PlayStation 4 as the mascot for The Playroom (a demonstration of the PlayStation camera and DualShock 4). The sequel was promoted by PlayStation VR. Miraculously, he won the hearts of the players, and at the same time, the critics loved him. In order to have a recognizable mascot on the next gen console, Sony ordered the creation of a new adventure.
Honestly, when I was given the task of doing the description, I didn't expect anything big, but then a miracle happened. Turning it on, I realized that in nature it is an extremely beautiful and cute platformer. It delighted me so much that I didn't get up from the chair until I practically crossed it in one breath! Yes, he is so funny!
Astro's Playroom is actually a tribute of sorts to Sony's 25th anniversary experience - it's possible to run into a bunch of links to games that marked the PlayStation era. Every game (released from 1995 to 2020) that you recognize brings a smile to your face.
With 16 levels divided into four thematic units, it contains battles against bosses, and fun mini-games are included in which the goal is to achieve the best time compared to friends and the rest of the world!
Crash Bandicoot and Knack fans will be in for a treat. Colorful worlds are just waiting to be explored. Run, jump, destroy enemies, collect coins, explore, discover a secret are well-known gameplay elements to fans of simple colorful platform games - no additional getting used to is needed during gameplay.
Performance is fluid – 60 frames per second in 4K resolution. Unlike "big games", performance drops and bugs are non-existent. It would be a shame not to play and try the demonstration of various tactile effects, trigger resistance of the so-called triggers and sound from the controller that fits perfectly into the whole story.
Everything is connected in one quality whole. While Astro runs through the digital void, his every step on various materials feels specific and precise, supported by the sound from the controller, it gives really stunning effects, which you could not experience until now on PlayStation consoles. Gliding on an icy surface has never been more real, you can really feel the wind blowing, and the raindrops evoke an autumn day.
The shortest description would be Super Mario Odyssey in miniature! The relative brevity of the adventure (3-5 hours) is actually not a complaint. Everything is well arranged. Fortunately, the levels are not uniformly designed according to the same pattern, nor are they just about running around and fighting enemies. Something is constantly changing, new things are slowly being introduced. There is no idling or boring when shifting. For those inexperienced players, it is good that the number of lives is not limited, and the checkpoints are well distributed.
Owners of previous PlayStation consoles will be delighted by the collectibles section. In the manner you have to collect them all, it makes you beat the game 100%. We will not reveal what exactly it is about, it would not be fair to spoil the experience of happiness for PlayStation 5 console owners.
As the end approaches, so does the tension. We are thinking about what new things the game can bring us, and there is a fear that the focus is not being diluted. Fortunately, the fear was unwarranted. Trust me, the final parts are not disappointing.
The last fight is very well done, who would have thought that going back in time would be emotional. I admit, I shed a few tears of joy while playing. I just couldn't stand it when I saw something on the TV screen that awakened deeply suppressed memories from the long past.
When all the impressions settle and sum everything up, Astro's Playroom is one of those rare games designed for all ages! Of course, there are people who are not interested in such games, but at least give it a chance, if it doesn't work for the playable character itself, try the elements of the new generation that the PlayStation 5 offers in the form of the DualSense controller.
After all, that's the goal of the game itself. To introduce us to endless possibilities, where technology and art come together in a cute little bot, Astro Bot. I can only tell you that it would be a shame not to play it and try what next year's upcoming games bring us in terms of DualSense implementation.
All in all, a very fun platformer, which proud owners of the PlayStation 5 console and those who are about to become one should definitely play!
Review originally written in December 2020.
