Astro Bot Review

Team Asobi cements itself as an essential PlayStation studio with an imaginative platformer for the ages.
For multiple console life cycles, PlayStation has fostered a brand built on gritty anti-heroes, fantastical worlds at conflict with themselves, and a trope colloquially referred to as "sad dads." I like most of those games and find the praise they receive in many cases to be well-earned, but Astro Bot is a reminder of another side to the PlayStation DNA. Not only does it feel like a revitalization of an important part of the brand, but it also feels like a spotlight shifting to a character who has been lurking in the background, previously unable to see over the hulking Kratos, the war-ready Aloy, or the tortured Joel. Team Asobi's Astro Bot quickly, consistently, and joyously launches its titular hero into the pantheon of all-time greats, both in its first-party family and genre, with a platformer whose incredible ambition is matched by its brilliant execution.
The simply titled Astro Bot is meant to be the cute robot's first significant foray into video games following a 2018 VR exclusive that earned praise but was stuck in its headset-only bubble, and a 2020 pack-in tech demo that hinted at more to come. The beauty of the game, as suggested by its title, is that even players returning for their third Astro adventure will find hours upon hours of new experiences, collectively and magnificently presented as a parade of joyous sights, sounds, and adventures. This is a grand re-opening for Astro Bot, and it surely marks the start of what is destined to be a beloved new series that is shooting for the moon.
If you want to read the review check it out here: www.gamespot.c...

[@Marksman3434]

Crazy how Sony went from having had one of their biggest fails in their history to delivering one of the best games of the year in the same week

[@pruett89]

Yeah I agree, but it’s an amazing analogy for life in general. One failure or one success doesn’t define you and the same group(company) contains many talented creators with different skill sets. So we’re always in for a surprise if the company allows those creators to shine while doing their own creative projects. Also I’ve got no doubt some concord devs will go on to make amazing things even though that game didn’t work.

[@epzo]

xbox has no fails like concordhahahah 😂😂😂😂😂 hahahah 😂😂😂😂 hahahah

[@pruett89]

@@epzo yea they do it’s call the Xbox One…….. they threw away one of the strongest console performances of any generation and cost their position in the market. They have never recovered and are now rumored to be exiting the home console hardware space all together.

[@kT-ci1ke]

@@epzo xbox has no good exclusives tool

[@epzo]

@@kT-ci1ke fh4 fh5 halo infinite starfield ori ori 2 palworld fms hifi rush and i can keep going on. all these games are 10/10

[@claytonrios1]

Platformers deserve more love.

[@connormclernon26]

It’s time to bring back the Mascot Platformer!

[@claytonrios1]

@@connormclernon26 Astro Bot could help with that

[@bilalbeirouti6351]

I wabt more platforms im sick if rainbow games

[@lenarmangum8630]

Yeah so I hope you all support this game, Astro Bot is a polished, creative, fun and imaginative platformer with great production values. I hope you guys actually show up and support the game, it has the critical acclaim, but can Astro Bot get the comical success too to bank it up?

[@claytonrios1]

@@lenarmangum8630 I'm getting it tomorrow in fact. I've been waiting for this one for months!

[@AnimuncuIus]

If you grew up playing games like Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie and so on: this is your homecoming.

[@SovettaParmetta]

Just imagining grown adults playing and getting hyped for this is hilarious

[@13scoops]

​@SovettaParmetta imagining you giggling while imagining grown adults playing Astro Bot is hilarious.

[@RayzaNC]

@@SovettaParmetta Sounds like you're the one who needs to grow up.

[@johns881]

@@SovettaParmetta Why do I feel like your game library is mostly sports games

[@SovettaParmetta]

@@RayzaNC you probably preordered this 😂

[@DaRkLoRd-rc5yu]

Astro bot bringing joy back to gaming

[@connormclernon26]

It’s time to bring back the Mascot Platformer!

[@harshitrakhiani8833]

Already wukong has done it

[@DJ_Shenanigan00]

Plenty of joy over here at xbox 😂

[@lucasabreu223]

Also on the Switch, endless joy, Astro Bot GOTY tho

[@KenjiKussano]

*Back to Playstation (but Sony doesnt care about the classic franchises)

[@lucasvieiradacosta]

The kids had their fun with Wukong, now it's time for the men to play ASTRO GOTY 😎😎😎

[@AnimuncuIus]

Wukong put up a good fight but ultimately lost out to this platformer homecoming.

[@popjibbletz]

Literally copied this comment from the IGN review. Be original

[@lucasvieiradacosta]

@@popjibbletz Memes are supposed to be replicated You're overcomplicating

[@denzelvilliers]

​@@popjibbletzI've been seen that meme for a week now, if IGN did use it in their review, so they also did copy that.

[@oliverwilliam6931]

Not funny

[@Scyon13]

Bro underestimates how good kids are at video games

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

Very true. Like it wasn't that long ago that a kid was the first person in history to finally beat Tetris.

[@TheMadScottishGamer]

My at the time 4 year old managed to beat the whole of Astro playroom and get the platinum, he’s now moved onto hitman 3 and he’s got to level 100 at age 6 😂

[@64jayr]

He’s just terrible at games so assumes no child can do it

[@spacechannelg6843]

like fr kids were way better then me at platformers when i had a discord server. i mean they legit carried me lol

[@Javoxo]

​@@TheMadScottishGamer thats impressive

[@yc_030]

This reminds me of an era where games were designed to be fun instead of draining every last penny from the player

[@56ty_]

You’ve been gaming on pc/ps for far too long

[@hunterwhitley9582]

For real. It's all about getting part of the game with the rest behind pay walls. I love the freshness of Astro Bot and Team Asobi. Plus, they're going to release more levels FOR FREE in the near future and even after that. Now that's bang for your buck and catering to the gamers.

[@js100serch]

This game doesn't need a review, it is a must buy. A review is just a formality.

[@stitchfan08]

We are going to see a lot of 9 scores

[@michaelmyersplays4992]

10s

[@AnimuncuIus]

94 metacritic. This game has absolutely delivered

[@shingai5694]

Game has received multiple perfect scores so far. Easy Allies included.

[@XzMattyxZ]

averaging 94 atm on opencritic which currently tops ff7 pt2 as the best game of the year!

[@lenarmangum8630]

And 10s.

[@michaelp.3485]

THIS should have its own episode in Netflix's Secret Level show, NOT Concord. What an embarrasment.

[@pruett89]

lol haven’t even rough about that. I wonder if they will cut that episode.

[@lenarmangum8630]

Yeah I wonder why Sony signed a deal for a dedicated Concord episode on Secret Level, instead of Astro Bot? This game deserves it waaaay more!

[@JRub]

Secret Level is an Amazon Prime project not Netflix

[@advanced8998]

GameSpot 9's are serious business

[@Chonkybeatz]

Astro bot kart racer needs to be next !!

[@ingram4056]

Depends how they do it

[@YouDontWantItWithMe]

Ok that sounds cool

[@YouDontWantItWithMe]

Make Astro the star and have karts and characters from PlayStation IP's. With series specific abilities and mechanics. And tracks built around different IP's

[@ingram4056]

@@YouDontWantItWithMe would be nice but people would still look at this game as a Mario kart clone so they have to add something else as well.

[@corbingovers7559]

Hehe bloodborne kart lives!

[@lor.d.vinsmoke3584]

I think it's 2024 goty contender, considering just how amazing the free demo was

[@denzelvilliers]

It's the highest rated game on Metacritic this year, so the fight for GOTY it's probably going to be between Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth 😃

[@RayzaNC]

i reckon it will win it, doesn't have much competition seeing as FFVII Rebirth got stale after a while

[@lor.d.vinsmoke3584]

@@denzelvilliers Wukong might be the hardest competition for any game looking to bag the GOTY

[@petebagwell6666]

That wasn't a demo that was a full game, a very small 20 level game

[@petebagwell6666]

​@@lor.d.vinsmoke3584 no wukong released as a buggy mess, it's a great game but it's performance issues ruin its goty contendership

[@FredMorgan-gb5el]

I hate the people saying awww 10 hours that’s so short but it looks so fun and fun is what gaming is about

[@fabio78]

That Platinum should get it to 15 easily. I know I got so much extra mileage from Playroom by completing every challenge and collecting everything.

[@rockowilson2320]

I'm sure it's a lot more than 10 hours for those of us who like to explore every nook and cranny at our own pace.

[@FredMorgan-gb5el]

Yes it certainly should be

[@MrJuanrock89]

I love a game with good pacing that doesn't overstay it's welcome. Too many games these days are bloated with far too much busywork.

[@Howlingburd19]

⁠@@MrJuanrock89totally agree. Kinda random but the best game I can think of with “perfect pacing that doesn’t overstay its welcome” is Portal 2

[@AndreAckermann]

12:05 "magnificantly"?

[@_theduckofdeath_]

I repeatedly that out loud to myself, scrolled down to the comment section, and here it is. 😄

[@gcrackerz]

Got me wondering whether this is in the written review too

[@zoides]

I am not bothered

[@36NONAME503]

More bothered by him plugging Obama giving Obama a medal as if we are all democrats here… gamespot just can’t get out of their own way

[@mecharobots]

Hope this sells well as people say they want sony to mix it up and here we are. Plus this is the 1 of the 2 studios only in japan ( thanks for correction) . Waiting for my copy to come tomorrow 😀

[@RatedShadowXrd]

Polyphony digital exist and their studio is in Japan lol

[@The.Host_XO]

Time to get a 4th fun Platinum to my small Casual Collection.

[@Sophiern]

Can not wait to pick this up along with the controller tommorow 🎉😅

[@Yehya-rc1sm]

12 am tommrow so in a couple of hours

[@happyjam92]

I'd love for playstation to create more colourful games again like this. As much as I love most of the heavy hitter exclusives. It's good just to kick back and have silly fun sometimes.

[@Ice_2192]

I think when he said that some kids might have a hard time getting some of the rewards because it's too hard for them is a good thing. When they get older if they come back to it it sort of a revenge tale.

[@codyfrance2537]

I agree, my NES showed no mercy and I appreciate the sense of accomplishment that provided. If a platformer with infinite lives is too hard, maybe you don't deserve a reward?

[@macjae6241]

Switching between Astro bot and Space Marines 2 brings joy to my heart ❤️

[@franzebert428]

This looks like a new mario odyssey. Sony absolute goated

[@mrheytino]

Astrobot's playroom was great for a demo. This is a must play.

[@kinematics6]

Really simple but addictive, a lot of work went into the making of this game... they nailed it! Definitely a game for everybody.

[@TheBatosai]

The Eastern devs showed the western devs how it's done. What a phenomenal year of games for Sony. XBOX wish they could do this with their scores

[@meswil]

rent free

[@RatedShadowXrd]

Well here’s the thing, Japan (Team Asobi) understand and acknowledge game history and gaming icons

[@TheBatosai]

@@RatedShadowXrd Yes, when we look at Ubisoft, EA and Activision they do not make great games only fodder food. Capcom, FromSoft, Square Enix (FF devs) and Game science, etc. They make games with gameplay and atmosphere at the top of their game design.

[@RatedShadowXrd]

@@TheBatosai don’t forget Nintendo, Polyphony Digital, Bandai Namco, SNK, arc system works

[@TheBatosai]

@@RatedShadowXrd Preach brotha!

[@anasshahid224]

Gane of the year contender! Team Asobi did it! Astro Bot is a masterpiece 👏👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@sdo1840]

Masterpiece! And a new general in the platform type gaming! Mario of course the top dog but Astro Bot is now along side!

[@petebagwell6666]

Mario is not the top dog anymore, mario needs to step it up or get left in the dust

[@Ssjangel3]

​@@petebagwell6666you trippin. Mario Odyssey and Mario Galaxy 2 are easily at the top of 3D platformers. If anything this game looks like it took a ton of inspiration from both of those games I just mentioned.

[@Nova2x3]

@@Ssjangel3but is Astro bot good

[@novemberwhiskey9491]

Agreed​@@Ssjangel3

[@sockperson707]

Give it a 10 you cowards

[@hunterwhitley9582]

He probably gave it a 9 because of the save file issue. But yeah, that can be fixed in the second patch (I have it pre-installed already, and they already had the first one).

[@evanlanger98]

Ending shot of Kazuma Kiryu Bot and the video was edited by Jean-Luc Seipke? Why am I not surprised 😂

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

How are kids going to get better at platformers if they're not challenged? Don't underestimate kids.

[@Oldernator]

Kids are probably better than game journalists anyway .

[@Sir_Robin_of_Camelot]

Yeah I hate that take about everything really. Movies and TV shows did the same thing. Kids used to be challenged. It's good for them.

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

@@Sir_Robin_of_Camelot Exactly. You hurt kids more long term by treating them like they're dumb and fragile. Kids need to challenged as they're educated otherwise they never grow and improve.

[@FredMorgan-gb5el]

I love by just how much detail there is

[@vectoralphaSec]

For those curious, it currently has a 94 on Metacritic with Universal Acclaim based on 112 critic reviews. Yep this game is gold.

[@hunterwhitley9582]

That's even higher than Black Myth Wukong. Impressive (although I'm not that surprised considering how great Playroom was).

[@Mohgenstein]

@@hunterwhitley9582You say this like Wukong has a high score. It has a 81%, there’s dozens of games this year with better acclaim💀💀💀

[@Boss_Fight_Index_muki]

Looks like Super Mario Sunshine Robot Edition

[@Ssjangel3]

More like Galaxy but it's still great

[@56ty_]

@@Ssjangel3 I don’t see the similarities, except for the galaxy map maybe. Gameplay is completely different

[@riftshredder5438]

I'm so happy this tech demo got a full game

[@stever8574]

Now bring me a PSVR2 Astro!

[@36NONAME503]

So true please!!!! I wanna experience it

[@StarLeo_]

This is giving me mad mario odyssey vibes with how the capture abilities give you new abilities for a short amount of time. And thats not a bad comparrison at all! This looks awesome!

[@DogginsFroggins]

Of course the only complaint is the tiny bit of difficulty, the game journalism meme is still alive and strong.

[@paf4402]

Thank you Sony. We have been together for 25 years, you know what to do, keep it up.❤

[@cloudvoid0]

The fact that this is goty material makes me absolutely overjoyed. I really hope the masses decide to dive into this magnificent gem.

[@mrpogi23]

Astro Playroom had my kid play it more than 20 hours because how fun and replayability it is... and that's just a demo. This one is going to be amazing and fun.

[@Coltrain93]

Game is by far the best most enjoyable one of the year to me. My only wish is that you could make astro look like any one of the characters you rescue. Then it would really be the most playstation nostalgia game ever.

[@sbsports225]

The Water level is in my top 3 favorite levels in this game lol (not counting the encore levels which are all fantastic) I think it’s the best version of a water level I’ve played in gaming period

[@trueflamexp7297]

The demo that came with the PS5 got played more than any demo I have ever played. This is a must have.

[@GriffinWiebel]

There should be some kind of reward behind the game's hardest levels, though. If all you get at the end of your 30 second excursion is a thumbs up and an arrow pointing to the next difficult level, what's to keep you wanting to play more?

[@ForzaRoja]

Jist got this after still playing Playroom with my daughter all these years later. Phenomenal sequel!!

[@DrunkDragons18]

Astro Bot and Space Marine 2, like BG3 and Elden Ring is slowly restoring my faith in gaming

[@Icem4n84]

Bought this for the family to enjoy and I love it. I reminds me why I started gaming.

[@ATAndreiThomas]

Astro bot is definitely Sony PlayStation's Mario, that game is going to be massive.

[@pikohemara2743]

Need to bring back the Platformers genre! These wouldn’t take as many years to develop except keeping up with the graphics but would rather more of these games like the good old days of Crash, Spyro, Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank & Sly

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

Flawless Masterpiece

[@wolvesboy87a92]

Astro Bot bringing in the stellar reviews. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

[@Norightnowrong1]

Dude, the young are better than us, rest assured

[@Reddus__Neckus]

It’s a safe bet, for sure. I used to play MegaMan games all the time as a kid, and they’re a lot harder now that I’m a slow adult lol. This game looks like a fun level of challenge across the board.

[@graemeR75]

Can this guy GET ANY MORE EXCITED?

[@needinput9805]

Blazin Reviews did an awesome review of this game with a Dolby Atmos test calling it “Pure Perfection” he also used a Binaural microphone so you can hear the sounds from a home theater and the Dual Sense controller.

[@Kreilo2412]

Can't wait to play this with my son later this year. 😍

[@NolocoLawrence]

Here we go!!!

[@mobius3001]

Seriously started crying when the music started in dude raiding. 😢

[@ethangoesvroom]

This game reminds me of a hat in time and smg. I’m loving it!

[@Mohgenstein]

GOTY

[@ΔημήτρηςΘεμελης-ο8ζ]

I can't wait to play it this weekend

[@jens9698]

10:28 You don't need to dumb the game completely down just so that some kid can collect all characters easily. Children have to be challenged sometimes as well, it's fun to get good. and they can ask their pro gamer dad to help them with the most difficult stages ;)

[@setsunaes]

my little daughter will be playing like nothing those "difficult levels" this dude talks about. don't underestimate kids skills, we keep telling them "you can overcome whatever you fight" and "trust on yourself and nothing can beat you", a difficult level is nothing for a young kid skills

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

12:05 Magnifi-cantly 😹

[@neonnoir741]

concord: happens sony: releases Mario 3d clone sony fan snitches: this is actually the most original game ever released

[@TanvirAhmed-bz2ox]

Which game is orginal? My guy why are u so salty we get it u don’t have a ps5

[@sullythegamer479]

Giving this game a 9 is insane. It deserved a 10 if we keeping real!

[@AronStark]

No way

[@The_Wailing_Doom]

My body is ready!!! I have been wanting a way to reward the developers for their awesome work with Astro's Playroom and this is it!!

[@matthewgregory2106]

Taken a leaf outta Nintendos book.the first astro tech demo was a masterpiece

[@Tee_youyou]

“Magnifi-kintly”

[@AllenJohn]

Has Sony found its "Mario“?

[@GFANATIC98]

My first impression was “wow, I’m having fun.” Modern gaming has become so grey and hyper realistic. It’s all starting to blend together. I don’t care about cinematic experience. They’re called GAMES! Make it fun let me interact with the world. Most of these modern games I find myself putting the controller down for a long cutscene. Not once so far have I put the controller down playing Astro Bot.

[@GameTesterBootCamp]

Sony FINALLY has it's 100% home grown brand mascot. Took them long enough, but it was worth the wait.

[@jonylee1419]

Please support this game!!!

[@teza1383]

Sony doesn’t stay down for long do they? From Concord to Astro Bot in like a week😮😂

[@elite4916]

This game is for sure a 10/10 love this game great game Sony

[@superokapi5950]

Sackbot for another generation.

[@bey9124]

YES.

[@superflyt5638]

This game is just what 2024 needed. So happy we got this

[@michaeldahan2977]

This game looks 10 not 9!

[@SessleIsosceles]

Get güd isnt a valid complaint gamespot, the day challenge ij games goes away is the day full spectrum flavoured gaming dies

[@speedofheat]

Magnifi-kent indeed.

[@370gtalej5]

Can’t wait to get this game for my nephew. I introduced him to Astro ‘s Playroom last December. I’m not gonna lie, we’re both bored of it, and when I saw this announced I’m excited to play this game with him! He’s only 4, but he’s pretty good at the game. I showed him the first trailer and he was so hyped!

[@KingaMoor]

I knew before finishing the video that Astro Bot's verdict would be 9/10. And I'll say that it's rightfully deserved. Great review. # Astro Bot Review - GameSpot

[@AkmalGameAtion]

Review sounded like a 10

[@theramenspot]

looks fantastic, cant wait!

[@calvinmatthews1527]

One of the saving graces this month.

[@dudedudemandude]

Bro said magnifikantly

[@qualitypass658]

As a Super Mario fan. This is waaaaaay better.

[@Duke_valentine]

Only concern is the longevity for a £60 game. The closest I can compare this to, Ratchet, had a great New Game+ to at least offer some replay value. If renting still existed, this would be the perfect weekend game.

[@petebagwell6666]

They will add alot of dlc im assuming

[@hunterwhitley9582]

They're going to continuously support the game by dishing out free DLC in updates, including new levels. The head of Team Asobi said so in an interview. The first round will supposedly come out shortly after release.

[@johnshepard8556]

Welcome to the familly of playstation greats astro bot

[@RunThemDawgz]

"ultra hard" is wild. I couldn't imagine anyone complaining about Astro bot being too difficult 😂😂

[@jaybee4288]

I was going to buy astrobot after a little while on sale but I’m going to buy it this weekend 🎶I am Astrobot~!🎶

[@cohen8817]

ITS A 9

[@Mathieuacc]

Where is Gamespot review for Concord? 🙄

[@epzo]

shouldve been a 7

[@epzo]

@@Mathieuacc😂😂😂😂😂😂 that games a flop

[@cohen8817]

@@epzo you have NOT played it bro

[@_CrimsonBlade]

Should be a 6

[@Itsyesfahad]

The one and the only first reason ever to get a PS5!

[@obi-wan-shinobi1967]

This game is such a joy to play. So much fun and goofy platforming. Sony did good

[@levioyster9291]

this looks like a must buy

[@scoty_does]

Anyone else just seeing Mario 64 here? Coins, stars and even Luigi's castle!

[@seanjoseph91]

MagnifiCKANTly

[@Fighterfan69]

This looks so good. We need more platformers like this. Brings back the joy I had playing Super Mario Galaxy 1/2. I think it's on par with those. Sackboy adventures is great and all but I didn't like the fact that you had to play with more than 2 players to unlock everything. A must buy for sure even though I have yet to play it. Tomorrow will come quick enough but..... I say this because Astro's playroom was so frickin' fun and one of thethe best games the PS5 had when it first was released. Even if it was a 'tech demo'.

[@gorillagrip593]

It is absolutely worth it, just played the first couple levels and it is AWESOME!

[@MarkArnoldMusic]

So Crash Bandicoot, now owned by Microsoft even gets his day in the sun with Astro Bot...

[@themangastand8475]

Those 'ultra hard levels' i first tried over 50% of them lol. There harder for sure. There not testing the limits of platforming in any way. Play aternia noxus if you want to see platforming be pushed. I child could still beat all of astros levels

[@lenarmangum8630]

10:48 All I have to say to that is, “get gud.”

[@CheesyBred]

Absolutely. When I was a kid a decent portion of the games I played were absolutely unforgiving and what pushed me to get better lol