Trying out 2024's Game of the Year winner [Astro Bot - Part 1]

[@murraybeth14]

the bots running around following Astrobot at the end of the video felt very "hi John, it's guys"

[@princessfetus]

Omg I loved that skit sm 😭😭😭

[@roramoya]

plus how AstroBot waves at the same time John does was perfect

[@HonzukiNoGekokujou]

The swarm of bots at the end is just us expressing our thanks for John playing this game and waiting for more videos.

[@fractiousjope]

I was also imagining the bots as us guys as soon as I saw them following John around all excited and cheering lol

[@Emily-xk2du]

John: Don't y'all have something better to do than hang onto my every word?! Look at them clapping like idiots! us: 😁😁😁

[@toodleloos]

its the shareholders 😂😂

[@AbbaJoe26]

"This game is very clean so far" That's exactly what impressed me about it too. Literally so few other major budget games are polished like he Marios. But amazingly.....this is legit on a par with that set too. No one was more surprised than I. This game SO tight, clean. Smartly designed. Manages to be creative in most every level. Music has smart rhythmic designs to it to make it both catchy and serve a platformer game like this best (someone on the music design team on this one was paying attention to what works for Super Mario Bros 1, I get a sense).

[@tommydonnysalami4716]

Yeah this game oozes the quality and just whimsical fun of actual mario games, I love it... This video may have convinced me to buy it lol.

[@AbbaJoe26]

@@tommydonnysalami4716 Same. I was watching a playthrough by another youtuber and after the first few levels, and some of the content that unlocks for the Hub world in the game, and I was all in and had to get it. Much like John, coincidentally, I had avoided the overpriced/under-featured PS5 up until early last year when Spider Mas 2 was s ogreat I had to get one (I almost never will buy a system for nn exclusive game, not in my nature, but SM2 was SO awesome I made an exception).....and thankfully that put my in position to play Astro Bot, thankfully. heh

[@Pondy-sama]

Astrobot gets tuberculosis as well unfortunately

[@xvromo1362]

“I tried,,,in the end, I did”- astrobot

[@jorngaming89]

Damn so there is no way to avoid it? 😂

[@EissaDelRey]

"I AM ASTRO BOT *cough* *cough*"

[@djbeema]

@@Pondy-sama 🤣

[@GolemCC]

plus robot

[@murraybeth14]

"Thank you, CEO John" we all say in unison! I really hope you find this game as charming as I did!!

[@thefailbender]

Thank you John! I don't see myself getting a PS5 any time soon, so I appreciate the opportunity to live vicariously through you and play this!

[@fractiousjope]

Same here!🎉

[@veinprotection]

I had so many wrong assumptions about this game and I'm so glad you're playing it because I love it so much!! Thank you John!

[@theannap39]

I fucking love this game man. I bought it after it won GOTY, and played it for two days straight. Then immediately left to stay with family for the holidays for 3 weeks and I've been thinking about it the whole time. And just so you know... it gets a lot harder if you find the secret levels, lol. I'm not someone who usually 100%s things but this game is bringing it out of me.

[@roramoya]

This game is charming, silly, with more depth than I expected! Brings the better of what games like Little Kitty Big City and Super Mario Odyssey had to offer but doesn't feel like a pantomime of either. I'm not a references girl but it was cute to see the bots have character aside from the plain design. I also saw a Changing Room that could be unlocked--very excited to see that in the future. Overall a hilariously entertaining video, I haven't smiled this hard since that one Lethal Company video (no spoilers but iykyk) and I'm looking forward to the next! Thanks, CEO!

[@tiffinihansen6054]

AstroBot has a plan....he just needs more money. Have FAITH😂

[@anacsadder]

One of those bots is a traitor that told the big, green alien where they would be flying.

[@tiffinihansen6054]

@anacsadder it's probably the one monkey at the end of the video that breaks away from the group. 🤣 Your comment is gold. +🤖

[@crimsonknightsoul]

This game is so cute. Might have to play it myself. Don't worry John, I'm with you for not getting references.

[@deathwitheponine]

It is very much worth the price. I got almost none of the references at all apart from GoW, TLOU, Detroit become human, and crash, and there are over 300 more bots than that to get lol.

[@crimsonknightsoul]

@deathwitheponine I'll make sure to buy it then 🙂

[@Tinlion09]

Yeah, don't feel bad for not getting references. Some of them go _really_ deep.

[@chrislaurent1137]

Honestly, whether you think Astrobot deserves GOTY or not, you have to admit it’s a charming game to play.

[@princessfetus]

Astrobot is such a wonderful game for you to play after the heartbreaking end of Red Dead, it's so full of joy and whimsy. I hope you enjoy it too.

[@Sirene1134]

Thanks for doing a playthrough of this since it's locked behind the "having a ps5" paywall at the moment 😂. Having a great time with it so far. The aesthetics overall are pretty charming

[@PhlightYagami]

Hey John, Just started the vid, so if you mention this, feel free to ignore me, but if you aren't playing with haptics be sure to turn them on. Vital part of the experience! Also, haven't done this in a while...but here's your reminder to play Outer Wilds. Looking forward to this playthrough. Astrobot deserved its accolades.

[@PhlightYagami]

Now that I'm further in and you touched the "hidden block" without commenting on it, I'm positive you have haptic feedback turned off. Please try it, you're really missing out.

[@emilee55]

happy you're playing! i think each subsequent level melted my cold, icy, cynical heart just a little bit every time

[@Psyva]

Was not expecting this playthrough but really glad. Just started it myself and it's been such a joy so far. Can't remember the last non-Nintendo platformer that was this fun and polished.

[@DrZPrzy101]

LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOO. I really enjoyed this game and now I’m looking forward to your play through

[@lucylovescrochet]

The music in this game is so good, I really like it!

[@andrewamp1]

I don't remember what level is but there is one that has a Metal-like song, Double bass pedal and everything. It was so cool

[@lollove7815]

Eyyyy that ending was super cute astrobot waving at us while John says his closing sentence 😅😭 I needed this while prepping for my PhD

[@mishfishy7645]

The free mini Astro bot game they released with the PS5 was the most fun I had playing a game in a looong time. I’m so happy they made a full length game! Enjoy John

[@rixgear]

Love that you're playing this. As someone who loves Banjo Kazooie the most of that era I think you might really enjoy Ratchet and Clank. The latest game is on steam and PS5. A fine entry for beginners.

[@glassdragonmedia]

Watching you play Banjo-Kazooie feels like just yesterday. It's so vivid in my mind. Huh, maybe I'll go back and rewatch that playthrough.

[@AngeliqueStP]

39:02 We have Dog, I repeat, we have Dog. John's continuous quest for canine companionship in game has been achieved. 🎉🏆

[@shooshies]

This has been a joy to watch you play! So ridiculously wholesome

[@Sweet-Summer-Abroad]

I genuinely love the joy and fun you seem to be having. It's such a cute game and I love how rewarding it seems to be to play. So cute and so much cheer!

[@spider-queen]

this feels like the most unimaginative comment but I had to stop by and say how cute this game is! I'm impressed already by the Mario vibes (I was a Nintendo kid, sorry PS folks) the Gorilla levels gave me such Donkey Kong nostalgia very charming, colourful, and fantastic soundtrack!

[@kristofferjarvis5884]

Never did I think I’d enjoy watching you play this as much as I did.

[@AngeliqueStP]

3:32 That is absolutely an electronic version of Teto the pet fox-squirrel from 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind' ...Welp, I'm in! [picks up feet, settles in] This is going to ROCK!

[@SeewahBeewah]

Omg the ape escape and crash references got me. I’m getting this. Such a pleasant game. Thanks John!

[@airatainted]

The Ape Escape planet was awesome! I loved that game as a kid. The opening cut scene and music are seared into my brain. I wish they had included the hula hoop tho. This game is adorable. I enjoyed watching you play it. Reminds me a lot of Spyro.

[@ahappydogwithsunglasses]

A little late to the video - but what I'm learning from this delightful upload is that we shareholders do (potentially) have lots of awesome Playstation games for John to experience, and maybe even upload, in the future. Seeing John both play and react to certain MGS scenes would be incredible. 🐶❤‍🩹

[@Taraeightthousand]

Oh my God, unexpected but I'm excited

[@dogstarlite]

This game is RIDICULOUSLY charming. As a backer who was ultimately let down by Yooka-Laylee, this is everything I wanted and more. Too bad I can't play it myself lmao, maybe one day...

[@AbbaJoe26]

I suspect you're gonna be as amazed about the soundtrack. That main world song is SO gold. I played it tons just on KZbin videos of it for weeks after getting the game. This game is, again, shockingly........solid to almost flawless (and I don't hand that term out easily, or often)....on literally....every level of observation (controls, level size, level depth, intuitivenss of levels and controls, graphics are sharp, music is clean quality and originial (not anything diriative, which is uncommon these days). The level bosses are artistic (amazingly, for a seeming Sony Advert game) and beautiful, and the nods to so many game franchise integrated throughout the game.......is uncommonly.....well done.

[@Emily-xk2du]

"Is that Ape Escape? I never got into Ape Escape, I played it a few times at my friend's house... I didn't know what I was doing." SO REAL. I remember trying to play after we rented it from Blockbusters and I couldn't for the life of me get past a certain point super early on... poor little me wanting so bad to keep playing and doing everything I could think of and being just totally bewildered lol.

[@anacsadder]

That was me with Patapon. The level where you have to make it rain in the desert or burn to death was so hard. I really liked that game, but I never finished it. I can't remember which Zelda game it was, but there was one where you have to time opening a gate with jumping across some platforms in something like the second temple. I never got past that point, either.

[@LUISPRIME]

Hell yeah. Astrobot is a great game. Love it.

[@TayloresCoco]

ahhhh the ape escape part made me tear up 😭😭 loved playing that with my mom and brother as a kid 🥺

[@tomflock9916]

Glad you are playing this and I'm looking forward to seeing what is so special about it. Game of the Year and I had never even heard of it.

[@awholelotofbees]

i needed this thank you boss

[@mauramadsen201]

I burst out laughing at several points in this video - I'm only halfway through, but I love how whimsical and light hearted this game is, when it feels like so many mainstream games have gotten darker and edgier. I won't be playing it any time soon (it looks fun, but not cash-out-$600-for-a-PS5 fun lol) so I'm happy my favorite youtuber is playing it instead!

[@orreobb]

well this game is a pleasant surprise. I also think you'd like the ratchet and clank games, I've only played the first 4. The humor is the best part and the gameplay feels absurd at times, which is what I love about the series

[@darkprincess102305]

The bots waving with you at the end was super cute haha

[@JWildberry]

Not my type of game to play, but it's very cute and cheerful. I used to love these type of games when I was a kid, though.

[@jasonwrestlingfan1626]

I knew this was coming when I saw you tweeting about it! Have fun!

[@maskedmisfit364]

21:25 that's such a souls game reference. It even screams too.

[@BootParnskt]

I'll be the first to admit i was a little dubious about watching an AstroBot run, but hot-damn does it have a banging soundtrack! Keep catching those pesky bots, John, and I'll keep jamming along to your antics!

[@Tetchystar]

Oooh, I'm here for this! I don't have a PS5 or PS4 so I will never get to play this probably. Looking forward to this more whimsical game!

[@deathwitheponine]

I was really happy this game won GOTY. I’ve 100% it twice. My son LOVES playing it, which is rare. We both watched your video because he loves Astro bot so much and we had a blast. The birds you get when you go back in at the start of each level cost 200 coins but they help you find anything you missed, including the little swirly things. Hell if I can platinum this game, you should have no problem doing it even if it’s not for the channel and if your brother likes the vibe he’s gonna hog your console when he comes over lol. The PlayStation button logo levels are the challenge levels and some of them are a real pain in the butt but most of them are pretty easy, you can do it!

[@MsErythrocyte]

I hadn’t even seen a trailer for this game before, but after seeing John play it for an hour, I bought it and spent the next three days 100%ing it - great game, pure gaming joy, thamks John for the inspo

[@interestingusername306]

Oh my god John should DEFINITELY play Ratchet And Clank. Personal favorites are Crack In Time and Rift Apart. Just pure unadulterated whimsy.

[@attagoose]

My son and I loved this game! I have a complex with games like this and have to 100% it, so we did. So cute and the soundtrack is phenomenal! Can’t wait to watch you play it too!

[@harasnicole]

This game scratches that part of my brain that loves collecting stuff. I don't get all the references either, and even when I do, I blank on what games they're from or what their names even are unless it's super obvious lol.

[@awesomekittypower]

Thank you for playing this!!!! I love astro bot very much 🖤🖤🖤 he's just so cute!!!

[@fractiousjope]

The lil monkey coming around the corner there in the end = us guys. This was very fun and a joy to watch!

[@scytherpunk6]

thank you for doing a let's play of this!! glad you're enjoying it so far :) definitely don't worry about missing collectibles

[@sampaguita6773]

this was so fun to watch! i don't have a ps5 (and don't think i'll ever get one lol) but i enjoyed watching the playthrough and catching all the references! i loved ape escape island, it made me want to replay the games

[@nanao.9807]

this was really satisfying and comforting to watch! i'm looking forward to part 2! :D

[@toodleloos]

i didnt know how to feel about this game at first but im enjoying it well enough! loved seeing the little Jak bot and all my other favorites insofar so!

[@azure6303]

Never thought you would play this but I am so happy you are!!! I hope you enjoy it, such a fun and silly little adventure

[@thacobell4700]

This has a lot of charm and I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of this series. It also really makes me want to see John play some of these PS1 classics.

[@YuTopian]

yay astrobot! This game is so cute 🥺 I don't get most of the references apart from the most popular ones either

[@ghostshipmurmurs7917]

My theory: characters who are not TRUE exclusives (crash bandicoot) get cameos, whereas true exclusives get their own levels. When you take out characters who are not true exclusives, Sony's portfolio becomes dramatically smaller, which is why minor blips like Ape freaking Escape get their own level

[@ibby1295]

why is this so funny after watching rdr2 lol

[@sir1603]

Astro Bot is my GotY and I enjoyed beating it to 100%! I highly suggest you go back to find those “spiral / vortex” things, those are called Warp Portals and they’re hidden really well in hidden areas of the world (level), Warp Portals unlock the Lost Galaxy worlds which are essentially new worlds to play with new VIP bots (aka special named bot characters from video game franchises) to rescue and add to your collection. Otherwise you’ll be missing out on a pretty big chunk of the game. There are also many smaller levels you can unlock from the galaxy overworld (the place where you select levels to play) by driving into asteroids, comets with eyes, and chasing the UFOs. Astro Bot rewards the player’s curiosity so just try interacting with everything and don’t rush. You can also use the boosters in the galaxy overworld with the L2 and R2 buttons to chase down those UFOs. So keep your head on a swivel and really take your time to look around, John!

[@AbbaJoe26]

Oh heyyyy, you're finally getting a chance to play it, John. :) That's awesome. I can just about guarentee you're gonna love it (on the surface layer it's blatant salesmanship of their PS5 aspects and things, but it shockingly actually goes DEEP, and is like a heart-warming nostalgia trip through all the eras of gamnig (some of the collectables will be themed, and to specific things, and with cute follow-up content for each after you find it in one of the worlds). I think being the deep thoughtful gamer you are, John, you'll love it. (no one I've shown it to has been anything short of charmed and excited about it, and it ranges across most all the "Gens" I've shown it to). Be prepared to be charmed, and the game levels actually, amazingly, are effortfully designed. It shockingly.....is opposite of the cash-in I expected and anticipated. It's cure, well made, controls well, a top tier balancing of depth of options without overloading the controls/player. It's suspiciously well done and shows a lot of care, effort, and amazingly little sinicism in how they made it. It's legit. :) (and I'm super excited to see your playing of it, a smart contrast and palattte cleanser compared to the heavy and intense RDR2 long run. Great choice. :) )

[@OkamiNoNamida]

This is like the days long gone of Spyro, which was always my favorite. I love me an indepth story in a game, but there's something to be said about games where you can just jump in, bust through a few levels and feel good like this. I think more of these are needed actually. That aren't just more Mario over and over.

[@chloedockter8638]

this was a really fun video, just a chill and kinda nostalgic game.

[@dawnguinnip7673]

Oh wow I haven't seen a game like this Since ratchet and clank good memories love the game played John. Oh and watching you have fun, fun like a kid again. ❤

[@soulsecano]

I'd love to watch John play Ape Escape, even if it was only one video.

[@djbeema]

I really want to play this so I'm not sure how far into the playthrough I'll watch to avoid spoilers! But in lieu of RDR this will be good

[@nanao.9807]

i'm always up for john playing cute platformer games!!

[@NewKnightmare]

I really hope you enjoy this! So excited to watch you play it!

[@dimmuslipowar]

I really hope you're going for the 100%. Those challenge levels are spicy!

[@achmedaan]

This game is cool as hell. If I had a PS5 I'd 100% play it.

[@hello3dgirl]

Thank you John! I was waiting for you to check out this game 😊

[@Bo_Samke]

Please turn on Vibration on the dual sense. The game feels even better to play with Vibration settings on. 😀

[@nicolemonrue]

This is one of the first games that i got a platinum trophy on. I couldn't stop playing it

[@fredcantu7084]

I remember playing math blaster in elementary school lol 😂 thats so funny

[@anacsadder]

I'm not super familiar with Playstation mascots, either. I never played a lot of the mascot games, as far as I'm aware. It is interesting to see who Sony considers to be Playstation's most iconic characters, though.

[@NonsenseTyphoon]

Love the video, John!!!!!! Keep up the great work!

[@ErinNij]

oh my god the world menu reminds me so much of kingdom hearts, it's so cute

[@ghostshipmurmurs7917]

John, I'll back you 100% on Mario Odyssey as best Mario game since N64. I don't even think it's a tough call. I'll never understand why people seem to prefer Galaxy - wonky physics, weird cosmology, repetitive star types, uninteresting power ups, and probably the worst controls in a Mario game I've seen. Odyssey is a celebration of Mario!

[@AbbaJoe26]

OOooooooohhh! Legend of Dragoon! It would be SO amazing if you wanted and did play that on your channel sometime. :) That's literally one of my more revered games. It's such a different combat mechanic, and the characters and story are exactly as good as you'd expect from Sony trying to forge legitimacy in the new console era back then as an RPG home on their system. Totaly overlooked top tier classic. Got overshadowed by the Final Fantasy hype-wagon, allowing few other RPGs to gain the mainstream large scale spotlight. But Legend of Dragoon is one of the best of any era. Would make for a beautiful playthrough. :)

[@thepenitence]

That was fun. This makes me want to play all the cool Playstation classics. Sadly I'd never played more than one title (and only one to completion) of Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, due to being a Nintendo house and parents were against having more than one console 😭 So I only played them when family or friends shared them.

[@henrygreene1821]

Astrobot.....INSISTS upon it!🤠

[@cer0876]

YAYY this game is so fun it'll be a blast to watch u play it too!!!

[@DarkAttackYT]

NICE!!!! John, you won't regret this. I thought this game was gonna be overhyped for me but after finishing it, I totally understood why it won GOTY. It's been ages since I played a game that gave me joy from start to finish.

[@B3stMilkshake]

Aww hell yeah! Excited for this!

[@PanmasterAtArms]

Ah, Astro Bot. Loved this game. Yeah you're definitely not getting all the references hahah some of them are super obscure. This game is really a love letter to Playstation's legacy. The Shredding Sheep bot was actually the main character of a Parappa spinoff, Un Jammer Lammy. 39:00 Odyssey was probably my favorite game that year. I'm honestly hoping the next 3D Mario is just as good, if not better. Got plenty of good indie platformers to tide me over till then hahah

[@HolderFam]

Nice to see John not playing horror games and just something fun!

[@ryelynnwrites]

Astrobot time! +🤖

[@klaudia7996]

very cute and entertaining game enjoyed it lots! :D

[@celloafterdark4173]

Have you played psychonauts 2? I think you'd love it

[@WantedRecords5506]

If you’re looking for a game like Yooka-Laylee but done well, “A Hat in Time” is a lovely game

[@solosagara6940]

11:15 hey john, it's guys

[@darkmerrygoround]

Yes to casually gaming eraaa!

[@ozonecandle]

Crazy how so many of my coworkers were offended the game won, dunno why people gotta be so simple. I mean I was disappointed Wukong didn't win, my personal favorite. And this honestly is kinda a vibe Edit: okay 100% youre right the music slaps. and also wait, this game is actually kinda genius if you look past the playstation marketing which is cheesy af. the way it ramps difficulty with each tier of challenge, kinda constantly seems like youre learning new things constantly then as soon as it feels like too much, bam, all of them at once, repeat the cycle borderline seamlessly? im not crazy right its super cool?

[@Leovaliant1221]

^-^ I loved playing this, so i hope john or anyone that plays it enjoys it .

[@CrystalMorningdove]

Yay! This game looks sick! 😁