At long last, PlayStation’s ultimate mascot has burst onto the scene, and he’s not just any robot; he’s a charming little dynamo with glowing blue eyes and an unstoppable can-do spirit. Meet Astro Bot, the first full-fledged platformer to showcase this endearing titular character, and prepare for an exhilarating ride through a world brimming with vibrancy and imagination. Astro Bot delivers everything you crave in a platformer: precision-perfect gameplay, breathtakingly beautiful worlds to explore, irresistibly cute characters, and a treasure trove of collectibles that will keep you on your toes.

Having already made waves with an underrated PlayStation VR debut in Rescue Mission and a standout PS5 launch pack-in title in Playroom, this Astro Bot adventure feels like the definitive introduction to our new favourite droid. It masterfully weaves together 30 years of PlayStation magic, often leaving me with a grin that stretches from ear to ear. Not only is it a solid platformer on its own, but the nostalgic nods elevate it into something truly exceptional.

The developers at Team Asobi have set out to capture the PlayStation magic of the last 30 years, but there’s no doubt that Astro Bot himself is the star of the show, as he is propelled through familiar worlds with neat twists, and some environments that are unique to boot. He’s the perfect little pal, with his glowing blue LED eyes, jetpack, chrome dome and high-pitched robo voice allowing for a lot of personality to shine through as he tries to save all the Bots he can from an evil alien fiend that has scattered them across multiple universes.

This includes over 150 PlayStation characters from history, most of them serving as cute cameos but with some specific VIPs that get a spotlight of a different kind. I certainly won’t be spoiling my favourites here; there are some truly awesome characters from PlayStation’s first-party IP that you’d completely expect to see; trailers and imagery have already revealed that we will be spending time with Kratos from God of War, Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn and Nathan Drake from Uncharted, to name the obvious ones. These VIPs get some pretty wonderful moments that not only heavily reference the games they’re from, but add some neat Astro Bot riffs, complete with remixed soundtracks that somehow blend it all seamlessly.

Excitingly, just finding the Cameo Bots isn’t the only time you’ll spend with them; in the main hub world, in a desert that holds the giant PlayStation 5 mothership that requires repair, you’ll be surrounded by the various Bots you’ve rescued. Initially, they just stand around, but by unlocking collectible elements from a giant Gacha machine (a clever way to use the coins you’ll collect in abundance), they’ll begin to play in the space in different ways. Again, no spoilers, but Team Asobi show reverence to history, with adorable animations, and very specific props, scenes and interactions that are just plain fun to muck around with. By interacting with the Bots, they’ll react in character, so it feels like a big interactive playground of all your sentimental favourites, that proper PlayStation lovers will simply adore.

Nostalgia is certainly the running theme of Astro Bot, from the moment you select your OG PlayStation memory card as your save game and begin to explore. But it’s the integration of the PS5 DualSense controller that is truly forward-thinking and stellar. The last team to use the DualSense to this level of understanding and innovation was Astro’s Playroom when the console launched four years ago, but they’ve improved on it here to make it feel not just like a token inclusion, but like a necessary component to the way Astro Bot ticks.

Small details, like the sounds and haptics that alter depending on whether you’re wading through grass, splashing through water, swimming or even tippy-tapping across metal plates, all feel different and tactile. When you rescue a Bot, it jumps inside your controller, and you feel the weight of it doing so, then allowing you to give it a playful flick upwards to send the Bots flying around the screen. There’s a deep understanding and playfulness to the DualSense that no other creator has nailed quite like this; it reminded me why this tech is so bloody cool to begin with, when in the right hands. It goes a long way in giving each of the 50 planets a distinct vibe and tone.

Beyond the haptic feedback you’re constantly getting, the DualSense is used to motion-control the Dual Speeder as you fly through the air, shooting projectiles or even uncovering secrets. Again, to spoil all the ways Team Asobi experiments with the controller would be criminal, as the joy of discovery when implementing the controller in creative ways elicits a satisfying, joyous feeling that is nearly unmatched. Not every idea works flawlessly, and there are some I wish were used a little more frequently because they were so darn clever, but it switches things up just enough, never resting on the laurels of the genre.

All the innovative features in Astro Bot would be meaningless if the core gameplay didn’t hold up, but rest assured, even without the DualSense, Astro Bot is a platformer that delivers sheer delight. The game demands precision, but Astro’s movements are impeccably tight; never floaty, always responsive. Each level is meticulously crafted, ensuring that reaching the end is gratifying. But don’t be fooled into thinking this game is a walk in the park; later stages ramp up the difficulty and present challenging trials, especially if you’re keen on collecting every hidden collectible.

Astro’s jetpack replaces the traditional double-jump, adding a fresh twist to your traversal options. It’s not just for reaching new heights; it allows you to shoot lasers beneath you to take down otherwise invulnerable enemies, melt obstacles, and cut through specific materials. This versatile tool keeps gameplay dynamic and engaging.

Combat in Astro Bot is punchy and impactful, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll encounter a variety of enemies, each with unique patterns and quirks. Bunny bots might bounce towards you, spiky creatures charge at you, and venom-spitting snakes require precise maneuvering. Some foes need to be grabbed and thrown, while others can be turned into platforms or projectiles. Mastering these interactions adds a layer of tactical depth to the cutely presented gameplay.

However, it’s the boss battles that truly shine. They don’t stray too far from the classic “hit it three times” formula familiar from Mario games, but they elevate it with inventive twists. You’ll face off against colossal foes using your small size and the special abilities you’ve gained in each stage. These encounters often involve dodging waves of smaller enemies while you strategise how to tackle your gigantic adversary, providing a true test of your platforming prowess. It all comes together to create an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

In many stages of Astro Bot, you’ll gain a unique ability that defines the level’s challenges and opportunities. These abilities are presented with a delightful charm, like a little dog nestled in your backpack that lets you smash through walls or glide to distant areas, or a small elephant that can suck up materials from the ground and spit them out to create new platforms.

However, not all abilities hit the same high notes. For example, in one level, you’re shrunk down to the size of a mouse; a fun concept that sadly doesn’t get much play after its introduction. Meanwhile, the dog and the long-reaching arms, which let you punch and grab from a distance, become familiar tools you’ll use repeatedly. Similarly, an egg-laying chicken that propels you upwards is a neat mechanic, but its novelty wears thin compared to the DualSense’s immersive execution seen elsewhere. While some of these abilities are creatively executed and add depth to the gameplay, a few feel less inventive, resulting in a mix of innovative and familiar experiences.

Astro Bot is a sensory delight, too. Its vibrant, imaginative worlds are visually stunning, with seamless transitions between planets and barely a loading screen in sight. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the adorable wildlife that reacts with cheerful expressions to the rich, diverse environment; lush jungles, sandy beaches, futuristic casinos, and whimsical sci-fi stages with cows being abducted by UFOs. The soundtrack is equally captivating, featuring catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s upbeat, playful atmosphere. These earworms will stick with you long after you’ve finished playing. From the jump, it’s a visually and aurally polished experience that is as delightful to look at and listen to as it is to play.