Astro's Playroom
- November 12, 2020
- Team Asobi
A love-letter to PlayStation and PlayStation fans, Astro’s Playroom also happens to be the killer app for showing off just how cool the DualSense controller is. Whatever you do, don’t forget about this one.
"Astro's Playroom" is a pre-installed platformer game on PS5 that takes players on a magical journey through the console's components. The game features four worlds, each with unique gameplay that showcases the innovative features of the DualSense wireless controller. Join Astro and his crew as they introduce you to the exciting capabilities of the PS5.
Reviews
- Astro's Playroom is a fantastic showcase for the DualSense controller, demonstrating its capabilities through innovative gameplay mechanics.
- The game is a love letter to PlayStation history, filled with charming references and collectibles that delight fans.
- It's a visually stunning platformer that offers a fun and engaging experience, especially considering it's free.
- The game is relatively short, with many players wishing for a longer experience.
- Some gameplay mechanics, particularly those involving motion controls and touchpad usage, can feel tedious or imprecise.
- Certain sections of the game may feel gimmicky or overstay their welcome.
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a mix of engaging 3D platforming that showcases innovative mechanics and the DualSense controller, offering a variety of unlockables and references. However, some players find the experience to be short and the touchpad controls tedious, with the core gameplay lacking novelty.
“Awesome 3D platforming with a ton of variety and clever mechanics. It shows off the DualSense very well, with oodles of references and goodies to unlock.”
“The gameplay is too short, and the touchpad mechanics become tedious.”
“It's a short experience, and the core gameplay itself is nothing new.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are widely praised for their stunning visuals and performance, showcasing a vibrant, cartoony art style that pays homage to 25 years of PlayStation history. The game runs at 60 fps in 4K, and the innovative use of the DualSense controller enhances the overall experience without feeling gimmicky. Overall, it stands out as a fantastic showcase for both graphics and sound design.
“With gorgeous graphics and performance and an awesome way to get used to the DualSense controller, this free pack-in can go toe-to-toe with the platformer legends.”
“Fun, cartoony art style and sound design, greatly innovative use of the DualSense controller without feeling gimmicky, 60 fps in 4K, a love letter to all of PlayStation’s history.”
“Terrific visuals and sound.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is celebrated as a nostalgic homage to PlayStation history, enhancing the experience of collecting and gameplay. The soundtrack complements the fun platformer mechanics and effectively utilizes the DualSense controller to immerse players further.
“The soundtrack is a love letter to PlayStation history, perfectly complementing the gameplay.”
“The music enhances the experience, making every moment feel more immersive and engaging.”
“Utilizing the DualSense controller, the game creates a unique audio-visual experience that is truly enjoyable.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly noting that the touchpad gameplay can feel overly repetitive and lacks engagement.
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making the gameplay tedious.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over, which really drains the fun out of the game.”
“The touchpad controls are frustrating, and the grinding aspect only makes it worse.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story of "Astro Bot: Rescue Mission" is praised for its engaging and charming narrative, contributing to its status as one of the standout platformers of the past generation. Players appreciate the whimsical adventure that drives the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's impressive replayability, noting its engaging use of the DualSense controller, stunning visuals and sound, and its nostalgic homage to 25 years of PlayStation history, all contributing to a compelling experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“An impressive amount of replay value.”
“A fantastic showcase for the DualSense controller.”
“Terrific visuals and sound.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its stunning graphics and solid performance, effectively utilizing the DualSense controller to enhance the gaming experience, positioning it competitively alongside established platformer titles.
“With gorgeous graphics and performance, this free pack-in can go toe-to-toe with the platformer legends.”
“The optimization in this game is impressive, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
“I love how the game runs seamlessly, showcasing excellent optimization that enhances the overall experience.”
Critic Reviews
Astro's Playroom Review
Astro's Playroom is a great showcase for the varied, impressive ways the DualSense can immerse you in next-gen games.
80%Astro’s Playroom Review
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission was one of the best platformers to emerge in the past generation. Released exclusively for PlayStation VR, the wondrous gem was likely slept on by millions, a crime considering the charm it practically oozed from every conceivable surface.
100%Astro's Playroom Review
With its much hyped status as a showcase of the DualSesne controller’s fancy new haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it’s equally important to recognise that like Astro Bot before it, Astro’s Playroom is a fundamentally excellent platformer that commendably stands on its own merits. Equal parts a stirring demonstration of the capabilities of the DualSense and PS5 console as it is an excellent traditional platformer, Astro's Playroom might just be the best pack-in title of all-time.
95%