More Free Games Like This; Astro’s Playroom

So there’s a new game out called Astro Bot. I will not lie, I am intrigued, so you know I had to play its predecessor beforehand, Astro’s Playroom. For those who don’t know, this is a free game that came with the PS5. Spoilers ahead, but there’s not much to spoil except for the history of PlayStation itself.

Initially, I wasn’t going to play this game until the game I actually wanted to play was busy with a download and I was sitting on my couch not sleepy. I figured this game would be short since it was free, and I was right. What I didn’t expect, was how much fun I would have while playing. I used to be a bigger Sony-pony-fan-boy, those who keep up with my blog know that I ended my online membership/subscription with them, so my fan status has dwindled. If I played this when I first got my PS5, I probably would have enjoyed it more, but even now it was still a welcoming blast from the past. The point of the game is to show appreciation for what came before it. You see other bots looking like well-known PlayStation characters, like Kratos, Aloy, Crash Bandicoot, etc. This is also a platformer game, probably PlayStation’s attempt to have their own mascot, a la Mario with Nintendo.

Unintentionally, I went through each section from my least favorite console to my most favorite, going from PS3, to PS4, followed by PS1, and ending with the PS2. At first I thought they were trying to go in order of the PlayStation symbols. I was surprised that it was a one-hit-kill situation, but I adapted. I liked how each section had a fun gimmick, like rolling around in a ball or climbing up in a monkey suit. I’m iffy on the whole gatling gun and bow mechanic since it was only in half the sections. I feel like each section could have had something else as well or don’t include it. Each section had a special suit level, and the gatling gun usage felt so short.

Getting the Platinum for the game isn’t difficult either. I played this game in one sitting and was able to obtain it. Most of the trophies were obtained by just playing, but I’m also the guy who wanted to get each collectible on the way to completion. So by the end after beating the game, I only had a handful left to pick up and backtrack to finish.

Playing this game does make me want to play the new one. The only reason why I haven’t done so already is due to having a backlog of games I’m already trying to get through. Having a game celebrate the history of your brand is wonderful and anyone who is a part of it should be delighted to be included. Yes, I’m glaring at you John Garvin.

Score – 9 out of 10