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Astro’s Playroom, pre-installed on every PlayStation 5 console, might initially seem like a simple tech demo. However, this charming platformer offers much more than a showcase for the DualSense controller. It’s a delightful, surprisingly robust experience that celebrates PlayStation history while providing a fun and engaging adventure.

alt text: Astro Bot standing in a lush green environment

This isn’t just a tutorial; it’s a full-fledged game with collectibles, challenging platforming sections, and even boss battles. Developed by Asobi Team, Astro’s Playroom takes players on a journey through the inner workings of the PS5, reimagined as vibrant and playful worlds.

A Free Game Packed with Value

Astro’s Playroom quickly sheds its “demo” label, offering a polished and engaging experience. It’s a love letter to PlayStation fans, filled with nostalgic easter eggs and clever references to iconic games and hardware. The gameplay is classic platforming: jumping, climbing, fighting enemies, and exploring colorful environments.

alt text: Astro Bot collecting coins in a level designed like a computer's cooling system

What sets Astro’s Playroom apart is its masterful integration of the DualSense controller. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add incredible depth to the gameplay. Walking on sand, sliding on ice, and even feeling raindrops create a truly immersive experience. The adaptive triggers, particularly the L2 and R2 buttons, are cleverly used for actions like climbing, shooting arrows, and launching Astro into the air, providing nuanced control and a satisfying tactile response.

Innovative Level Design and Gameplay

Each world in Astro’s Playroom is uniquely themed around different components of the PS5 hardware. From lush jungles representing the GPU to high-speed flight sections showcasing the SSD, each level offers distinct gameplay mechanics and visual flair.

alt text: Astro Bot gliding through the air with a parachute

The game encourages exploration, hiding collectibles and secrets throughout its levels. While challenging, the difficulty is well-balanced, ensuring players of all skill levels can enjoy the experience. Even the boss battles, though few in number, are memorable and visually impressive.

A Delightful Audio-Visual Experience

While not graphically groundbreaking, Astro’s Playroom boasts charming visuals and a lively art style. Environments are detailed and interactive, with constant movement and playful animations. Astro’s own animations are adorable, adding personality to every jump, climb, and reaction.

alt text: Astro Bot facing a large robotic boss

The soundtrack is equally delightful, featuring catchy tunes and playful sound effects. The 3D audio capabilities of the PS5 further enhance the experience, creating a rich and immersive soundscape.

Untapped Potential

Despite its charm, Astro’s Playroom leaves players wanting more. The game is relatively short, clocking in at around 5-6 hours. While packed with content, the lack of post-game content or DLC is disappointing, especially given the game’s potential for multiplayer or co-op gameplay.

alt text: Astro Bot dressed as various PlayStation characters

The inclusion of Astro Bots cosplaying as iconic PlayStation characters hints at untapped possibilities. The potential to unlock and use these costumes, or even a more expansive world with online interaction, would have added significant replay value.

Conclusion

Astro’s Playroom is a delightful and surprising gem. It’s a must-play for any PS5 owner, showcasing the console’s capabilities while providing a charming and engaging platforming experience. While its short length and lack of post-game content are minor drawbacks, Astro’s Playroom remains a fun and memorable adventure that celebrates the history of PlayStation.