Sony did it right by supplying a playable tech demo with their PS5 consoles. Showing off the console’s features while providing a free entertaining game. I’m not normally into platformer games as typically you need minute precision and lightning-fast responses to pull off moves like in the Mario series but Astro’s playroom doesn’t want to focus on the challenge but the experience. When playing this game all I could imagine was excited children on Christmas day wanting to show this game to their less than interested grandparents.

Split into 4 worlds with 4 levels in each, Astro’s playroom is short and sweet. Each level shows off a different capability of the controller or 3D audio. You traverse different elements such as: ice, sand, wind and water. Each one provides a vibration feedback on the controller that makes you really feel like you are experiencing those conditions. As I mentioned previously this game is not too hard to play but the end boss, which I will not spoil , can be a bit of a bugger to beat. Took me a good few attempts anyway.

This game is also a massive tribute to all the PlayStation fans who have been with the console from previous generations and I absolutely adored it. You can tell this has been made by developers who also grew up with the console and have a passion for it. References range from normal such as 3D models of each console to niche such as all the different prototype PS logos from the early 90s. You can also spy popular PS franchise characters dotted around the levels. Collecting each 3D model or “Artefact” as the game calls them, is not frustratingly hard at all. You tend to be rewarded with them for exploring a bit more or for taking a slightly trickier route. Jigsaw pieces are also a collectible that can be found on each level, the result of collecting them forms a mural for each PlayStation generation back in your hub world.

A great introduction to the console and this game alone made me realise that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are not just two different consoles with the same games, the difference in experience you can achieve from both consoles playing the same games is quite big.

This a great 3d platformer, even if it is kind of a gimmicky, tech demo for the PS5. It showcases the PS5 controller really well, especially the haptic tumbling and Astrobot is a very cute mascot who really needs his own full game. For a free game on PS5 though, this is a banger!

Play as Astrobot as you hunt for and uncover Playstation consoles and accessories. Why? To celebrate Playstation as a brand, I guess?

The game plays great, a buttery smooth, 3d platforming experience. Rarely did I have any issues with the camera, controls or anything else. The game offers more gameplay styles in addition to the 3d platforming as well, but give Astrobot suits and guns to use as certain points in the game.

Playing this game definitely makes me wish I had more nostalgia for the Playstation 1! I only had an N64 back then, so I never really got to spend any personal time with one.

The game only loses points for not really have much in the way of a story/motivation (I mean, you just collect Playstation stuff) and because it's entirely too short. You'll finish this in probably 2 sittings at most, and that's only if you going for the platinum trophy. You can probably finish it in an hour if you're just blasting through and not looking for collectibles. Great game otherwise!

[COMPLETED JULY 5, 2023]

i haven't thoroughly played any games to completion in the past few months, so astro's playroom was a pretty good, quick stray from that!

i'm sure a lot of people will write it off as just a tech demo since it, literally is, but astro's playroom stands off as its own wonderful little platformer with nice collectibles and a super cute artstyle!!

i don't have a whole lot to say besides it's just a genuinely good game and fun if you just want something short and cute. wouldn't overlook it if you have a PS5, loved everything about it, slapping a good 8/10 on it