The closest parallel to Astro’s Playroom that I can think of is Wii Sports. Both are games that were explicitly designed to showcase a new controller. But both also transcend that goal, shifting from tech demo to straight-up fun game.

Then, just past another reenactment, there will be a patch of clouds glowing, and the game will show you that you can throw your projectile at them. It will reveal an Ape Escape Special Bot, with the clue to help free it simply being an image of bananas. These additions can bring five new trophies and secret rooms, adding layers of depth and secrets.

Final Thoughts On Trophy Completion

A second reference to the game is the “Adequate, Boy…” Trophy, awarded for shooting all the rabbits at the end of Mt. Motherboard level in GPU Jungle. The name is a reference to Kratos always referring to his son as “boy”, as well as his habit of faint praise. After going down the long DualShock Cable, look right to spot a ship made out of blocks. This is the Ferox ship from Resogun, a 2013 launch title for the PS4 developed by Housemarque. It was one of the most well-received titles for the console, and a year later it would be ported to PS3 and PS Vita.

These feelings that I got from this controller are hard to describe in text but when you actually feel it for yourself, you’ll see just how much of a game changer the DualSense controller can be. It really makes me hope that as many developers as possible use the feature set inside this controller in their games. Before jumping into any of the locales (all of which are just a simple animation away, with no loading screens in between), the portal to each world features the type of terrain you’ll primarily encounter. They’re the most subtle uses of the DualSense, but it’s a nice way to set the scene. Ultimately, unlocking hidden trophies is a rewarding experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of Astro’s Playroom.

Open-world Games That Do What Ubisoft’s Best Never Could

These are the icons for the Xross Media Bar, which debuted on the 2003 PSX console in Japan, but is more known for its use on the PSP, PS3 and on Bravia TVs. The logos are still in use today, with the exception of the old PSN logo. One of the displays that you can unlock for the Labo area is a Bot with a mess of cards with various “PS” logos. These are actually all of Manabu Sakamoto’s designs for the PlayStation logo, before he landed on the one still in use today. In the PlayStation Labo area below the entryway is a device that lets you view all your Artefacts up close. The device is a PocketStation, a peripheral for the PS1 that was part Memory Card.

But in the midst of all that history, Astro feels like an adorably fresh face; I’m glad to see the character break out of the confines of VR and reach out to a broader audience. Astro’s Playroom may not be the deepest or most ambitious game on PS5, but its humor and playfulness are just delightful. Every function and feature of the controller gets a little time in the spotlight. Pervasive and distinct rumble effects steal the show, from the tiny sensation of Astro’s footsteps to thundering moments like an Indiana Jones-style boulder chase. The triggers offer resistance as you charge your jumps in a frog suit or operate the levers on a toy machine. Sliding your finger across the touchpad lets you direct your movement as you roll around in a ball.

The Silver trophies in Astro’s Playroom present a step up in difficulty compared to the Bronze, requiring more strategic gameplay and exploration. Earning these trophies involves mastering specific skills, discovering hidden areas, and completing more complex challenges within the game’s various environments. Earning this Platinum signifies that you have fully explored every nook and cranny of Astro’s Playroom, conquered all its obstacles, and collected every hidden secret. Beyond TG88 , Astro’s Playroom offers a rewarding trophy-hunting experience. The game features a meticulously designed list of trophies, ranging from simple tasks to more challenging feats.

Each level of the game has at least a few checkpoints, so do not worry if Astro is accidentally killed. Especially if he’s grabbed a collector’s item while performing a difficult stunt. During the passage of the next levels of the game, you will come across a lot of bots. You can stop them in their tracks by attacking them with fists or lasers in your legs. You can also go through the levels from the start and collect the coins that are renewed there.

Doko Demo Issyo

Additionally, players can transform into a robot frog, allowing them to jump into action. Astro’s Playroom also includes collectibles that represent the history of PlayStation, spanning from the PS1 era to the PS5 era. These collectibles add an extra layer of depth and nostalgia to the game.

In the Labo Room will be three Bots cheering on another Bot using a dance mat. This references Dance Dance Revolution, a popular arcade game developed by Konami that was ported to the PS1 in 1999 exclusively in Japan. The game came bundled with a dance mat, but could also be played using a controller. One of the rewards in the Gacha game is a Bot playing with two Move Controllers and a PS VR headset. The movement of the Move Controllers are incredibly similar to 2019’s Beat Saber on PS4 by Beat Games. Beat Saber is one of the premiere games of PS VR, alongside Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

Like other mascot platformers, you also need to collect things along the way, some of which are floating in plain sight while others require some minor effort to obtain. In terms of basic structure and mechanics, Astro’s Playroom is not surprising; it adheres closely to a comfortable formula. But that familiarity doesn’t drag the experience down, because the DualSense controller adds novelty in fun and surprising ways. Kids say that the game is a delightful and fun platformer that appeals to all ages, particularly praising its nostalgic references and enjoyable gameplay. While some older players feel it’s not suitable for anyone under 30, many believe it is perfect for kids, highlighting its approachable difficulty and excellent haptic feedback. Once collected, these artifacts are sent back to the main hub of Astro’s Playroom, where you can run and bounce on giant-sized (yet photorealistic) versions of them.