Pixel Sundays: Astro Bot – From Tech Demo to Game of the Year
This week in our Pixel Sundays article, we’re talking about the best game of the year, at least according to the BAFTA Game Awards 2025, which took place recently. The Astro Bot games were all developed exclusively for PlayStation 5, and over time Astro Bot has become a sort of unofficial mascot for the PlayStation.
Summary
- Development History – From Tech Demo to Blockbuster
- Gameplay – More Than Just a Platformer
- Technical Execution – A Feast for the Senses
- Reception – Critical Praise and Player Enthusiasm
- Outlook – What’s Coming Next?
- Conclusion – A Must-Have for PS5
Astro Bot is a platformer where you accompany the charming robot Astro. There are now three games in the series, but two of them were mainly designed to showcase the limits of the DualShock controller or the VR headset.
Development History – From Tech Demo to Blockbuster
The roots of Astro Bot go back to The Playroom (2013). It was a collection of small AR games that was mainly meant to demonstrate the features of the PS4 camera and the DualShock 4. Back then, Astro Bot appeared as a cute mini-robot, but without any bigger ambitions.
In 2018, Astro Bot Rescue Mission was released for PlayStation VR. With this, Team Asobi proved that they could do more than just tech demos. The game received high praise from critics and showed how immersive VR platforming gameplay could work.
After the big success of Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Team Asobi officially became its own studio under PlayStation Studios in 2021. The studio was spun off from Japan Studio, which gave them much more creative freedom, but also meant higher expectations. Their goal was to become a flagship for the PlayStation brand.
With the launch of the PlayStation 5 in 2020 came Astro’s Playroom – pre-installed on every console. The game was more than just a tech demo. It was a lovingly designed tribute to PlayStation history, full of Easter eggs and references. It also made intuitive use of the new DualSense features (haptic feedback, adaptive triggers). It was the perfect teaser for what the console could do and a testament to Team Asobi’s talent.
In 2024, Team Asobi released a full-fledged 3D platformer for the PS5 – Astro Bot. The game launched in celebration of the 30th anniversary of PlayStation. It offers over 80 levels across six different galaxies, with plenty of cameos from famous PlayStation characters. Of course, the DualSense controller features were once again heavily utilized. As mentioned, the game was widely praised and received multiple awards like “Game of the Year” at the Game Awards 2024 and the BAFTA Game Awards 2025.
Astro Bot Gameplay – More Than Just a Platformer
Astro Bot offers more than 80 levels, spread across six different galaxies. Each galaxy features unique environments like dense jungles, hot volcanoes, deserts, and even unusual places like a giant hourglass or the canopy of a singing tree. Thanks to this variety, the gameplay stays fresh and visually exciting.
Astro has over 15 new abilities that change both his movement and combat style. Here are a few examples:
- Barkster the Bulldog Booster: This booster allows Astro to dash through enemies and obstacles.
- Twin-Frog Gloves: With these gloves, you can punch enemies from a distance and also swing from certain surfaces.
- Handy-D the Monkey: Handy-D is a monkey that helps you climb and allows Astro to throw objects at enemies.
These abilities aren’t just essential for progressing through the game – they’re especially useful in boss battles. That’s where you’ll need to weigh your options and decide what’s best to take your opponent down.
Astro Bot once again makes impressive use of the DualSense controller’s features:
- Haptic Feedback: You can feel different surfaces like sand, metal, or water directly through the controller.
- Adaptive Triggers: The triggers offer variable resistance. For example, when compressing a virtual spring in the game.
- Motion Control: The DualSense acts as a controller for the spaceship “Dual Speeder” by tilting it and using the triggers. While not everyone might love it, it’s still a great way to incorporate the feature.
Technical Execution – A Feast for the Senses
Astro Bot runs on PlayStation 5 at 60 FPS and uses dynamic 4K resolution, ranging between 1440p and 2160p. This technical setup ensures a consistently smooth experience while still delivering impressive visuals. It clearly shows how Team Asobi is pushing the console to its limits.
And it’s not just the visuals and gameplay that are on point — the sound design is top-notch too. The game makes full use of the PlayStation 5’s 3D audio technology, offering spatial sound that pulls you right into the game world. Whether you’re using compatible TV speakers or analog/USB headphones, this acoustic design greatly enhances the game’s atmosphere.
Reception – Praise from Critics and Players Alike
Astro Bot was praised by both critics and players alike, achieving fantastic scores on major platforms.
- Metacritic: 94/100, based on 139 reviews. It’s the highest-rated PlayStation exclusive of 2024.
- OpenCritic: Average score of 95, with 99% of critics recommending the game.
The game also won several awards at prestigious ceremonies:
- The Game Awards 2024: Won Game of the Year and received nominations in multiple categories.
- BAFTA Games Awards 2025: Took home five awards, including Best Game, Game Design, Animation, Audio Achievement, and Family.
Players especially praised the creative level design, the charming presentation, and the clever integration of PlayStation elements. Many also loved that the game puts a strong focus on just having fun.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next?
Team Asobi has already released several free DLCs for Astro Bot in the past and plans to add more content. So far, we’ve received 11 new levels featuring new V.I.P. Bots – characters from other PlayStation franchises. There are a total of 190 hidden V.I.P. Bots in the game, including ones from God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, Uncharted, and Bloodborne. More of these hidden characters will likely appear in upcoming levels.
Astro Bot is increasingly becoming the official PlayStation mascot. Over time, Astro has emerged as the brand’s unofficial face. Thanks to his simple, charming design and wide popularity, he’s a perfect fit. There’s already Astro merchandise available – from hoodies to water bottles and more. All that’s missing now is a cute plushie! He also plays a major role in PlayStation’s marketing campaigns, highlighting his growing importance to the brand.
Conclusion – Astro Bot is a Must-Have on PS5
Astro Bot is more than just a cute 3D platformer – it’s a love letter to the world of PlayStation. With all the cameos from other PlayStation characters, it becomes something truly special for fans. Team Asobi has crafted a game that shines both technically and creatively. With inventive ideas, smart use of DualSense features, and loads of charm, Astro Bot delivers a well-rounded experience that appeals far beyond just platformer fans.
If you own a PlayStation 5, you really can’t miss this title – and if you don’t yet, Astro Bot might just be the second biggest reason to get one, right after GTA 6 (which will hopefully launch later this year).
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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A series I wish we could enjoy on other platforms.
Never expected that a game like Astrobot would receive that hype and trophies. Becoming the new PlayStation console mascott, I doubt that it would ported (quickly) to PC's.
I'm really hoping Sony decides to bring this game to PC because I really do want to play it but I don't want to get a PS5, maybe they will announce it at the Summer Game Fest or the next Game Awards.
I never thought that astro bot will be this successfull. But I'm a pc gamer, so I'll skip this one. Thanks for the article.
I don't care too much. I am PC master race. Still I don't believe it deserver game of there year reward. There were many much better games.