Astro’s Playroom Review

Astro’s Playroom
Developer: Sony Japan Studio (Asobi Team)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Available on: PlayStation 5

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When a new console features brand new technology, there’s typically a game released alongside the hardware that’s meant to showcase just what makes that new technology special. Games like these are typically seen as just glorified tech demos that don’t have much staying power. For the Wii U that game was Nintendo Land, and on the Switch it was 1-2-Switch. For the PlayStation 5 we get Astro’s Playroom, and it’s actually more than just a tech demo. It’s a genuinely great game in its own right.

Astro’s Playroom was designed to show off the new features of the PS5’s controller and it does this right from the title screen. The title appears and as it shimmers from left to right, the controller’s haptic vibrations do the same. Astro appears and runs across the title, causing you to feel the taps of his feet in the controller. Start up the game and you’re given a brief introduction to each of the controller’s functions through an interactive breakdown. Trust me when I say that no amount of words can adequately convey just how cool this controller is. Feeling the vibrations in the controller move from the bottom handles to the top bumpers as they gradually pick up speed, or the resistance of the adaptive triggers as you press down on them to let out a burst of energy is a sensation that you have to feel to truly understand.

From there the game takes you inside of the PlayStation 5 and puts you in the robotic feet of the titular character Astro, who returns from his acclaimed VR-title, Astro Bot Rescue Mission. You’re given four different worlds inside the console to explore that represent the technical makeup of the system: Cooling Springs, GPU Jungle, SSD Speedway, and Memory Meadow. Each level is distinct from one another and very well designed. Memory Meadow takes place up in a cloud covered set of fields and cliffs, while Cooling Springs is a sun-soaked island resort. They’re all colorful and full of life, featuring some fun platforming and creative uses of the DualSense controller.

In GPU Jungle, one section has you jump into a monkey suit in order to climb up the side of a cliff. You do this through a combination of the DualSense’s motion controls to raise your arm, and the adaptive triggers to grab onto rock holds along the way. Each time you grab onto a rock, the controller gives you a satisfying response through the haptic feedback. As you’re climbing, there are some rocks that will break when you grab them. The rocks only break though if you press down all the way on the triggers. At first when I encountered these rocks, I wasn’t sure what to do. But then I tried pressing down on the trigger a little bit instead of all the way, and was met with resistance in the trigger at a specific point. Stopping here allowed me to grab the rock without breaking them. Needless to say, I was impressed and charmed by this implementation of the triggers because of how clever and immersive it was.

This is just one example of how Astro’s Playroom shows off the capabilities of the DualSense. There are instances where you use a bow and arrow to shoot targets, and you feel the tension increase in the trigger as you draw back on the bowstring. Multiple levels have you blow into the microphone to move platforms or open doors. And the entire time, the haptic vibrations are working their magic in conjunction with the other capabilities of the controller to make the experience a truly transformative one. Feeling the taps of Astro’s footsteps alternate left and right as he’s walking is cool, but it gets even better when that feeling changes based on the surface you’re on. Walking on sand feels coarse whereas skating on ice feels light and slippery. When Astro is pulling on a set of wires, the vibrations build up in a way that makes you feel like you’re pulling on something that’s held together real tight. Again, it’s difficult to really describe just how amazing this all is. It’s something that you have to experience for yourself in order to actually get it.

Something that is able to be understood through just words is how much love and care was put into this game and its reverence for PlayStation’s history. Astro’s Playroom is packed with references to games that have been synonymous with the PlayStation brand from its inception. There are obvious references to games such as God of War and Uncharted, but there are also some more obscure references that those who know their PlayStation history will definitely be able to appreciate. The game doesn’t stop there with its love for PlayStation, as each level is based around one of the four previous console generations. Throughout each level, you’ll find items you can collect called Artifacts that are pieces of hardware for the respective console generation. It’s a fun way to pay respect to the past and introduce players to things that might have missed. I, for one, never knew that the original PSP had a camera attachment, but now I do! All of this adds a level of charm that makes the entire game even more of a joy to play.

Astro’s Playroom is a short game that can be finished in just a few hours, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s long enough for you to enjoy what it has to offer, but there’s stuff that’ll have you coming back after you’ve completed the main levels if you want some more platforming fun. Speed Runs for each level unlock after you complete them, putting your platforming skills to the test. The trophy list is pretty easy too, so there’s fun to be had in the pursuit of that shiny Platinum trophy. It should also be noted that load times are incredibly fast. Going from the main hub to one of the levels takes no more than three seconds. Respawning after death takes just one second to get you back in the action. I found myself really appreciative of the fast load times that the game has and find it difficult to go back to games that take ten times as long to get me into the game.

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Final Thoughts:

Even though it’s short, Astro’s Playroom is a game that all PS5 owners should play. It being a pack-in title may cause you to pass it off as something that’s not a “real game,” but you would be sorely mistaken. With Astro’s Playroom, you’ll be getting a great platformer that’s filled with charm and creativity, as well as a tease of what your DualSense controller can do. Give it a shot and play it while your other games are downloading and installing onto your system. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.