Astro Bot

Astro Bot is a running and jumping game where you are a robot exploring distant worlds to rescue your crew, returning from Astro's Playroom. You traverse vibrant levels to fight enemies with novel controller interactions. It's a celebration of PlayStation, but it is much larger than previous games in the series, offering considerable substance and tight platforming that fully uses the DualSense controller.

CONTENT RATING

Fear,

Violence

PLATFORMS

PlayStation 5

POSITIVE GAMEPLAY

Calming

Exploration

Good Challenge

Good Timing

Low Pressure

Strong Challenge

PLAY STYLE

Player vs Enemies

You play Astro, a plucky robot captain who debuted on the PlayStation 4, as you explore different galaxies in search of your crewmates. Play involves traversing the stages and defeating the enemies you encounter. In addition to the standard running, jumping, and punching, many sections of the game transform you or let you take control of other items, such as turning you into a sponge that absorbs water to become gigantic, an entire PlayStation 5 spaceship or a glider made of a DualSense controller. During these segments, you use the controller in unconventional and subtle ways, including using the touchpad, gyroscope, resistive triggers, and haptic feedback to direct the movement of your character.

There are over 80 levels split across 6 galaxies to explore, and at the end of each galaxy, you face off against a larger enemy in an enclosed arena and must avoid their attacks to eventually defeat them. As you play, you encounter over 150 heroes and iconic characters from past PlayStation games, from the original console's PaRappa the Rapper to Kratos from God of War and Nathan Drake from Uncharted.

The result is a game that celebrates the best of PlayStation while offering a complete platforming package in its own right, with unique transformations and abilities taking full use of the features of the DualSense controller. The family-friendly tone and approachable design enable a broader range of players to get involved than many other modern PlayStation games.

GAMEPLAY TRAILER

Good to know

Insights to ensure your child's gaming experience remains safe and enjoyable

Review difficulty level

Some children might feel frustrated with different game levels or obstacles. Talk to them about recognising when it's time to take a break and turn their attention somewhere else. Often, when they come back relaxed, they're more likely to find success.

Master skills together

Some platform games require a lot of skill and combination movements, which can be frustrating to master. For younger players, set time aside to help them learn and practise the skills.

Build resilience

Platform games can promote perseverance. Encourage children to "try, try again" until they succeed while taking regular breaks.

Skill level age

Suggested by Family Gaming Database

7+

The levels are generally straightforward to traverse, and most enemies are easy to avoid. Younger players can enjoy exploring the vibrant worlds and meeting the many robotic versions of famous PlayStation characters, while older children and teens can get stuck in and try to complete levels and additional challenges, some of which can be more difficult.

Content rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Fear and Violence. This game features mild combat against various fantastical enemies. Reactions are unrealistic, with most characters simply disappearing in an explosion or breaking into parts. There are frequent boss fights and some bosses may be scary to young children. One level has a casino theme. Astro traverses a map littered with casino chips and dice, and slot machines are depicted in the background. However, players cannot gamble.

PEGI rating explained?