Astro's Playroom

Astro's Playroom is a running and jumping game that launched with the PlayStation 5. It not only showcases the PS5's new DualSense controller but offers a loveable adventure with novel interactions and considerable substance.

CONTENT RATING

Fear,

Violence

PLATFORMS

PlayStation 5

POSITIVE GAMEPLAY

Exploration

Good Timing

Imaginative

Leadership

Popular Choice

Competition

Under 5 hours

PLAY STYLE

Player vs Enemies

In the game, you control your little character as he jumps, dodges and explores his way around the levels. Unlike other platform games, this has a trick up its sleeve in the form of the DualSense controller's ability to let you feel your way around levels.

The rumble feedback lets you get a sense of the rain that falls on you or the fluttering of snowfall. The adaptive triggers get harder to press when aspects of the game demand -- like judging how tight to pull a spring before releasing. This means you need deft soft touches as much as quick hard presses -- like when you have to gently press the triggers to grip a handhold without doing it too tight and making them crumble.

This is a great game to play with the family, not only as a demo of the new controller but as a game that will hold your attention for a considerable time. Also, because of the different skills required, you may find a wider audience of players than usual platform 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

Suggested by Family Gaming Database

One family , "the Labo level is great for little ones to get the hang of mastering 3D movement. There are no enemies or places to fall but still some things to interact with and so platforming too". Speedrun mode is popular with teenagers who can compete for fastest times with friends and family.Another family said, "My 3-yo likes to run around in Astro's Playroom -- most enemies can't kill you, you can't fall off ledges without jumping off, it's extremely "safe". Great non-gamer friendly stuff in there, except I wish I could restrict the camera more."

Content rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Fear and Violence. Players can use weapons, such as plunger arrows and a pellet gun which shoots coloured balls, to destroy objects and defeat enemies. The player can also whack robots, including robot-like animals, with hands or weapons. The player's character can take damage, such as by falling off platforms, being flattened or being electrocuted. However, the violence is mild, unrealistic and cartoon-like. Some of the 'boss' characters, including a dinosaur-like character, may be scary for younger children.

PEGI rating explained?