Since the dawn of the console wars, companies have battled to create the most memorable mascots—icons that could stand the test of time. From Mario and Sonic with Nintendo and Sega, to Crash Bandicoot and Master Chief with Sony and Microsoft, each company tried to make their poster boys resonate with gamers worldwide. But over the years, this creative competition was overshadowed by the obsession with cutting-edge graphics. The mantra became “the better the graphics, the better the game,” leaving innovation in character-driven games to fade into the background.
That was, at least, until recently. Sony made a bold move to return to its roots and reintroduce a fresh mascot that not only embodied the brand’s vision but also highlighted the new features of its latest console. Enter Astro Bot, a charming little robot that mirrors the design and aesthetics of the PlayStation 5 itself. Much like the early days of Sony, the games featuring Astro Bot are primarily 3D platformers, designed to appeal to a broad audience and position the character as a family-friendly icon.
As part of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, Sony released a new entry in the fan-favorite Astro Bot franchise. Once again, players step into the shoes of this lovable robot and traverse a variety of planets and galaxies. This release came after years of Sony keeping many of its beloved intellectual properties on ice, much to the disappointment of fans.
A Showcase of the PlayStation 5’s Power
With no complex plots or high-stakes drama, the new Astro Bot game focuses on making players proud to own a PlayStation 5. The game’s main purpose is to highlight the console’s capabilities in ways that other titles haven’t yet achieved. In fact, throughout the lifespan of the 9th generation consoles, neither Microsoft nor Sony has delivered a game that truly makes owning their latest hardware feel essential. Particularly after the disastrous release of Concord—widely considered one of the biggest flops in gaming history—Sony needed a strong IP to restore faith among its PlayStation fans.
In Astro Bot, most missions feature a range of puzzles with varying difficulty levels, from easy to moderately challenging. While these puzzles aren’t overly complex, they do require players to pause and think for a moment before proceeding. This balance makes the gameplay enjoyable for both casual gamers and those seeking a bit more engagement.
Unveiling the Hidden Features of the PlayStation 5
One of the game’s standout features is how it showcases both well-known and hidden functionalities of the PlayStation 5. A prime example is the use of the DualSense controller, which plays a critical role in not just controlling Astro Bot, but interacting with other elements within the game world. This interactivity offers players a chance to explore and appreciate the advanced features of their console, many of which may go unnoticed in other games.
One such hidden gem is the ability to test for “stick drift” through the game’s mechanics. Stick drift, a problem where the analog sticks fail to return to their neutral position, can cause unintended movement in games, a notorious issue among controllers. While neither Sony nor developer Team ASOBI intended for Astro Bot to serve as a diagnostic tool, it inadvertently helps players detect potential wear and tear in their DualSense controllers—a feature that has been a surprise bonus for many gamers.
A Rare Console Companion
It’s not often that we see games that help players care for their consoles, but Astro Bot offers just that. This is especially significant in light of recent controversies surrounding the PS5 Pro, which launched with a steep price tag, leaving many fans frustrated. With consoles becoming more like luxury items due to the high costs of hardware upgrades, games like Astro Bot stand out for providing value beyond just entertainment. They not only showcase the console’s features but also help players maintain the longevity of their devices.