Even though Astro’s Playroom is relatively simple, it kept me entertained for about five hours with its array of challenges and entertaining Easter eggs. During af88 through the guts of the PS5, you run across all sorts of PlayStation references and memorabilia. From seeing bot versions of iconic characters (like Kratos and Solid Snake) to gathering old peripherals and consoles, the journey is full of “I recognize that! ” flashes that punctuate the lighthearted and approachable gameplay.

Once collected, these artifacts are sent back to the main hub of Astro’s Playroom, where you can run and bounce on giant-sized (yet photorealistic) versions of them. It doesn’t stop at the collectibles; some bots pay tribute to past icons. You’ll see a bot holding a camera throughout the levels as they record their companions as fellow PlayStation characters. For example, you’ll see bots dressed up as Kratos and Atreus from God of War trying to row a boat. You’ll even see a bot dressed up as Snake from Metal Gear Solid, and when you kick the box, it makes the classic alert sound each time you kick. Sony boldly chose Astro Bot to lead the PlayStation 5 with the tech demo Astro’s Playroom.

Trip Down Virtual Memory Lane

Is improved force feedback and the same funny little collection of gyros and touchscreens carried over from the DualShock 4 really the next-gen difference? I’m not entirely sure, and it may well prove to be another false dawn that, like HD rumble on the Switch, is a pleasant addition that soon fades into the background. Astro and his crew lead you on a magical introduction through your PlayStation 5 in this fun platformer that comes pre-loaded on your console.

Skill Level

These trophies are straightforward‚ requiring you to complete levels like “Memory Meadow” or “SSD Speedway.” There are approximately 10 such trophies‚ each tied to a unique world or area. While most are unlocked naturally as you progress‚ some may need replays to collect missed items. These trophies serve as milestones‚ encouraging exploration and ensuring you experience the game’s diverse environments and mechanics. Players can use weapons, such as plunger arrows and a pellet gun which shoots coloured balls, to destroy objects and defeat enemies.

Hidden Achievements

Familiarize yourself with these, as you’ll need to remember them shortly. To find the special in Memory Meadow, head to the Gusty Gateway area. If done successfully, the Gran Turismo Special Bot and the “Grand Tourist” trophy will unlock. At the top of the steps, turn around, and come back on yourself so you’re walking across the white beams at the edges.

Alongside the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn, the PlayStation was one of the first video game consoles to specialize in 3D graphics. Early models featured RCA jacks for video and audio output and a Parallel I/O port, but these were all removed by the 1999 models. At the top, wait for the last block to slide left so you can stand on the left-hand side. Use a jump and Beam Glide to land on top of the block (just like you did before), then ride the block left through the Coins. From here you can jump left one last time to land on a button that reveals a Yellow Trampoline.

From the beginning of the level, follow the wooden path forward through the grass and up to Checkpoint 2. Tug the cables to the left of it to reveal some steps up to the next area. Continue following the wooden path forward to the next wall, defeating three Knockers and a Spiky as you go. Both the roller ball and the ship suits were easily the best of the ones on offer. Considering both get more interesting levels after their introduction.

From a tropical beach to a cyberpunk raceway, they nail many areas. Everything pops, and with so much detail, you can spend quite a bit just exploring. With the way forward forged, return to the start of the level and, facing backwards to where you first started, look to the left side of the archway to spot some cables in the ground. Pull them to get a canister, which has a tiny net inside (like from Ape Escape!). With the GT Driver revealed, you’ll see on his container’s display an image that looks a bit like a racetrack.

To collect all the collectibles, you will also need to walk around the main location – the CPU Plaza. PlayStation Labo lets you complete the collection by drawing prizes in a Gatcha-style game. Every level has tons of retro tech to collect and store in the PlayStation Labo.

Astro’s Playroom is an extremely well-designed platformer and getting access to it for free feels like a steal. Even as-is I’d wager Sony could easily charge $20 and most people would happily pay that without feeling ripped off at all. Usually rumble tends to fade away and eventually becomes something I stop noticing. In some cases I’ll turn it off entirely so it doesn’t distract me. But in the case of the DualSense, for the first time ever really, I feel like it actually enhances and changes the game for the better.

Astro’s Playroom is as old as the PlayStation 5, and this is most likely the first game new owners booted up. Despite being a brief experience, this is the kind of game that can be played with family members and is worth playing in 2025. Sony Interactive Entertainment finally nailed the platforming genre, and it only took a cute little robot to give them the courage to innovate. Yet another unlockable display for the Labo area is a Bot throwing a blue boomerang around. The shape is a reference to the infamous “Boomerang” prototype controller, an unofficial name for the controller that was shown alongside the PlayStation 3 when it debuted.

Join Astro and his crew and experience a magical introduction through the PS5, exploring four worlds based on PS5’s console components. Each area showcases innovative gameplay that taps into the new features of the DualSense. Set within a fantastical and creative playground, players control the adorable robot character “Astro” as they explore different themed areas and complete various challenges. The game is designed with numerous nods to Sony’s past consoles and games, providing players with a nostalgic experience. All of that is, fundamentally, tied around the fun of using the DualSense controller. Honestly, the biggest complaint I have with Astro’s Playroom is just that it’s too damn short.

These challenges add excitement and depth to the game‚ making trophy completion a rewarding experience. Astro’s Playroom isn’t just a tech demo but a fun little platformer. It’s great that Sony is investing more in the Astro Bot franchise because this could be their answer to the Super Mario series. The level design is more like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D World, and that’s a huge compliment. While linear, the space feels open enough to have a ton of details throughout. The basics are you’re traversing the area, trying to find items and coins as you reach the next level.