It differs by having longer handles, concave analog sticks with no rubber coating, a ridge on top of the L2 and R2 buttons, and a green Analog button light. The international version of the controller lacked the dual rumble motors, hence the name difference. Using discs meant that developers had much higher storage capacity than with cartridges, allowing for the inclusion of movies (often called FMVs) and higher-quality music.

Artifact 2/2 “PlayStation Mouse” – In the section where you are meant to jump across the clouds, instead of going towards the checkpoint you should jump onto the cliff ledges which lead higher up. From there you can climb up to the top section on the right to find this artifact. Puzzle Piece 2/4– In the area with the first blowing cloud, run against the wind to grab this puzzle piece. Puzzle Piece 4/4 – When you exit the caves and are out of the ship, drop down to the lower floor to find this puzzle piece underneath some glass. Artifact 2/2 “PS2 Memory Card” – Hold both triggers down fullying to puh yourself through the two purple spiderwebs to find this artifact on the other side.

Astro’s Playroom Review – Playstation 5

But now there is a new challenger and while Astro isn’t much of a character his games are becoming some of the best in Sony’s line-up. Puzzle Piece 3/4 – Just after the pinball area you will slide across some ice blocks. This puzzle piece is just after one of the ledges you drop down on the blocks. You can hold the touchpad button down to bring yourself to a stop on the ice. Puzzle Piece 2/4 – In this same pinball area, knock out the 6 bowling pin enemies around the center bumper to make this puzzle piece appear.

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 Astro’s jaunt 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.

The first two new levels launched on February 13 and 20, and a new level is to be added weekly until March 13. After completing all DLC levels, a new game mode called Time Attack will be available as well. It is unclear whether Astro’s Playroom will get more updates in the future, but it is likely that Astro Bot will, considering its incredible success.

Two of these levels involve regular platforming whereas the other two involve a special power-up suit which makes use of the DualSense controller’s capabilities. Another example is the ball suit in which the player must swipe the touchpad to guide the ball. If Astro Bot falls or gets defeated, the level will restart from the latest checkpoint cleared. For starters, the load times are super-fast thanks to the SSD so getting into and out of levels never has you waiting. Even better is that if you find that you missed some collectibles and want to go back to get them then pulling up the Activities menu will give you options to instantly jump to where you need to go.

Up Next: All Trophies

Following Astro’s Playroom (2020), it is the fifth overall installment in the Astro Bot series and marks Team Asobi’s first game developed since its separation from Japan Studio. Astro’s Playroom was the final game released by Japan Studio before their dissolution in April 2021. Team Asobi was formally spun-off into an independent studio within Sony’s PlayStation Studios in June 2021. A full-length sequel, Astro Bot, was announced on May 30, 2024, and was released for the PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2024. As someone that has owned and loved every single PlayStation console from the PS1 to the PS Vita and PS4, it was an absolute treat to play Astro’s Playroom.

They were also much less expensive to manufacture, making it less of a risk to make a small run of games, bolstering the number of more experimental and niche releases on the system. Coins are very common in Astro’s Playroom, and are used as currency. Specifically, they’re used in the PlayStation Labo area to be spent in the Gatcha minigame.

Here you’ll see a Bot with a triangular object on its head pulling a hapless victim. This is Pyramid Head from 2001’s Silent Hill 2 on PS2, developed by Team Silen in Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. Pyramid Head is a manifestation of the protagonist James Sunderland’s guilt and want for punishment. After first using the Hang Glider, check the side of the column on the left side of the landing zone to see a Bot walking on a wall. This references Kat of Gravity Rush, released on PSVita in 2012 and developed by SIE Japan Studio. As should be evident, Kat has the ability to change the direction of gravity.

The PS5 launched on November 12, and we’ve compiled GameSpot’s console and game reviews in one place so you can make a purchasing decision. From G28 to third-party hits, the PS5’s library is full of great games. I have never seen any of the so called ‘issues’ they keep talking about while playing – all I see is a generally better, more detailed image quality, that often far surpasses other upscalers. The difference is often smaller when standing still, and far greater when moving. @Froggydarren I have been watching DF reviews for a long time now, and still find their framerate analysis to be a god send as anything much less than locked 60fps makes me feel ill – literally. I always thought they missed a big trick here, and should have had Astro bot (the game) reveal the look of the Pro at the end of the game – via some sort of super power up for the mothership.