Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5’s Features & Capabilities

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and uncovering secrets, I can wholeheartedly say that Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a gem that truly showcases the potential of immersive gaming experiences. The game’s unique features, such as the intuitive use of triggers for enhanced gameplay and the innovative controller speakers, really make you feel like you’re part of the adventure.


In 2020, the PS5 made its debut during a time when people were searching for fresh distractions. The console’s launch lineup featured several games like the remake of “Demon’s Souls”, “Sackboy: A Big Adventure”, “Godfall”, and more. However, one game that truly shone among them was included free with each console – a quick download entitled “Astro’s Playroom“.

Fresh off the success of the PSVR game starring Astro Bot titled “Astro Bot Rescue Mission”, came a new journey – “Astro’s Playroom“. This mini-platforming adventure offered more than just showcasing the latest features of the PS5, such as lightning-fast load times and enhanced haptic feedback. Now, years later, “Astro Bot” is back to put the PS5’s capabilities to the test even further, and here are some examples of what you can expect.

6 The Motion Controls

From Flying Your Controller Ship To Flipping Robots

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

In creating this game, it appears that Team Asobi particularly enjoyed working with motion controls. A prime demonstration of this is evident upon entering each level where players are able to steer their controller like a spaceship, gathering coins and puzzle pieces in the game Astro Bot. Additionally, when players save bots within stages, they can give them a little boost, which may not affect gameplay but certainly adds an enjoyable spectacle.

In the game ‘Astro Bot’, you’ll encounter instances where the motion controls add depth to your experience. For instance, tilting the controller allows your character to climb steep cliffs with the Monkey power-up. Additionally, these tilt controls can manipulate platforms, making them bend to your command and directing elements like water down a slope. There are numerous such examples, but if you find motion controls annoying, you can opt to control all motion-based abilities using the left analog stick instead.

5 The Rumble Feature

Feel The Weight Of Puzzles

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

Among the three contemporary console controllers (Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5), it’s the rumble features in the PS5 controller that offer the most immersive experience. Whether you’re playing a game where the main character is running through leaves or snow, you’ll feel that resistance as you navigate, enhancing your involvement in the gameplay. This tactile feedback serves to engage players more deeply in their activities.

It’s so much more than that though as the rumble feature can also solve puzzles. For example, some tiles hide hidden passages and the rumble feature will clue players into which one to hit and these tiles are quite prevalent throughout the entirety. Az-Tech Trail is an early level example in Astro Bot which feels like a forgotten stage in an Uncharted game.

4 The Adaptive Triggers

From Shooting Guns To Blowing Fans

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

The R2 and L2 buttons on this controller are worth more attention than just their standard vibration functions. Players often feel a sense of tension when they need to pull a lever or squeeze something using the triggers, especially in areas like the Crash Site’s HUB World in Astro Bot. It’s incredibly gratifying when you can grab a Gashapon machine with one trigger and then obliterate the ball that you’ve pulled out with the other.

In the game “Astro Bot’s Lost Galaxy”, one of the secret stages players can discover early on is called Fan Club. Unlike other levels, this stage doesn’t provide any power-ups. Instead, the triggers in the controller are used to manipulate fans scattered throughout the level. Pressing the triggers causes the fans to lock into position, while letting go of them sets the fans spinning again to propel Astro Bot skyward. There are other instances where triggers play a role, such as with the gun from the “Uncharted” Hero stage, but essentially, the triggers enhance the overall gameplay experience.

3 The Sound

Listen To Bots Nearby

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary audio elements in this game, from the immersive effects to the captivating soundtrack. Each stage comes alive under the influence of its music, and it reaches a crescendo when we fans are battling formidable foes like Mighty Chewy in Astro Bot. The soundtrack enhances the gaming experience, but it’s not so much a testament to the PS5 as it is a unique feature that enriches the game itself.

In the game, the controller’s speakers serve as a useful example since stray bots can frequently be detected from afar within the game controller. Using headphones would further facilitate their search. Additionally, players can imitate wind sounds by blowing into the controller, which can activate turbines in certain levels. This might be more about motion support than sound support, but it’s still significant in Astro Bot. It’s worth noting that while the controller’s sound capabilities are relatively basic compared to other PS5 features, they remain important for this specific game.

2 Capturing Moments For Later

How To Unlock Photo Mode

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

Native screenshot and video capturing has been a feature since the PS4 and Xbox One era, and it’s only improved in the current generation for those who want to preserve game moments, whether still images or videos. Notably, the game Astro Bot includes a photo mode, but players must first gather Puzzle Pieces to unlock it. Once unlocked, they can use the D-Pad to initiate the camera.

In certain stages of the game, you’ll find photo booths that reward additional coins when you snap a picture using your in-game camera. Additionally, it’s enjoyable to record special moments at the Crash Site, especially when you’ve unlocked extra features for the rescued VIP bots via the Gashapon system. For instance, players might capture Mr. Mosquito, from his own game, attacking Astro Bot while the latter is relaxing in a bathtub. Capturing such amusing moments represents a small triumph within the game.

1 Jumping Into A Level

Does Anyone Remember This Feature?

Ways Astro bot Takes Advantage Of The PS5's Features & Capabilities

During its reveal in 2020, the PS5 showcased various features, one of them being the potential to join unfinished levels or side quests. Sony explained that this feature was optional for developers and publishers to implement. Notably, a game demonstrated was “Sackboy: A Big Adventure“, which aligned with its level-centric gameplay.

It’s also beneficial for Astro Bot because there are many levels, some of which are quite challenging. You can start playing from any level directly from the PS5 home screen without navigating through menus, making the gaming experience swift and efficient. Remember this feature as it’s a common aspect in most PS5 games.

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2024-09-11 11:05