Astro Bot (PSVR) Review Thread

LifeLine · Oct 1, 2018

The Reviews

Astro Bot Rescue Mission claims our first 10 out of 10 because it's full of smart VR game design, and plays plays to the platform's strengths while avoiding its weaknesses. In addition to having the right amount of content to leave the player with a truly satisfying experience, it's hard to imagine many ways in which the game could have been better made.

RoadToVR: 10/10

If Firewall Zero Hour is PSVR's answer to multiplayer – Astro Bot Rescue Mission is its answer to single player. This game is so fun and accessible it will likely sell PSVR units, it's just that good.

ShaneTheGamer: 4/5

It's a refreshing reminder of just how astonishing VR can be when there's nothing in your way, and it's an absolutely essential experience for any PSVR owner.

UploadVR: 8.5/10

In years to come, as VR technology advances, we're sure Astro Bot will end up looking as primitive and restrictive as Super Mario 64 does now but it won't ever stop being fun.

Metro: 9/10

Stunning presentation elevated by insanely good animation ensure that you always feel present in the release's virtual world, while tight controls and genuinely clever level design will keep you engaged. This is the kind of game that will leave you beaming long after you've taken the headset off – and we can't give it higher praise than that.

PushSquare: 9/10

Astro Bot Rescue Mission, like its titular hero, gets the job done. Although the general tone is low key at all times, there's very rarely any lows to speak of. It's polished and responsive, it just plays it safe with its subdued level design, relying on the VR "wow" factor a bit too often.

Destructoid: 7.5/10

If "Super Mario 64" is the first 3D platformer showing the possibility of 3D games, "ASTRO BOT: RESCUE MISSION" should remain in history as a game that opened the future of VR.

IGN Japan: 10/10

While Astro Bot Rescue Mission isn't quite as charming as Moss, or as superbly crafted as Mario Odyssey, it is a great old-school platformer for the VR era, bringing some of the best features of both 2D and 3D platformers of old and incorporating VR in a way that doesn't feel awkward. This is a fun, lighthearted way to spend some time in VR, and worth checking out.

VRFocus: 4/5

Best. VR game. Ever.

VideoChums: 9.2/10

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission looks incredible in VR. When I said this was one of the best VR game's I've played I wasn't exaggerating.

PSU: 9.5/10

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a delightful PSVR platforming adventure. It's easily one of the best VR platformers out there, and is an excellent addition to any PSVR library. Its fun, lighthearted tone mixes with fantastic platforming game design to create a game that VR fans won't want to miss.

Attack of the Fanboy: 9/10

I feel comfortable in saying that this is a PSVR killer app and there's no reason to sit on this.

Dark Station: 10/10

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is an extremely fun and engaging game, and a dynamite addition to the growing PSVR library. At $39.99, it is an absolute bargain for what you get here. Once you start playing you will find it hard to stop. Games like these are the reason why I love PlayStation VR as much as I do. It's a simple concept that works on so many levels here. If you have a PSVR system, Definitely check this one out, I can't recommend it enough!

Gaming Age: 10/10

The Aggregate Scores

Metacritic: 90

The Question: Is it VR's Mario 64 Moment?

The music contains fun, plucky riffs you would expect from a modern Sonic or Mario title

There are other reasons to make the comparison, but the one thing we keep coming back to is the first time we played Super Mario 64; that magical moment when gaming went from 2D to 3D in one sudden, mind-blowing leap. Astro Bot isn't quite as good as Nintendo's classic, and there have been plenty of quality VR titles before this, but it still feels like the same sort of milestone.

The best comparison for Astro Bot is probably Super Mario Sunshine

Although it is cheeky how much Sony's Japan Studio steals from various Mario games

In years to come, as VR technology advances, we're sure Astro Bot will end up looking as primitive and restrictive as Super Mario 64 does now but it won't ever stop being fun.

Most enemy characters look or behave like classic Mario critters

Sony finally produced a 3D platformer comparable to Mario.

If "Super Mario 64" is the first 3D platformer showing the possibility of 3D games, "ASTRO BOT: RESCUE MISSION" should remain in history as a game that opened the future of VR.

Astro Bot is simply as close to Mario as you can get.

The comparisons to Nintendo's flagship series is apt because it really does have the look, feel, and smart design as some of the best Mario adventures on the market.

If there is one game that can compete against the Mario juggernaut, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is that game.

Team Asobi, the creative minds behind The Playroom and The Playroom VR, have worked their creative magic to create an unlikely spiritual successor to great games, like Sonic The Hedgehog and the 3D Mario games Sunshine (fight me) and Galaxy.

unlock boss doors at the end of any given world (similarly to games like Mario 64)

Heck, I even enjoyed it slightly more than Super Mario Odyssey, believe it or not.

This mechanic reminded me of the original Super Mario Bros. because you couldn't move back in that either.

The overall aesthetic is cartoonish and colourful, bringing to mind some of the 3D Mario titles, such as the recent Mario Odyssey. The smooth flow and satisfying platform action, meanwhile, favour Mario's eternal rival, Sonic with some of the faster-paced platform and running segments resembling some of Sonic's better 3D outings, such as Sonic Colours.

While Astro Bot Rescue Mission isn't quite as charming as Moss, or as superbly crafted as Mario Odyssey, it is a great old-school platformer for the VR era

This setup has all the gravitas of a Super Mario Brothers game

Oh heck, I'll come out and say it: Rescue Mission is the closest PlayStation owners will get to a game like Super Mario Odyssey.

I wanted this to last forever like Super Mario Odyssey.

I know I've been referring to the Mario games so much but that's really the best way to convey how much of a fantastic platformer Rescue Mission is.

Dr. Lucien Sanchez · Oct 1, 2018

Can't wait until tomorrow.

Mechaplum · Oct 1, 2018

Alright here we go!

v_iHuGi · Oct 1, 2018

Expecting strong reviews.

kowalski · Oct 1, 2018

Metro GameCentral: 9
IGN Japan: 10

ekim · Oct 1, 2018

Metro.co.uk gave it a 9/10 calling it the best VR game ever.

Martl · Oct 1, 2018

Dr. Lucien Sanchez said:
Can't wait until tomorrow.

For some reasons in europe the game is releasing on thursday. Hopefully my copy will arrive earlier.

Acquiescence · Oct 1, 2018

Metro can be harsh bastards at the best of times and they've called it the "best VR game ever."

https://metro.co.uk/2018/10/01/astro-bot-rescue-mission-review-a-new-reality-for-gaming-7994936/

get2sammyb · Oct 1, 2018

My review is live. 9/10. It's absolutely outstanding:

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is an imaginative and innovative platformer which plays to the strengths of PlayStation VR and delivers an immersive experience that isn't easy to forget. Stunning presentation elevated by insanely good animation ensure that you always feel present in the release's virtual world, while tight controls and genuinely clever level design will keep you engaged. This is the kind of game that will leave you beaming long after you've taken the headset off – and we can't give it higher praise than that.

http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/astro_bot_rescue_mission

I'm happy to answer questions if anyone has any.

Planet · Oct 1, 2018

https://uploadvr.com/astro-bot-rescue-mission-review/

Final Score – 8.5/10 – Great

Astro Bot is not here to reinvent the wheel or claim the throne as VR's killer app; there are enough games trying to do that already. Instead, it fuzes the thrill of seeing a virtual world come to life with the dependably engaging gameplay of one of gaming's most beloved genres and explores what that can mean with fascinating results. It's a refreshing reminder of just how astonishing VR can be when there's nothing in your way, and it's an absolutely essential experience for any PSVR owner.

dose · Oct 1, 2018

LifeLine said:
ShaneTheGamer: 4/10

4 out of 10? 4 out of 5 I think you mean :)

Heckler456 · Oct 1, 2018

LifeLine said:
ShaneTheGamer: 4/10

That's a 4/5 I think.

RoboPlato · Oct 1, 2018

That second quote doesn't seem to match a 4/10 score

Sedated · Oct 1, 2018

LifeLine said:
ShaneTheGamer: 4/10

I think that is 4/5 not 10 lol

DangerMouse · Oct 1, 2018

I need it.
Can't wait till my copy gets here.

SpecDot · Oct 1, 2018

get2sammyb said:
My review is live. 9/10. It's absolutely outstanding:

http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/astro_bot_rescue_mission

I'm happy to answer questions if anyone has any.

So is this VRs Mario 64 moment or nah?

Y2Kev · Oct 1, 2018

"IT'S GREAT. 4/10!"

Kaako · Oct 1, 2018

Got it downloaded and ready to play when it unlocks in 13 hours or so! Am so fucking excited to finally play this baby. :)

Planet · Oct 1, 2018

https://www.vrfocus.com/2018/10/review-astro-bot-rescue-mission/

Score: 4/5

While Astro Bot Rescue Mission isn't quite as charming as Moss, or as superbly crafted as Mario Odyssey, it is a great old-school platformer for the VR era, bringing some of the best features of both 2D and 3D platformers of old and incorporating VR in a way that doesn't feel awkward. This is a fun, lighthearted way to spend some time in VR, and worth checking out.

DionardoLicaprio · Oct 1, 2018

"Astro Bot's campaign clocks in at around 8-10 hours if you're not just zipping through the Levels, but if you manage to find a hidden chameleon camouflaged into the environment of each Level, an independent challenge Level is unlocked afterwards for you to attempt.

If Firewall Zero Hour is PSVR's answer to multiplayer – Astro Bot Rescue Mission is its answer to single player. This game is so fun and accessible it will likely sell PSVR units, it's just that good."

8 hours is more than I thought it would be, it's what I would want, I might have to pick this game.

Mercenary09 · Oct 1, 2018

Told people this game was going to be very good. Looking forward to getting mine tomorrow.

bombshell · Oct 1, 2018

dose said:
4 out of 10? 4 out of 5 I think you mean :)

I was about to say, that quote didn't read like 4/10 lol and yeah it's 4/5.

iamandy · Oct 1, 2018

The lack of mainstream coverage is really sad =/

Loudninja · Oct 1, 2018

Video Chums 9.2
https://videochums.com/review/astro-bot-rescue-mission

Destuctoid 7.5
https://www.destructoid.com/review-astro-bot-rescue-mission-524402.phtml

Deleted member 21709 · Oct 1, 2018

Sedated said:
I think that is 4/5 not 10 lol

It is, 4/5

Martl · Oct 1, 2018

Reviews looking good!

Betty · Oct 1, 2018

Wow, scores as good as Assassin's Creed so far, impressive.

Kazuma Kiryu · Oct 1, 2018

4/10? So much for that VR Mario 64 moment.

Liam Allen-Miller · Oct 1, 2018

Whoa damn! Not sure if anyone has expressed this before, but it sort of feels like the Mario 64 of VR!

Bunkles · Oct 1, 2018

Kazuma Kiryu said:
4/10? So much for that VR Mario 64 moment.

It's a typo and congrats on the predictable Mario 64 callout.

v_iHuGi · Oct 1, 2018

Kazuma Kiryu said:
4/10? So much for that VR Mario 64 moment.

4/5.

DaveB · Oct 1, 2018

Oh man... After playing Robot Rescue in Playroom VR, the first thing I said was "I want a whole game around this." That dream comes true tomorrow. CANNOT WAIT!

bombshell · Oct 1, 2018

PlayStation Universe: 9.5/10

Easily the best platformer and PS VR game on the market this year. Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is a showcase to how VR should be utilized moving forward. Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is a must buy.

RockmanBN · Oct 1, 2018

Caio Loco said:
The lack of mainstream coverage is really sad =/

If mainstream consumers ain't buyin VR, then they ain't reading VR articles either.

DangerMouse · Oct 1, 2018

Hell yeah!

Neat · Oct 1, 2018

bombshell said:
PlayStation Universe: 9.5/10

NEAT

Bigkrev · Oct 1, 2018

I have so many sealed VR games right now- The Inpaitent, Summer Lesson, and ZOE2.
Part of me wants to buy this to support VR, but I know that by the time I am actually ready to play this, It will probably have gone on sale several times
:/

tommy7154 · Oct 1, 2018

I fucking knew this looked special. Not even into VR but I saw a few screens and videos and immediately wanted to play it.

Good for them!

get2sammyb · Oct 1, 2018

SpecDot said:
So is this VRs Mario 64 moment or nah?

Haha, no. I know what he meant with those tweets, but I already felt like I had my "Mario 64" moment with VR the very first time I used it.

Acquiescence · Oct 1, 2018

Four months ago, who would've thought this game would score around the same ballpark as Spider-Man.

Kimaris · Oct 1, 2018

Kazuma Kiryu said:
4/10? So much for that VR Mario 64 moment.

Oh, I see you couldn't wait to get in your misinformed drive by. How sad.

apocat · Oct 1, 2018

My preorder shipped early considering the european release date, I'm looking forward to playing the best 4/10 game ever tomorrow!

It's just a shame that none of the bigger outlets even seem to care.

Possumowner · Oct 1, 2018

Oh boy looking forward to this,great reviews...VR needs more quality games like this

Memento · Oct 1, 2018

Wow, every game is having great reviews

GAMING GOLDEN AGE CONFIRMED

King_Moc · Oct 1, 2018

If metro are making the Mario 64 comparison, then that guy from the other day is redeemed.

janusff · Oct 1, 2018

Seems great!

Deleted member 14080 · Oct 1, 2018

Excellent! Looking forward to it.

CrazyAndy · Oct 1, 2018

Great scores and my next VR game.

Wowfunhappy · Oct 1, 2018

Is this a fully Sony-funded title or is it likely to come to other platforms at some point?

janusff · Oct 1, 2018

Wowfunhappy said:
Is this a fully Sony-funded title or is it likely to come to other platforms at some point?

It'll stay a PSVR exclusive

Astro Bot (PSVR) Review Thread

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