Astro Bot

Astro Bot is a 3D platformer where the player controls the title character, a small robot named Astro, through the use of the DualSense controller. Astro's move set is identical to his previous incarnations from Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro's Playroom, maintaining his ability to jump, hover, punch, and spin-attack (the ability to swim underwater also makes a return from Astro Bot Rescue Mission, having previously been absent in Astro's Playroom).{{Cite web |last=Turi |first=Tim |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Astro Bot hands-on report |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/06/12/astro-bot-hands-on-report/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728190344/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/06/12/astro-bot-hands-on-report/ |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Doucet |first=Nicolas |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Astro Bot pre-order begins June 7, features PaRappa Lovestruck Lyricist outfit and more |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/06/06/astro-bot-pre-order-begins-june-7-features-parappa-lovestruck-lyricist-outfit-and-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804042441/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/06/06/astro-bot-pre-order-begins-june-7-features-parappa-lovestruck-lyricist-outfit-and-more/ |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |url-status=live }}

The base game has 90 levels, split across six galaxies and 60 planets. Each level falls under three different difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The main story levels (dubbed "playful stages") primarily fall under the easy & normal difficulties, whereas the optional challenge stages (dubbed "complex stages") fall mainly under the hard difficulty. Each level also contains a difficulty indicator, which is highlighted before entering the level. Both playful and complex stages are said to arrive following the game's release in the form of post-launch downloadable content (DLC).{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Rebecca |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Speed Run Stages Return as Post-Launch DLC |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/08/29/astro-bot-speed-run-dlc-stages/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829211750/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/08/29/astro-bot-speed-run-dlc-stages/ |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Sinha |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Has 3 Difficulty Levels, Hard Stages Revealed |url=https://gamingbolt.com/astro-bot-has-3-difficulty-levels-hard-stages-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727061749/https://gamingbolt.com/astro-bot-has-3-difficulty-levels-hard-stages-revealed |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Gaming Bolt |language=en |url-status=live}} Traversal between the galaxies and levels is achieved through the "Dual Speeder"; a spaceship shaped like a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. The Dual Speeder is controlled by holding down the analog triggers and physically tilting the DualSense. It can also move around freely on the level selection screen, where it can collide with incoming asteroids and unlock some of the game's optional stages and collect some of the game's puzzle pieces.{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Iain WilsonContributions from Grace Dean last |date=2024-09-05 |title=How to find all Astro Bot collectibles, including Bots, Puzzle Pieces, and Warps |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/astro-bot-collectibles-bots-puzzle-pieces-warps/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123015052/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/astro-bot-collectibles-bots-puzzle-pieces-warps/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=gamesradar |language=en |url-status=live }}

Similar to Astro Bot Rescue Mission, every level contains a set number of Bots that Astro has to rescue, ranging from seven Bots in the main platformer levels to only one or two Bots in the boss fights and challenge levels.{{Cite news |last=Donlan |first=Christian |date=2024-09-05 |title=Astro Bot review - a wildly generous delight |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/astro-bot-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123015746/https://www.eurogamer.net/astro-bot-review |archive-date=2025-01-23 |access-date=2024-12-31 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |url-status=live}} Each world also requires the player to collect a certain number of Bots before progressing onward. 327 Bots can be rescued and recruited in total: 301 in the base game, 22 via free DLC,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/astro-bot-every-dlc-bot-added-since-launch |title=Astro Bot - Every DLC Bot Added Since Launch - IGN |date=2024-12-25 |language=en |access-date=2024-12-31 |via=www.ign.com}} and 4 obtainable through missions in the free-to-play predecessor Astro's Playroom.{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Sinha |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Has Over 300 Bots to Rescue; No Multiplayer or In-Game Purchases |url=https://gamingbolt.com/astro-bot-has-over-300-bots-to-rescue-no-multiplayer-or-in-game-purchases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727062356/https://gamingbolt.com/astro-bot-has-over-300-bots-to-rescue-no-multiplayer-or-in-game-purchases |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Gaming Bolt |language=en |url-status=live}} Unlike in Rescue Mission, "V.I.P. Bots" (collectible Bots which reference various PlayStation characters in their visual appearance and behavior) can also be rescued and recruited. There are over 150 unique V.I.P. Bots, with more expected to be included alongside free DLC levels.{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Vikki |date=June 2, 2024 |title=Astro Bot will feature "over 150 iconic" PlayStation-inspired cameos |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/astro-bot-will-feature-over-150-iconic-playstation-inspired-cameos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728171458/https://www.eurogamer.net/astro-bot-will-feature-over-150-iconic-playstation-inspired-cameos |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Eurogamer |language=en |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Will Get Free Post-Launch DLC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/astro-bot-will-get-free-post-launch-dlc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727062841/https://www.ign.com/articles/astro-bot-will-get-free-post-launch-dlc |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |language=en |url-status=live}} Many of the "deep cut" Bot characters from PlayStation's history are rescuable in the game's challenge levels.{{Cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |date=June 17, 2024 |title=Interview: The Making of Astro Bot, the PS5's Next Great Exclusive |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/features/interview-the-making-of-astro-bot-the-ps5s-next-great-exclusive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804044203/https://www.pushsquare.com/features/interview-the-making-of-astro-bot-the-ps5s-next-great-exclusive |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=PushSquare |url-status=live }} The likeness of each of the V.I.P. Bots originate from both Sony Interactive Entertainment franchises and franchises owned by third-parties by the likes of Activision, Arc System Works, Argonaut Software, Atlus, Bandai Namco Entertainment, BlueTwelve Studio, Capcom, Crystal Dynamics, Ember Lab, Koei Tecmo, Konami, Mediatonic, Oddworld Inhabitants, Polyarc, SHIFT UP Corperation, Sega, THA LTD, Team17, Ubisoft, and Young Horses.{{Cite web |last=F.L |first=Julián |date=2024-11-15 |title=Astro Bot adds more third-party characters to its credits - will they appear in future DLC levels? |url=https://www.destructoid.com/astro-bot-adds-more-third-party-characters-to-its-credits-will-they-appear-in-future-dlc-levels/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}}

Five of the game's levels are based heavily on classic PlayStation franchises, which in turn, each represent previous PlayStation consoles – namely Ape Escape (PlayStation), God of War (PlayStation 2),{{Efn|While the God of War franchise originated on the PlayStation 2, the era which is represented in Astro Bot is the Norse era, which is more associated with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.}} Uncharted (PlayStation 3), LocoRoco (PlayStation Portable), and Horizon (PlayStation 4). These levels allow the player to utilize the abilities of the heroes of these PlayStation franchises, such as Spike's Monkey Net being the forefront of the Ape Escape-themed level and or Kratos' Leviathan Axe in the God of War-themed level.{{Cite web |last=Doucet |first=Nicolas |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Meet Astro Bot's new monkey friend and go behind-the-scenes with Team Asobi |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/08/30/meet-astro-bots-new-monkey-friend-and-go-behind-the-scenes-with-team-asobi/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901212111/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/08/30/meet-astro-bots-new-monkey-friend-and-go-behind-the-scenes-with-team-asobi/ |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |access-date=September 1, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |url-status=live}}

File:Astro Bot Arm Abilty.png

Astro has access to 15 new abilities, which attach to him and enhance both his traversal and combative capabilities. Some of these new abilities include Barkster the Bulldog Booster (granting Astro the ability to air-dash through enemies and terrain), the Twin-Frog Gloves (allowing Astro to punch enemies from a distance and swing/slingshot off surfaces painted red), and Handy-D the Monkey (allowing Astro to climb on banana-shaped climbing holds, throw rocks at enemies and slam the ground). The boss battles present at the end of each galaxy are fought with the help of these abilities.{{Cite web |last=Doucet |first=Nicolas |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Astro Bot arrives on PS5 September 6 |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/05/30/astro-bot-arrives-on-ps5-september-6/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727063045/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/05/30/astro-bot-arrives-on-ps5-september-6/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |language=en |url-status=live}}

The game provides a selection of accessibility settings, which include granting the player the option to play the game with a single analog stick (with camera controls instead coming from a single button press), support for the PlayStation Access controller, and the option to disable the gyro controls, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. A bluebird helper may also be purchased, helping the player uncover any Bots or puzzle pieces which they might have missed on their first attempt at the level. The bluebird helper is available at the beginning of each level, only being available from the second attempt of a level onward.{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Andy |date=August 8, 2024 |title='Astro Bot' Ups The Challenge But Stays Approachable For Families |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2024/08/08/astro-bot-ups-the-challenge-but-stays-approachable-for-families/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809004124/https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2024/08/08/astro-bot-ups-the-challenge-but-stays-approachable-for-families/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Forbes |url-status=live }}

All of the Bots that have been collected can be viewed in a centralized hub world called the Crash Site, where they can be viewed and interacted with; many V.I.P. Bots will perform special actions when Astro punches them, such as the Bot based on Ratchet from Ratchet & Clank dropping all of his Bolts and scrambling to pick them back up.{{Cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=June 17, 2024 |title=Inside the making of Astro Bot |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/inside-the-making-of-astro-bot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727063940/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/inside-the-making-of-astro-bot |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=GamesIndustry |language=en |url-status=live}} The Crash Site also contains hidden puzzle pieces, Bots, and secret companions, many of which require help from a certain amount of rescued Bots. Collecting puzzle pieces throughout the game unlocks the Gatcha{{Efn|Stylization of the word "Gacha"}} Lab (where Astro can spend coins to unlock collectibles and special items for V.I.P. Bots to interact with), the Dual Speeder garage and Astro's outfit collection (where Astro can repaint his speeder or change outfits), and the Safari Park (where Astro can view and interact with various robotic animals, as well as unlock Photo Mode).

Collecting every puzzle piece and 300 Bots grants access to one final level called the "Great Master Challenge", which is overly difficult and only accessible from the Crash Site. Completing this level rewards the player with a V.I.P. Bot based on Chop Chop Master Onion from PaRappa the Rapper, a Dual Speeder skin based on the original PlayStation console, and an 8-bit Astro costume called the "Throwback Outfit".

Astro, the robot captain of a mothership resembling the PlayStation 5 console, and his crew of Bots are exploring space when a green alien named Space Bully Nebulax attacks them and rips out the mothership's CPU. An unconscious Astro and the mothership crash-land onto a desert planet while his crew and the mothership's core systems are scattered across the universe.

Astro is revived by his Dual Speeder, a smaller spaceship resembling the DualSense controller, and together they begin reactivating satellites and exploring galaxies to rescue the crew and rebuild the mothership. The crew helps Astro gain access to Nebulax's minions, whom he defeats and recovers mothership parts from - the system memory from Mighty Chewy the gorilla, the solid state drive from Wako Tako the octopus, the graphics processing unit from Lady Venomara the snake, the cooling fan from Mecha Leon the chameleon, and the ship covers from Falcon McFly the bird. Along the way, he rescues V.I.P. Bots (guest characters from other games) and explores planets based on Ape Escape, God of War, Uncharted, LocoRoco, and Horizon.

Once all parts save for the CPU have been recovered, Astro and his crew board ships based on older PlayStation hardware and form the "PlaySquadron" to take the fight to Nebulax, who has been harassing the helpless CPU throughout the game. Astro recovers the CPU, but when he and his crew defeat Nebulax by blowing up the spaceship he is attached to, it creates a black hole that begins to suck Nebulax in. Nebulax grabs Astro to try to take him down with him, but the crew take hold of Astro to try to pull him back. Refusing to let the crew sacrifice themselves for him, Astro lets go of them and falls into the black hole, which explodes into a supernova.

The crew mourns Astro and sad credits begin to roll, but are interrupted by a broken Astro falling back onto the mothership. Several Bots from the crew find replacement parts and help the mothership's repair systems rebuild their captain, who springs back to life. The crew celebrates with a revived Astro, who departs once more on his Dual Speeder before the credits start to roll again.

Once the actual credits finish rolling, a badly beaten Nebulax and his minions are seen floating through space; they threaten the player, but are sent flying by the sudden appearance of the words "THE END".

{{multiple image |total_width=325

|image1=Nicolas Doucet - Game Developers Conference 2025 - 07 (cropped).jpg

|image2=Masayuki Yamada - Game Developers Choice Awards 2025 - 04 (cropped).jpg

|footer=Astro Bot director Nicolas Doucet (left) and gameplay programming lead Masayuki Yamada (right)}}

Development of Astro Bot started almost immediately after Astro's Playroom was completed, and took roughly three years with a development team of around 60 people. It is reportedly the largest game that Team Asobi has developed.{{Cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |date=June 13, 2024 |title=How Astro Bot went from tech demo to PlayStation superstar |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/how-astro-bot-went-from-tech-demo-to-playstation-superstar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727063611/https://venturebeat.com/games/how-astro-bot-went-from-tech-demo-to-playstation-superstar/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=VentureBeat |language=en |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Astro Bot: How Team Asobi has turned Playroom into a galaxy-sized sequel |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/astro-bot-how-team-asobi-has-turned-playroom-into-a-galaxy-sized-sequel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727063510/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/astro-bot-how-team-asobi-has-turned-playroom-into-a-galaxy-sized-sequel/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en |url-status=live}} Unlike its predecessors Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro's Playroom, Astro Bot was named without any subtitle proceeding it. Nicolas Doucet, the creative director and producer of Astro Bot, stated the reasoning behind this was to signify a new beginning for the Astro Bot series.{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=May 30, 2024 |title=First full-fledged Astro Bot game blasts into the PlayStation multiverse (exclusive) |url=https://ew.com/astro-bot-2024-game-playstation-cameos-exclusive-8655347 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728173910/https://ew.com/astro-bot-2024-game-playstation-cameos-exclusive-8655347 |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |url-status=live }}

In an interview with Edge magazine, Doucet stated that he and Team Asobi considered giving the game an open world structure, but ultimately decided on focusing more on a level-based structure instead. He notes that the reason behind this decision was "because that was the one that gave us the most control over the game's variety."{{Cite web |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Astro Bot almost went open-world, but opted for 80 planets instead because that led to "the most control over the game's variety". |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/astro-bot-almost-went-open-world-but-opted-for-80-planets-instead-because-that-led-to-the-most-control-over-the-games-variety/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727064402/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/astro-bot-almost-went-open-world-but-opted-for-80-planets-instead-because-that-led-to-the-most-control-over-the-games-variety/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |url-status=live}} To make the game accessible for gamers of all skill levels, the difficulty of each of Astro Bot{{'}}s levels were put into great consideration. The main levels were designed to be relatively easy, allowing anyone to beat the game regardless of their skill level. The optional levels, meanwhile, were designed to be much more difficult as a way of satisfying the more experienced gaming crowd.

Alongside the platforming, several additions were made to the background and environmental details present in each of the levels. The overhauled game engine allows for significant improvements in both the visuals and physics and over 70 unique species of wildlife (which include polar bears, elephants, and small insects).{{Cite web |last=Corey |first=Brotherson |date=August 26, 2024 |title=The evolution of Astro Bot's adorable character design |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/08/26/the-evolution-of-astro-bots-adorable-character-design/?sf274395215=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829224630/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/08/26/the-evolution-of-astro-bots-adorable-character-design/?sf274395215=1 |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=van de Velde |first=Aernout |date=July 16, 2024 |title=PS5 Astro Bot is Around 12 to 15 Hours and Will Feature an Overhauled Game Engine |url=https://wccftech.com/astro-bot-length/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829225858/https://wccftech.com/astro-bot-length/ |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |website=Wccftech |url-status=live }}

Astro Bot is not playable on the PlayStation VR2, even though previous Team Asobi games featuring Astro (such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission and The Playroom VR) required the use of the PlayStation VR accessory to be played.{{Cite web |last=Higton |first=Ian |date=May 31, 2024 |title=It's hard to stay excited about the PlayStation VR2 if even Astro Bot won't wear one |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/its-hard-to-stay-excited-about-the-playstation-vr2-if-even-astro-bot-wont-wear-one |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728171701/https://www.eurogamer.net/its-hard-to-stay-excited-about-the-playstation-vr2-if-even-astro-bot-wont-wear-one |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |website=Eurogamer |language=en |url-status=live}} Doucet stated that Team Asobi had never considered developing a PlayStation VR2 game after finishing Astro's Playroom, instead opting to develop a larger scale version of the tech demo assuming that it was received well enough by the general public. He acknowledged that, while there are games that are playable in both VR and non-VR, this design philosophy could not work for an Astro Bot game, stating "for a game like Astro, if you were to make a VR version, it has to be fully designed for that medium. And if it's not a VR version, it has to be fully designed for that medium."{{Cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |date=June 12, 2024 |title=PS5's Astro Bot Doesn't Support PSVR2 Because It Was Never Designed to Do So |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/06/ps5s-astro-bot-doesnt-support-psvr2-because-it-was-never-designed-to-do-so |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801034007/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/06/ps5s-astro-bot-doesnt-support-psvr2-because-it-was-never-designed-to-do-so |archive-date=August 1, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=Push Square |url-status=live }} Doucet further corroborated this viewpoint in an interview with MinnMax, stating that developing a PSVR 2 version of Astro Bot would make it an entirely different game.{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=August 28, 2024 |title="No chance" of Astro Bot coming to PS VR2, says creative director |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/no-chance-of-astro-bot-coming-to-ps-vr2-says-creative-director |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828175524/https://www.eurogamer.net/no-chance-of-astro-bot-coming-to-ps-vr2-says-creative-director |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=Eurogamer |url-status=live}} He also noted in the same interview that a PC port was a possibility, should it be in high enough demand following the game's release.{{Cite web |last=Denzel |first=TJ |date=August 28, 2024 |title=Astro Bot's director wants PC port hopefuls to speak up & let PlayStation know |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/141195/astro-bot-director-pc-port |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828175805/https://www.shacknews.com/article/141195/astro-bot-director-pc-port |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=Shacknews |url-status=live}}

Astro Bot implements many of the DualSense controller's features in gameplay, particularly the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers. To make the most out of DualSense's features, Team Asobi formed a small group solely dedicated to getting as much out of the controller as possible. Doucet notes a few examples of these features, which included using the adaptive triggers to simulate squeezing water out of a sponge by changing its resistance level and using the haptic feedback to feel certain irregularities on a surface to uncover a hidden secret. Many features are first developed in isolation before the best ones become integrated into the main game (with the aforementioned sponge ability being one such example).

Each of Astro's abilities also utilize the DualSense controller's features heavily. Doucet notes the difference in how Astro's Playroom and Astro Bot went about implementing the DualSense abilities in gameplay, with the former segmenting the platforming and abilities into different sections, and the latter instead opting to integrate the abilities into the platforming gameplay. He also mentions that, because of the stronger emphasis on platforming during development, touchpad-related gameplay mechanics were utilized much less frequently. The reason for this, as stated by Doucet, was because using the touchpad requires the player to move their fingers away from the jump button, thus creating friction during gameplay.

File:Astro Bot Ensemble.png of God of War; Kulche of LocoRoco; Kratos of God of War; Spike of Ape Escape; Aloy of Horizon; and Nathan Drake of Uncharted.]]

Doucet has mentioned the significance of the V.I.P. Bots referencing prominent PlayStation IPs on multiple occasions. He and Team Asobi decided to "double down" from the number of cameos present in Astro's Playroom. One of the reasons behind this decision was how Astro Bot could be used as a generational bridge; a child wondering who a certain Bot is referencing could receive an explanation from their parent who had played the games previously.

One challenge that implementing the V.I.P. Bots presented was how the team had gone about representing these longstanding characters. Punching these Bots causes them to have a funny reaction and reference something specific from their respective games, a mechanic carried over from Astro's Playroom. Doucet noted that there's a balance between maintaining this aspect of humor present in the previous Astro games while simultaneously being respectful to the legacy of the characters they were "taking the piss and being funny with". Various PlayStation Studios studios, such as Santa Monica Studio and Naughty Dog, have responded positively to the implementation of their characters being represented as Bots.

Another challenge that came about from the V.I.P. Bots was how the large number of PlayStation and third-party characters and references present could overshadow the identity of Astro himself. Doucet said he and Team Asobi had considered not implementing any PlayStation branding in the upcoming game, instead allowing Astro to "stand on his own feet". Ultimately, he and Team Asobi decided against this, reasoning that fans of Astro's Playroom who enjoyed the PlayStation references would likely be disappointed if the sequel had done away with them entirely.

The design of the Bots was not always completely accurate to the source material they were referencing, with Doucet specifically noting that characters who had hair often had it replaced with vinyl. Doucet also said that the blue LED eyes present on the Bots were a huge element of their designs. Some Bots could not be accurately represented with LED eyes alone, due to their original designs heavily relying on eyes. To solve this issue, these Bots were provided full head masks, providing them with a shaped head more akin to the character they were referencing without significantly changing their anatomy.

There are a total of 190 V.I.P. Bots in Astro Bot. Aside from the Sony-owned franchises like Ratchet and Sackboy, many characters from third-party franchises with notable appearances on PlayStation consoles also appear as V.I.P. Bots.{{Cite web |title=Astro Bot – All Cameo Bots And Secret Characters List |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/astro-bot-all-cameo-bots-and-secret-characters-list/2900-5754/ |access-date=September 22, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}

Kenneth C. M. Young, having previously composed the music for Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro's Playroom, returned to compose the soundtrack for Astro Bot. This was first confirmed through a post from his Twitter account.{{Cite web |last=Taliby |first=Stephen |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Astro's Playroom Composer Kenny Young Returns for More Catchy Tunes in Astro Bot |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/05/astros-playroom-composer-kenny-young-returns-for-more-catchy-tunes-in-astro-bot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728171220/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/05/astros-playroom-composer-kenny-young-returns-for-more-catchy-tunes-in-astro-bot |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |website=Push Square |language=en |url-status=live}} The soundtrack was made available to listen on the game's release through the digital deluxe edition of the game, and was later released on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music on October 5, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-05 |title=Astro Bot's 87-song soundtrack is now available on streaming platforms |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/astro-bots-87-song-soundtrack-is-now-available-on-streaming-platforms/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}In addition to new music composed by Young, songs originating from The Playroom VR (2016), Astro Bot: Rescue Mission (2018) and Astro's Playroom (2020) are reused in several of the game's levels.

Young went into detail regarding the composition process in an interview with VGC. Unconventionally for a composer, Young was given a dev kit, allowing him to access an earlier build of the game to get inspiration for level songs. He described it as "really important, particularly for those levels where it’s not clear exactly what it needs".{{Cite web |last=says |first=WhichWord |date=2024-10-14 |title=‘Following the GPU song was terrifying’: Behind Astro Bot’s unforgettable soundtrack |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interviews/following-the-gpu-song-was-terrifying-behind-astro-bots-unforgettable-soundtrack/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}

Astro Bot also includes remixed versions of Greg Edmonson's themes from the Uncharted series, Bear McCreary's themes from God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022), Nobuyuki Shimizu and Kemmei Adachi's themes from LocoRoco (the two going uncredited), and Joris de Man and Niels van der Leest's themes from the Horizon series. These themes are used in levels based on their respective franchises. The track "Rising Blue Lightning" from Thunder Force V: Perfect System (1998), originally composed by Hyakutaro Tsukumo, is also used in the level "PlaySquadron Go!".{{Cite web |last=says |first=WhichWord |date=2024-10-14 |title='Following the GPU song was terrifying': Behind Astro Bot's unforgettable soundtrack |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interviews/following-the-gpu-song-was-terrifying-behind-astro-bots-unforgettable-soundtrack/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}

Astro Bot was announced on May 30, 2024, during Sony's State of Play livestream presentation. The game's release trailer and a behind-the-scenes video{{Efn|Four additional behind-the-scenes videos were released later.}} were showcased on the PlayStation YouTube channel on August 30, 2024. The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2024.{{Cite web |last=McAllister |first=Gillen |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Everything revealed in the May 2024 State of Play |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/05/30/everything-revealed-in-the-may-2024-state-of-play/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727064939/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/05/30/everything-revealed-in-the-may-2024-state-of-play/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |language=en |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=May 30, 2024 |title=New Astro Bot Game Revealed – State of Play 2024 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-astro-bot-game-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727065127/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-astro-bot-game-revealed |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |url-status=live}}

The 400th issue of Edge magazine features ten front cover variants, each highlighting a different V.I.P. Bot, such as Ratchet and Clank from their eponymous series and Aloy from the Horizon series.{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2024 |title=The 400th edition of Edge features ten unique Astro Bot cover designs |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/the-400th-edition-of-edge-features-ten-unique-astro-bot-cover-designs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727065512/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/the-400th-edition-of-edge-features-ten-unique-astro-bot-cover-designs/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |url-status=live}}

Three versions of the game are available for purchase, those being the digital standard edition, physical standard edition, and digital deluxe editions. Each of these versions also come with rewards for preordering the game. The digital standard version comes with an in-game outfit for Astro resembling the character PaRappa the Rapper, a Dual Speeder graffiti skin featuring a variety of different V.I.P. Bots, and two different PlayStation Network avatars: one featuring Astro and the other being a V.I.P. Bot referencing PaRappa.{{Efn|The physical standard edition contains a poster alongside all the pre-order rewards from the digital standard edition.}} The digital deluxe version, alongside featuring all of the rewards in the digital standard release, also adds two outfits (one is a golden outfit and the other references the Yharnam hunter from Bloodborne), two controller skins (one called 'Neon Dream' and the other 'Champion's Gold'), 10 PlayStation Network avatars (showcasing more renders of Astro and various V.I.P. Bots), and a download code for the official soundtrack and digital art gallery.

Kiosks featuring a playable demo of Astro Bot were present at Summer Game Fest, EVO, ChinaJoy, and PAX West.{{Cite web |last=Meija |first=Ozzie |date=July 20, 2024 |title=How Astro Bot gave us an unexpected EVO 2024 challenge |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/140641/astro-bot-evo-2024-preview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727065931/https://www.shacknews.com/article/140641/astro-bot-evo-2024-preview |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Shacknews |language=en |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=July 15, 2024 |title=Sony Interactive Entertainment announces ChinaJoy 2024 lineup |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/07/sony-interactive-entertainment-announces-chinajoy-2024-lineup |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727194854/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/07/sony-interactive-entertainment-announces-chinajoy-2024-lineup |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Gematsu |url-status=live |access-date=July 27, 2024 }}{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Sammy |date=July 28, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Continues Its Quest for PS5 Game of the Year with Sublime Gameplay Demo |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/07/astro-bot-continues-its-quest-for-ps5-game-of-the-year-with-sublime-gameplay-demo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728170731/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/07/astro-bot-continues-its-quest-for-ps5-game-of-the-year-with-sublime-gameplay-demo |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |website=Push Square |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2024 }}{{Cite web |last=Madsen |first=Hayes |date=August 30, 2024 |title=PAX West Kicks Off Today, Here's What to Expect |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/pax-west-video-games-playable-schedule/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901211259/https://www.cgmagonline.com/web/20240901211259/https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/pax-west-video-games-playable-schedule/ |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |access-date=September 1, 2024 |website=CGM |url-status=live }} Astro Bot was also present during Tokyo Game Show which, alongside the aforementioned playable demo, featured a giant replica Gatcha machine. Anyone who used the machine received one of four different Astro Bot themed t-shirts.{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=August 23, 2024 |title=There Will Be An Astro's Playroom Gacha Machine Full Of T-Shirts At Tokyo Game Show |url=https://www.thegamer.com/astro-bot-gachca-machine-t-shirts-playstation-tokyo-game-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828225335/https://www.thegamer.com/astro-bot-gachca-machine-t-shirts-playstation-tokyo-game-show/ |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=The Gamer |url-status=live}}

A DualSense controller modeled after the Dual Speeder was announced on July 29, 2024. Pre-orders started on August 9 and the controller release coincided with the game.{{Cite web |last=Doucet |first=Nicolas |date=July 29, 2024 |title=First Look: Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/07/29/first-look-astro-bot-limited-edition-dualsense-wireless-controller/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729161109/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/07/29/first-look-astro-bot-limited-edition-dualsense-wireless-controller/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |url-status=live }}

Astro has been prominently featured in various soft drink advertisements, such as in a commercial for Red Bull and on various Pepsi bottles in Asia.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=Needs a prominent secondary source covering this topic. please...god....anyone......}}

A bundle which includes a PlayStation 5 console (standard and digital-only) and a digital copy of Astro Bot was released on March 13, 2025, exclusively in the United States and Europe.{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2025-02-27 |title=Upcoming PS5 Bundle's Price and Details Leaked |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2025/02/27/astro-bot-ps5-bundle-prices-leak/ |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle |language=en-US}}

To help connect Astro Bot to its predecessor, Astro's Playroom received a free content update on June 7, 2024. It added extra artifacts to the Gatcha machine which corresponded to the PS5 slim models and various PlayStation 5 accessories, such as the PlayStation VR2 headset and the PlayStation Portal. Each of these artifacts could be stored in a new room accessed through the PlayStation Labo room. It also contained a brand new "mission room", which displayed a countdown until Astro Bot{{'s}} release and directed players to the game's official store page.{{Cite web |last=Cripe |first=Michael |date=June 7, 2024 |title=Astro's Playroom Gets Surprise Update Ahead of Astro Bot's Release |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/astros-playroom-gets-surprise-update-ahead-of-astro-bots-release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727070234/https://www.ign.com/articles/astros-playroom-gets-surprise-update-ahead-of-astro-bots-release |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |url-status=live}}

Additionally, four new Bots could be rescued: one for each of the worlds present. These Bots reference the PlayStation characters Lady Maria from Bloodborne, Selene from Returnal,{{Cite web |last=Givens |first=Billy |date=July 8, 2024 |title=How To Find The Brand New Returnal Bot In Astro's Playroom |url=https://kotaku.com/astro-playroom-returnal-special-bot-selene-1851581243 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727070343/https://kotaku.com/astro-playroom-returnal-special-bot-selene-1851581243 |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en |url-status=live}} a racer from the Gran Turismo series,{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Zarmena |date=August 2, 2024 |title=Astro's Playroom Update Adds Special Bot 3, Here's How to Unlock It |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/08/02/astros-playroom-special-bot-3-how-to-find-solution/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802190403/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/08/02/astros-playroom-special-bot-3-how-to-find-solution/ |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle |url-status=live }} and a Pipo Monkey from the Ape Escape series.{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=Lee |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Astro's Playroom's new Ape Escape trophy — here's how to unlock it |url=https://www.truetrophies.com/news/astros-playroom-ape-escape-trophy-solution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901215405/https://www.truetrophies.com/news/astros-playroom-ape-escape-trophy-solution |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=TrueTrophies |url-status=live }} Each of the Bots collected in Playroom can be transferred to the Astro Bot ensemble.{{Cite web |last=Doucet |first=Nicolas |date=July 8, 2024 |title=Astro's Playroom second update is now available, hiding a new Special Bot in-game |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/07/08/astros-playroom-second-update-is-now-available-hiding-a-new-special-bot-in-game/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727070534/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/07/08/astros-playroom-second-update-is-now-available-hiding-a-new-special-bot-in-game/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |language=en |url-status=live}}

Five additional speedrun levels were announced as free DLC during the September 2024 State of Play event. These levels are accessible via the Stellar Speedway galaxy, only unlocked after completing the main campaign. The online levels were released every week from October 17, 2024, to November 14, 2024, and featured additional V.I.P. Bots referencing characters such as the Shock Troopers from Helldivers 2, and Eve from Stellar Blade.{{Cite web |last=Grixti |first=Shannon |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Astro Bot's First Free DLC Has Been Revealed With A Bunch Of Online Speedrun Levels And New Special Bots |url=https://press-start.com.au/news/playstation/2024/09/25/astro-bots-first-free-dlc-has-been-revealed-with-a-bunch-of-online-speedrun-levels-and-new-special-bots/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=Press Start |language=en}}

An additional Christmas-themed level (titled Winter Wonder) was announced on December 11, 2024 and was released the following day.{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=December 11, 2024 |title=Astro Bot is getting a free holiday-themed level tomorrow |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/493620/astro-bot-free-holiday-level |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} This level featured a variety of different collectibles, which included four dual speeder skins, four outfits and seven V.I.P. Bots referencing characters such as Spider-Man, Croc, Tomba and Rayman.{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Tom |date=2024-12-14 |title=Astro Bot: Winter Wonder Walkthrough (All Bots, Outfits, and Dual Speeder Skins) |url=https://gamerant.com/astro-bot-winter-wonder-dlc-all-bots-gifts-present-locations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216065323/https://gamerant.com/astro-bot-winter-wonder-dlc-all-bots-gifts-present-locations/ |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en |url-status=live}}

Five challenge levels were announced as free DLC on February 13, 2025. Similarly to the speedrun levels, they can be found in a dedicated galaxy (being called Vicious Void) and were released on a weekly basis from February 13, 2025, to March 13, 2025. Five more V.I.P Bots were also to the game, which included Heihachi Mishima from the Tekken series and Jade from Beyond Good & Evil. Additionally, the game was updated with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-13 |title=Astro Bot: five new levels and Special Bots begin rolling out today |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/02/13/astro-bot-five-new-levels-and-special-bots-begin-rolling-out-today/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=PlayStation.Blog |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2025-02-13 |title=Astro Bot is getting five new levels — and the first one drops today. |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/611991/astrobot |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=2025-02-13 |title=Astro Bot Is Getting Five Free "Harder" Levels And A PS5 Pro Update |url=https://www.thegamer.com/astro-bot-five-new-challenge-levels-dlc-ps5-pro-update/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Tailby |first1=Stephen |title=Collect One Last Special Bot in Astro Bot's Final Free DLC Level, Available Now on PS5 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/03/collect-one-last-special-bot-in-astro-bots-final-free-dlc-level-available-now-on-ps5 |website=Push Square |access-date=18 March 2025 |date=March 13, 2025 }}

On June 4th, 2025, during a State of Play event, another free update was announced, adding five challenge levels to the Vicious Void galaxy release on July 10th, 2025. These levels will also contain V.I.P Bots, such as Atsu from Ghost of Yotei.{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=4 June 2024 |title=Astro Bot Is Getting 5 More Challenge Levels Later This Month |url=https://www.thegamer.com/astro-bot-state-of-play-announcement-getting-five-more-challenge-levels-new-vip-bots/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=TheGamer}} In a post from PlayStation Blog, Doucet alluded to unlocking "something really cool" upon the completion of every Vicious Void level.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-04 |title=Astro Bot: five new Vicious Void Galaxy levels, Special Bots launch this July |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/06/04/astro-bot-five-new-vicious-void-galaxy-levels-special-bots-launch-this-july/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=PlayStation.Blog |language=en-US}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 94/100{{Cite web |title=Astro Bot (PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/astro-bot/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=Metacritic}}

| OC = 99% recommended{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/17118/astro-bot |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=OpenCritic}}

| Destruct = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Review: Astro Bot (2024) |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-astro-bot-2024/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Destructoid}}

| Edge = 10/10{{Cite magazine |date=December 2024 |title=Astro Bot |magazine=Edge |pages=92–94 |issue=403}}

| EuroG = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Donlan |first=Christian |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot review — a wildly generous delight |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/astro-bot-review |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Eurogamer}}

| Fam = 36/40{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=September 18, 2024|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/09/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1866|title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1866|website=Gematsu|access-date=May 20, 2025}}

| GSpot = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=Mark |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Review — Fly Me To The Moon |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/astro-bot-review-fly-me-to-the-moon/1900-6418277/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=GameSpot}}

| GRadar = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Matt |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot review: "Soars above and beyond to serve up a near-perfect platformer" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/astro-bot-review/ |access-date=September 8, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}

| IGN = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Cardy |first=Simon |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/astro-bot-review |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=IGN}}

| PSQ = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Review (PS5) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/astro-bot |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Push Square}}

| TG = 5/5{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot review — glittering ideas make Team Asobi's 3D platformer a gem |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/sep/05/astro-bot-review-team-asobi-playstation-5-team-asobi-sony |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=The Guardian}}

| VG247 = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Orry |first=Tom |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot review |url=https://www.vg247.com/astro-bot-review |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=VG247}}

| GI = 10/10{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |date=2024-09-06 |title=Astro Bot Review - A Smile-Inducing Masterpiece |url=https://gameinformer.com/review/astro-bot/a-smile-inducing-masterpiece |access-date=2025-04-01 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}

}}

Astro Bot received "universal acclaim" from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic, and 99% of critics recommended the game, according to OpenCritic. It was ranked the highest-rated game of 2024 on Metacritic and OpenCritic.{{Cite web |title=Best Games This Year |url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/all/all/2024/metascore/?page=1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231025855/https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/all/all/current-year/ |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=September 8, 2024 |website=Metacritic}}{{Cite web |title=Best Games of 2024 |url=https://opencritic.com/browse/all/2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231025942/https://opencritic.com/browse/all/2024 |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=September 8, 2024 |website=OpenCritic |url-status=live}} In Japan, four critics from Famitsu gave the game a total score of 36 out of 40, with each critic awarding the game a 9 out of 10.

Simon Cardy of IGN compared Astro Bot to the likes of a theme park and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, "throwing a new thrill at you around every corner and after every double-jumped gap [...] a delightful concoction of experimentation and joy." He also felt that it was the best utilization of the DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers since 2020's Astro's Playroom, describing it as "like some popping candy has smuggled its way into your controller as it fizzes and pings away, sweetly reacting to whatever is happening on screen."

GameSpot{{'}}s Mark Delaney praised the level design, feeling it could reliably predict when players would sidetrack from the main path and accordingly rewarded them with secrets, "like a surprise gift in the mail whose sender can't wait to learn it's arrived." Delaney also wrote the various abilities of Astro elevated the gameplay, but never at the cost of alienating the player from the fundamental sense of control; he did, however, call Astro's underwater controls as unintuitive.

Astro Bot was also positively compared to games in the Super Mario series, particularly Super Mario Sunshine,{{Cite news |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=September 7, 2024 |title=Astro Bot is the game you buy a PS5 for |url=https://www.theverge.com/24237778/astro-bot-review-ps5-game-of-the-year |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Rahul |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Gameplay Shows PS5 Mascot's Stand-Alone Mario Galaxy-Styled Adventure |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/videogames/astro-bot-ps5-gameplay-revealed |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=Men's Journal {{!}} Video Games |language=en}} Super Mario Galaxy,{{Cite magazine |last=Cruz |first=Christopher |date=September 5, 2024 |title=PlayStation's 'Astro Bot' Beats Mario at His Own Game |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/playstation-astro-bot-review-beats-mario-1235094764/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=September 5, 2024 |title=The first Astro Bot impressions suggest that PlayStation finally has a game that can challenge Mario's platforming crown |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/the-first-astro-bot-impressions-suggest-that-playstation-finally-has-a-game-that-can-challenge-marios-platforming-crown/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=gamesradar |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=Alex |date=September 5, 2024 |title=AstroBot review: The most 'Super Mario Galaxy' game that isn't actually 'Super Mario Galaxy' |url=https://mashable.com/review/astro-bot |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=Mashable |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Mastromarino |first1=James Perkins |last2=Bridges |first2=Corey |last3=Walden |first3=Allen |date=September 5, 2024 |title='Astro Bot' and the best games of September so far, reviewed |url=https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/09/05/astro-bot-review-september-games |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=WBUR |language=en}} and Super Mario Odyssey.{{Cite news |last=Orry |first=Tom |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Astro Bot review |url=https://www.vg247.com/astro-bot-review |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=VG247 |language=en}} Critics also drew comparison of the mechanics to other Nintendo series, which included Arms, Pikmin, and Splatoon.{{Cite news |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Astro Bot is a reminder that 'good artists copy, great artists steal' |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/449809/astro-bot-inspirations-influences-nintendo-platformers |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Polygon}}{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Does Astro Bot's Super Mario 'Inspiration' Cross A Line? Fans Seem Divided |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/does-astro-bots-super-mario-inspiration-cross-a-line-fans-seem-divided |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Nintendo Life}}{{Cite news |last=Cotts |first=Josh |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Astro Bot Proves Nintendo's Impact on the Industry |url=https://gamerant.com/astro-bot-sony-nintendo-influence-super-mario-pikmin-good/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Game Rant |language=en}} Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. series, praised the game on Twitter.{{Cite news |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=September 12, 2024 |title=After arguing against super long games, Super Smash Bros' creator Masahiro Sakurai praises the "great" Astro Bot because it "doesn't take that much time" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/platformer/after-arguing-against-super-long-games-super-smash-bros-creator-masahiro-sakurai-praises-the-great-astro-bot-because-it-doesnt-take-that-much-time/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Gamesradar |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Random: Sakurai And Team Asobi Exchange Pleasantries Over Astro Bot |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/random-sakurai-and-team-asobi-exchange-pleasantries-over-astro-bot |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Nintendo Life}}

In the United States, Astro Bot was the second best-selling software in the week of release and 21% higher than Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart{{'}}s debut in the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2024 |title=Astro Bot is Selling Very Well |url=https://gamerant.com/astro-bot-ps5-strong-sales-performance/ |access-date=September 29, 2024}} In Japan, the game sold 12,672 physical units throughout its first week of release, making it the second best-selling retail game of the week in the country.{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Famitsu Sales: 9/2/24 – 9/8/24 [Update] |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/09/famitsu-sales-9-2-24-9-8-24 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}} It had sold 34,902 physical units in Japan by September 30, 2024, and 47,392 physical units by December 8.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=October 3, 2024 |title=Famitsu Sales: 9/23/24 – 9/29/24 [Update] |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/10/famitsu-sales-9-23-24-9-29-24 |access-date=November 22, 2024 |website=Gematsu}}

On November 8, 2024, it was revealed by Sony that Astro Bot had sold 1.5 million units as of November 3.{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2024 |title=ASTRO BOT sales top 1.5 million |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/11/astro-bot-sales-top-1-5-million |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}

There are reports that the game has reached 2.3 million units sold as of March 2025.{{Cite web |last=Analytics |first=Alinea |date=21 March 2025 |title=Astro Bot has now sold more than 2.3 million copies |url=https://alineaanalytics.com/blog/astro-bot/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=alineaanalytics.com |language=en-us}}

As of April 9, 2025, Astro Bot has become the most awarded platformer game of all time, beating out It Takes Two with a current total of 195 Game of the Year nominations and wins.{{Cite web |last=Bhatnagar |first=Viraaj |date=January 6, 2025 |title=Astro Bot Reaches Unbelievable Milestone |url=https://gamerant.com/astro-bot-most-goty-awards-platformer-milestone/|access-date=March 9, 2025 |website=Game Rant}}

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