There’s been a lot of talk about what games are going to be gunning for game of the year when December rolls around. Games likeBlack Myth WukongandFinal Fantasy Rebirthare already a shoo-in but it seems a new contender has just entered the fray, asAstro Bot, the mascot platforming successor toAstro’s Playroom, has blown away fans and critics alike.
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There are a wealth of reasons why fans are loving their time withAstro Bot.The soundtrack is catchy, the visuals are sublime, and the Dualsense controller is at the heart of the game’s design.
But for me, the standout moments have come from the many unique worlds that punctuate this epic platformer. But you may be wondering which of these are the coolest of all.
Well, allow me to give you a rundown of the best levels thatAstro Bothas to offer.
10Bubbling Under
Better Down Where It’s Wetter
Camo Cosmos
Penguin Jets
Generally speaking, when it comes to video games, we gamers have very little time for underwater levels.But there are some exceptions to the rule, and Bubbling Under is definitely one of them.
This is partly due to the fact that you aren’t permanently underwater, but it’s also because the Penguin Jet power makes swimming and traversing down where it’s wetter, more dynamic, and fluid.
It’s a joy to use your jets to zip up waterfalls, dive into nearby pools of water, and exploring the underwater playground that Astro Bot provides is just as wonderful as any land-based level.
At the end of the day, it’s still a water level and, therefore, it’s never going to be a number-one contender, but as far as water levels go, this is a masterclass in sandbox level design.
9Slo-Mo Casino
Luck Be Your Lady Tonight
Serpent Starway
Slo-Mo Watch
As someone that absolutely adores the original Sly Coopergame, this one felt like a real love letter to Boneyard Casino, and I was here for it.
However, the key difference between Sly and Astro’s respective levels is that Astro has the power to manipulate time, allowing you to slow down time to make platforming a breeze.
You are not only able to slow down fast moving platforms and rapidly spinning roulette wheels. You’ll also be able to use this power to make winning at the slot machines trivial, and use various enemy’s attacks against them.
It’s an aesthetically and mechanically fantastic level, and if you search thoroughly, you just might find the famous raccoon thief himself.
8Dude Raiding
Welcome To The Jungle
Nathan Drake’s Pistol
Due to the sheer amount of fan service and effort that has gone into designing the various PlayStation IP-themed levels, you would think that these five levels would monopolize the top spots.
However, one of them definitely doesn’t have the same level of detail, unique mechanical gimmicks and fun factor, and that’s the Uncharted-themed level, Dude Raiding.
Now, don’t get us wrong. Being able to fire a pistol and take out baddies is fun. Hunting forJak and Daxter-inspired Precursor eggs was neat. Plus, swinging from ropes and running away from giant enemies in bespoke set pieces is fun, too.
However, it just felt much more in line with the standard levels that punctuate the overall experience, making this one a good level, but the weakest world-ending levels.
7Trunk of Funk
Putting The ‘Bot’ in Botany
Tentacle System
Elephant Sucker
There are some Power-ups inAstro Botthat I feel really don’t have enough screen time, and the Elephant sucker power-up is definitely one of those.
The ability to create your own platforms is a fun mechanic that allows for spacious and open platforming sections, and this all culminates in a fun, if a little easy, boss battle at the end of the level.
However, some may argue that the best parts of this level happen right at the beginning in the mini-sandbox area where you’ll get to play a spot of golf, meet one of the cutest cows in gaming history, and you’ll also get to meet Papa Tree.
It’s just a very bright, vibrant and fun level filled with a variety of fun little details. Making it a standout one to play inAstro Bot.
6Luna Sola
All Day, All Night
Feather Cluster
I’m a big fan of games with a robust day and night cycle, and equally, I love a game that allows you toflip dimensions and perspectivesto offer new avenues to explore.
This is something that the Astro Bot level Luna Sola combines to brilliant effect, leading to a game that feels like Astro Bot doing a very commendable Fez impression.
Phil Fish, being the grumpy guy he is, probably won’t give Team Asobi props, but we are because this is a fantastic level.
It’s not massive in terms of scale, but because of the intricate design and the use of space, it feels like a sizable and detailed level worth its weight in gold.
Plus, due to the goofy soundtrack and cartoonish visuals, it feels like a care-free romp dripping in whimsy. Day or night, rain or shine, one thing is for sure: Our love for this level will never waver.
5Downsize Surprise
Good Things Come in Small Packages
Shrinking Mouse
Speaking of levels that make the most of a tiny space, we have my personal favorite level that isn’t directly based on a PlayStation IP.
Downsize Surprise seems pretty unassuming at first, but when you gain access to the mouse power-up, you then understand the nuances, the scale and the finer details hiding in plain sight.
Shrinking down allows you to explore in hard to reach areas, and naturally, find the secrets hidden in all those nooks and crannies.
It’s sublime level design that showcases that size does matter, and shows what you can do with a very limited space. With plenty of little and large gimmicks that make each little discovery satisfying.
The only criticism I have regarding this level is that there aren’t more like it, but then again, that ensures that this one stands out as memorable and special.
4Bot of War
Krato’s Leviathan Axe
Some may have seen Kratos modern storyline as a softer, more light-hearted, and emotionally charged version of Kratos. However, it would be hard to argue against his inclusion in Astro Bot being the most cute and cuddly version of the god-killing Spartan.
Bot of War is a God of War-themed level that allows you to take on the role of Kratos, wielding his iconic Lethiathian Axe as your own, and exploring the frigid level that the GoW cast call home.
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There are so many fun references to the beloved PlayStation IP, allowing you to meet Jörmungandr,take out Odin’s Ravens as you goand much more. The only thing that’s missing is Mimir hanging from your backside, but we can forgive that minor omission.
The only downside is that the boss at the end is a little underwhelming and you don’t get to row a boat around the map, but the epic GOW soundtrack playing in the background makes up for that somewhat. So, if you’re a fan of Kratos and crew, this is a must-play.
3Apes On The Loose
Cheeky Little Monkeys
Gorilla Nebula
Spike’s Net
If you haven’t noticed from all the various bots you picked up in yourAstro Botadventure, the PlayStation roster is a bit of agraveyard for amazing mascot platformers, and Ape Escape is one of those criminally underrated and forgotten gems.
We may never get a newApe Escapeepic in full, but we do get an amazing taster of whatcould be in Apes on the Loose, which is a nostalgic look back at theApe Escapeformat.
You’ll get the iconic radar to force those cheeky monkeys out of hiding, and you’ll get a big ol’ net to gather them up in this sandbox setting.
It’s a level that showcases just how much unadulterated funApe Escapewas, and still is. So if you want a blast from the past, be sure to check this one out.
2Machine Learning
Hit Your Mark
Aloy’s Bow and Arrow
It’s weird, I knew exactly what to expect when I jumped intoAstro Bot’sHorizon-themed level. I knew there would be traditional archery mechanics, I knew that I would be hiding in tall grass to avoid Watchers, and I knew at some point I would need to scale a giant Tallneck.
Yet, despite knowing the script, I was still captivated by this amazing world that is chocked full of details and references.
The archery mechanics are tight and responsive, the visuals are on brand withHorizon, and probably hint at what Horizon’s Lego adaption might look like, and you had brief underwater sections to give some love toForbidden West, which it didn’t really get at the time of release.
It’s a level that reminds us just how excellent the Horizon franchise is.With a remaster on the way, it might be a good time to revisit the unique apocalypse.
1Going Loco
Roll With The Punches
Loco-Roco Rolling
I’m not going to kid you, this top choice is dripping in personal bias. But it’s my list, so if you want to fight me we can reconvene in the comments.
Loco Rocois anunderrated and genuinely lovely 2D platformeroffering wholesome vibes in abundance, and that’s exactly what you get from Going Loco, theLocoRoco-themedlevel inAstro Bot.
This one, seeing as it couldn’t be 2D, is definitely the biggest departure from the source material, but in the best way possible.
You still have the ability to separate and reform your little blobs to traverse certain areas, you can still hop into cracked walls to find secret paths, and you have the amazingLoco Rocosoundtrack to bob your head to as you go.
But thanks to the 3D take on the iconic PSP title, the level plays like a blend ofLoco RocoandSuper Monkey Ball.Which, if you had any doubt, is one hell of a combo. It’s the best level by far, and you will not convince me otherwise.
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