Astro's
Playroom

Astro's Playroom (2020) is a running and jumping game that launched with the PlayStation 5. It not only showcases the PS5's new DualSense controller but offers a loveable adventure with novel interactions and considerable substance.

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In the game, you control your little character as he jumps, dodges and explores his way around the levels. Unlike other platform games, this has a trick up its sleeve in the form of the DualSense controller's ability to let you feel your way around levels.

The rumble feedback lets you get a sense of the rain that falls on you or the fluttering of snowfall. The adaptive triggers get harder to press when aspects of the game demand -- like judging how tight to pull a spring before releasing. This means you need deft soft touches as much as quick hard presses -- like when you have to gently press the triggers to grip a handhold without doing it too tight and making them crumble.

This is a great game to play with the family, not only as a demo of the new controller but as a game that will hold your attention for a considerable time. Also, because of the different skills required, you may find a wider audience of players than usual platform games.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Astro's Playroom 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.