Astro's Playroom
Review

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.

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.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Astro's Playroom 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 10 weeks ago.