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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.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Astro's Playroom 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 days ago.
Astro's Playroom 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.
Play Time: This game will take between 4 hours and 7 hours to complete. While Astro's previous games, Welcome Park and The Playroom, were small demo-like experiences on previous systems, Astro's Playroom offers much more of a full game. It has four large worlds and 16 levels, with plenty of secrets to discover. This is extended further with over 100 collectibles to find, many of which can be observed in an interactive hub, which serves as a virtual gallery for PlayStation’s past.
Rated PEGI 7 for non-realistic violence in a child-friendly setting or context, and pictures or sounds likely to be scary to young children. Players can use weapons, such as plunger arrows and a pellet gun which shoots coloured balls, to destroy objects and defeat enemies. The player can also whack robots, including robot-like animals, with hands or weapons. The player's character can take damage, such as by falling off platforms, being flattened or being electrocuted. However, the violence is mild, unrealistic and cartoon-like. Some of the 'boss' characters, including a dinosaur-like character, may be scary for younger children.
Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated General (G) for Very Mild Themes and Violence.
6+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. One family told us, "the Labo level is great for little ones to get the hang of mastering 3D movement. There are no enemies or places to fall but still some things to interact with and so platforming too". Speedrun mode is popular with teenagers who can compete for fastest times with friends and family.
Another family said, "My 3-yo likes to run around in Astro's Playroom -- most enemies can't kill you, you can't fall off ledges without jumping off, it's extremely "safe". Great non-gamer friendly stuff in there, except I wish I could restrict the camera more."
Here are our hand-picked short list of similar games; the perfect thing to play next if you enjoyed Astro's Playroom. We also have a long list of games similar to Astro's Playroom.
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.