Dafegamer
Member
I still feel like Odyssey has a slight edge regarding the sheer joy of movement abilities, but yeah ASTRO BOT is definitely in the Pantheon of 3D Platforming all timer debates
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Astro Bot |OT| Robot in disguises
- Thread starter cormack12
- Start date
SweetTooth
Gold Member
You haven't seen anything yet...and yes, this nukes Odyssey which I actually *did* enjoy, Astrobot is on another level entirely.
And yet Odyssey sets at fu***ing 97 metacritic?!
People say there is no Nintendo bias lol
tmlDan
Member
If you take your time and aren't a pro at platformers id say around 15-18 hours for a completionist.
There are challenges but i wont say its extremely hard, there are these side quests that are (mild spoiler, that's why its tagged) marked with a cross, square, triangle, circle that are particularly hard, one life finish the map in that life type of thing.
Speed trials are coming later as free DLC, i assume they just wanted the game out as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations since you commemorate gaming as a whole in this
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Magic Carpet
Gold Member
Just found Spyro, Is that legal?
That mouse level was fun, The tiny pitter patter of the walking sound from the Dual Sense, I didn't know it could do that.
That mouse level was fun, The tiny pitter patter of the walking sound from the Dual Sense, I didn't know it could do that.
Daniel_Mallorca1985
Member
fudgybrownie
Banned
The music in this game is so damn good! That bot of war theme.
Markio128
Gold Member
I hope Team Asobi do introduce a few ways to give us an excuse to play the game multiple times - the speed trials you mentioned, along with a hard mode (perhaps getting rid of the checkpoints so you need to complete each level with 1 life), with additional trophies as a bonus.If you take your time and aren't a pro at platformers id say around 15-18 hours for a completionist.
There are challenges but i wont say its extremely hard, there are these side quests that are (mild spoiler, that's why its tagged) marked with a cross, square, triangle, circle that are particularly hard, one life finish the map in that life type of thing.
Speed trials are coming later as free DLC, i assume they just wanted the game out as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations since you commemorate gaming as a whole in this
tmlDan
Member
I hope so too, the challenging levels were super fun even tho i died 50 times from stupid mistakes. Astros playroom had speed trials but the levels weren't very hard, id love if they introduced hard speed runs - the leaderboards would be insane lol
Muffdraul
Member
Just want to make sure I'm not crazy, Google is totally failing me-
In Astro's Playroom, you were penalized a few coins for dying. But in this game, no penalty beyond going back to the last checkpoint?
Edit: The way I remember it, Playroom docked you a set amount of coins whenever you died, like -10 coins, and sent you back to your last checkpoint. But in this game, going back to your last checkpoint also means going back to the exact amount of coins you had when you hit that checkpoint. Wondering if I'm remembering Playroom correctly.
In Astro's Playroom, you were penalized a few coins for dying. But in this game, no penalty beyond going back to the last checkpoint?
Edit: The way I remember it, Playroom docked you a set amount of coins whenever you died, like -10 coins, and sent you back to your last checkpoint. But in this game, going back to your last checkpoint also means going back to the exact amount of coins you had when you hit that checkpoint. Wondering if I'm remembering Playroom correctly.
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Magic Carpet
Gold Member
It does kind of break the pacing, But it also mixes up the experience so you get to see new things faster.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
I dont have issue with that because the levels are not that long and I replay them when I didn't got everything on it.
Dafegamer
Member
Trust me Astro's Playroom is nothing compared to this. You ain't seen anything yet
Dafegamer
Member
There's some serious E-Sports potential for this, makes me think why devs (especially Nintendo) never thought of introducing a competitive 3D Platformer with online leaderboard speed run trials.
AyraSutoraifu
Member
The small objects 
in combo with slow motion
in combo with slow motion
MSduderino
Neo Member
Just beat that second world boss. Holy fun, batman. Every detail about this game sings. Idle animations, sound design and music. Wish I had a better tv/soundbar because I bet it takes full use of 4k.
FoxMcChief
Gold Member
This game is truly something special. Easily the best game of the year so far. Not that there’s much competition.
OmegaSupreme
advanced basic bitch
What a joyous game. My girlfriend and I beat the first galaxy or whatever. So clever and fun. We're going for all the bots and puzzle pieces.
DeepSpace5D
Member
I’ve only played bout 5 levels so far, but the game is just pure fun. Very creative, I really like the spots where you can go underground and explore new areas. It gives a nice depth to the levels.
I love the soundtrack as well, every level so far seems to have a really catchy tune to it. For some reason I’m getting heavy Sonic vibes with the verticality of the levels, some of the songs, and even the robot wildlife reminds of the little animals you used to rescue at the end of Sonic stages.
I love the soundtrack as well, every level so far seems to have a really catchy tune to it. For some reason I’m getting heavy Sonic vibes with the verticality of the levels, some of the songs, and even the robot wildlife reminds of the little animals you used to rescue at the end of Sonic stages.
Game is awesome so far. I just started the second world, unlocked some challenge levels and the game really shines in those. Controls and presentation are just top notch, not often you see this kind of polish in a game. So many little touches that bring everything together. Music, animations, graphics, it all hits well and has a cohesive nature to it.
Odyssey is the natural comparison so I'll go with that, I think it does some things better and others worse in the gameplay department:
-Astro leaves a bit to be desired in terms of movement. Everything feels super smooth but being limited to jump and hover, compared to what you can do as Mario in Odyssey (jump, backflip, long jump, cap throws to extend mobility, etc). it does feel a bit basic. Obviously the open world nature of Odyssey gives them a bit more flexibility but I would like to have seen Astro get an extra move or two.
-I think the weakest part of both games is the difficulty not allowing the controls to truly shine. Not enough areas where you're forced to be precise. Granted, I got a ways to go in Astro, so hopefully the challenge ramps up. The challenge levels just feel so much better than the normal levels in terms of traversal.
-Levels are obviously way more linear and I think that's to the benefit of Astro. Doesn't feel as bloated and it really throws ideas at you at a great pace, nothing outstays its welcome. It also lets them design entire levels around single powerups which has been well executed so far. I'd say the powerups are mostly good with a couple being great and one or two that are just whatever.
Odyssey is the natural comparison so I'll go with that, I think it does some things better and others worse in the gameplay department:
-Astro leaves a bit to be desired in terms of movement. Everything feels super smooth but being limited to jump and hover, compared to what you can do as Mario in Odyssey (jump, backflip, long jump, cap throws to extend mobility, etc). it does feel a bit basic. Obviously the open world nature of Odyssey gives them a bit more flexibility but I would like to have seen Astro get an extra move or two.
-I think the weakest part of both games is the difficulty not allowing the controls to truly shine. Not enough areas where you're forced to be precise. Granted, I got a ways to go in Astro, so hopefully the challenge ramps up. The challenge levels just feel so much better than the normal levels in terms of traversal.
-Levels are obviously way more linear and I think that's to the benefit of Astro. Doesn't feel as bloated and it really throws ideas at you at a great pace, nothing outstays its welcome. It also lets them design entire levels around single powerups which has been well executed so far. I'd say the powerups are mostly good with a couple being great and one or two that are just whatever.
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Dacvak
No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
Totally agree with this. And if I’m nitpicking, the one other thing I’d add to the game is a Mario-esque long jump, or just a few more traversal mechanics. (Though I realize that might break some of the meticulous level design.)
Game is so freaking good. I absolutely love when they unabashedly take a gameplay mechanic from Galaxy or Odyssey, but then expand on it. Team Asobi is really an incredible studio.
PSYGN
Member
I liked Mario Odyssey for the movement which added some depth. I'm worried this game won't be as fun because the movement seems really basic from what I've seen.
Just played the
level and can't quite believe how cool it is. Actually made me wanna go back and play it through again.
Game overall is good and getting better. I personally don't think it's as good as something like Mario Odyssey but there's time yet. I think people forget just how brilliant the Mario games are tbh.
My biggest disappointment has been the graphics. It really looks very simple. It's absolutely MILES behind something like Ratchet, which there's no reason shouldn't have been its target.
God of War
Game overall is good and getting better. I personally don't think it's as good as something like Mario Odyssey but there's time yet. I think people forget just how brilliant the Mario games are tbh.
My biggest disappointment has been the graphics. It really looks very simple. It's absolutely MILES behind something like Ratchet, which there's no reason shouldn't have been its target.
Ogbert
Member
Finished the game and getting the last few collectibles. Game is wonderful. An easy GoTY. Almost every level is a set piece.
But it doesn’t hold a candle to Mario in terms of movement. Your mastery of controlling astrobot is as good after two minutes as it is at the end of the game. The platforming is actually very simple. But that simplicity is wrapped in incredible artistry and style. Mario, in contrast, uses the levels to teach you how to master the movement. It’s like Souls in that regard. And that’s why you can end up with Champion’s Road.
Who cares though. We have both.
To be honest, I’d now like to see the game released from the shackles of having to celebrate other Sony IP. As far as I’m concerned, Astrobot is pretty much the best IP in Sony’s stable. Let Team Asobi lose in terms of movement and see what they can come up with.
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James Sawyer Ford
Member
No. Dont think so
Actually playing this made me realize how much better this game is designed than Odyssey and on the level if not exceeded Galaxy. There’s so many things this game throws at you that are just incredible and it doesn’t seem to let up
Odyssey has a good move set that’s not utilized effectively due to very bland design
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Vick
Gold Member
That last Square challenge..
So far I've 100% everything and admired how difficulty has been masterfully calibrated in these harder challenges, they require time and practice but thanks to the perfect controls they're never unfair and just need to become muscle memory.. but fuck this last one.
Can't even imagine the X ones at this point.
Edit:
Needed a little more reliable strategy at the beginning to make the many attempts more tolerable. Wasn't all that frustrating in the end, but still not looking forward to ever doing this again.
So far I've 100% everything and admired how difficulty has been masterfully calibrated in these harder challenges, they require time and practice but thanks to the perfect controls they're never unfair and just need to become muscle memory.. but fuck this last one.
Can't even imagine the X ones at this point.
Edit:
Needed a little more reliable strategy at the beginning to make the many attempts more tolerable. Wasn't all that frustrating in the end, but still not looking forward to ever doing this again.
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bundylove
Gold Member
Oh nooo. Its not the same. Its like 10 times bigger and better.
So many levels so many tracks .
God of war level music is sick.
Its not even comparable.
VeganElduderino
Member
So I woke today , I was sad because I'm working a 15h shift , so I decided to play Astro Bot for a hour or so , this game cheered me up , I was a Happier dude driving on my way to work! I just got to the casino level , it's soo pretty ! Taking tons of screenshots , I wish their was a photo mode!
Dafegamer
Member
No, no, no. The great level design is build around the movement mechanics like it is for Super Mario 3D world for example. The platforming is stellar. Controls and jumps are smooth and tight, you have full control of your character. Nothing to worry about
Dafegamer
Member
Exactly. Odyssey is a masterpiece for sure, but the deep moveset wasn't exactly needed for most of the levels. It would've been even more of a GOAT if some serious challenging platforming used the depth to fullest. That's why in my mind Platformer necessarily don't need such deep movements when the level design is accomodates the regular platforming. Would Astro Bot benefit from more moves? Absolutely but given how the game is designed around its limitations, its still stellar. Its all about execution
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
Odyssey movement build around its open nature of its level design, about you discovering secrets using those move-sets.
Astro bot in other hand is much linear level design crafted around those limited move-set and using power ups.
I highly enjoyed both but they very different from each other.
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Dafegamer
Member
Yup, there's a reason why Nintendo always ups Mario moveset in his Collectathon Games compared to his more linear games. The deep moveset could even make the linear stages way too easy as well. Making the movements deeper is better for a more sandbox approach of 64, Sunshine and Odyssey.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
Exactly, some of Astro's challenge levels are tricky because his limited moves sets, you can't just double jump and dash through those challenges.
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James Sawyer Ford
Member
Can't recall hardly any of them at all that genuinely required it. The level design was so bland and uninteresting, and the bosses were copy paste. It just seems like they phoned it in.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
Its not but thats the thing its your choice if you want seek it and you have the tools to do it.
But I would say in Astro finding Bots and puzzles pieces is much more fun than finding moons in Odyssey....Some of them are clever and fun to find but not all them and they too many of them.
James Sawyer Ford
Member
I think a good sandbox makes challenges that require certain tools in the right situation. I don't get much fun out of just using the moveset if the design doesn't demand it, and the rewards aren't significant. The two biggest flaws in Odyssey. I completely agree with you that the "collectathon" approach in Odyssey was downright boring and poorly implemented and MUCH more exciting in Astro where the levels are DENSE despite their confined scope.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
Thats kind of what helps it.....the levels are not too open and they are not that long, so they can come up clever way hide the Bots and puzzles pieces from you.
Magic Carpet
Gold Member
The triangle levels might have dashed my hope of getting 100 percent. Kinda tuff. The one rolling on the armadillo is killing me.