JUMP UP, JUMP UP (AND GET DOWN)

Spoiler alert.. Astro Bot involves a lot of jumping with your PS5 controller. Much like the PS4 game, the latest installment hinges upon your directional jumping and thumbstick controls to progress into each level. This stellar game truly showcases the power of the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback. But, unlike Astro Bot, you’re human, which means jumping from platform to platform can be extremely stressful when you find yourself deep into a level. There was one point during launch weekend where I found myself battling with the incredibly cool (yet extremely dangerous) robo-monkey better known as “Mighty Chewy.” Timing is critical in this game but when you are amazed by the stunning explosions and visuals, coupled with the fact that you’re experiencing heart-pounding action & not wanting to lose your life, it’s totally natural for someone’s hands to anxiously sweat from the intensity and reacting to all of the quick decision making moments. Yet another reason why I was a satisfied owner of my KontrolFreek Action Adventure Performance Thumbsticks to help guide Astro Bot’s jumping - let alone providing increased surface area for my thumbs to utilize in order to land a big boost-filled jump. 

Lastly, landing on a distant platform is always tricky. Use your boosters to help land the jump by holding down the X button. Your boosters will give you a visual reality check on whether/not Astro can stick the landing. If it’s not looking good, try to quickly boost back to your jump off point. Think of using boosters as a test run - hopefully a successful one!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT PUZZLE PIECES & PHOTO MODE

It’s easy to cruise past puzzle pieces when you’re looking to rescue your bot buddies on every level but don’t skip these important items as you can unlock new features at the crash site or score customizable options for Astro. You might have a hard time locating the pieces - especially on some levels when you start out flying - so, I recommended replaying the level to level up your mission experiences. Same thing goes for ‘photo mode.’ I mean, who doesn’t love a good photo op, right? But taking a quick break for what almost always is a hilarious and cute animation is totally worth it because you’ll score some extra coins!

SMASH BOXES TO SCORE GOODIES

Ah, yes… the age old tactic of finding secret valuables. Whether you are slashing bushes in The Legend of Zelda on NES or busting boxes with Astro on PS5 - skilled gamers must leave no items unturned! While it’s not critical (hey, maybe you don’t have the ‘completionist’ mentality - and that’s ok!) there were several times I found myself wishing I had more coins. It’s all about the grind!

SPIN CYCLE

There’s a ton of different enemies in the game but more often than not you can take smaller enemies out with a spin attack with the square button. It’s easier than the good ol jump & (laser) smash technique and definitely comes in handy when 3-4 of the same enemies charge at you in a confined space or platform.

A LITTLE BIRD SHOWED ME

When you find that little robot bird - don’t worry about a thing ‘cause every little hidden item can be found thanks to your winged pal. Remember when I mentioned how important it is to smash boxes to find coins? Well, for a cool 200 coins, you too can be the proud owner of a robot bird! Just smash the birdhouse at the beginning of the level and get ready to uncover some secrets when the bird sends a signal your way!