Astro’s Playroom is a fantastic tech demo game that showcases the capabilities of the DualSense controller. The haptic feedback, motion sensor, and adaptive triggers make a significant difference, and the game successfully demonstrates these features. The game itself is enjoyable, featuring four distinct levels that offer unique gameplay experiences. TD88 CLUB can glide into the air, transform into a cannonball and roll their way to the finish line, become a robot monkey, and do some mountain climbing. Additionally, players can transform into a robot frog, allowing them to jump into action. Astro’s Playroom also includes collectibles that represent the history of PlayStation, spanning from the PS1 era to the PS5 era.

Next to the PocketStation described above are two cylinders containing the sacred symbols in the form of clouds. This likely references PlayStation’s cloud functionality, which serves as the backbone of the PlayStation Now service that launched in 2014. Cloud servers are also available as an option to back up game saves for PS+ members. The “Wild Arms” Trophy, awarded for Spinning while firing the Gatling Gun in Deep Dataspace level of SSD Speedway, is a reference to 1996’s Wild ARMs on the PS1, developed by Media Vision. Wild ARMs is a Japanese role-playing game, and received a remake on the PS2 in 2003. The “Hell Diver” Trophy, awarded for jumping off the tallest diving board at the end of Bot Beach.

Platinum Trophy

It comes pre-installed on the PS5, which makes sense because it serves as a tech demo for the DualSense controller. The first thing you’ll immediately notice is what everything feels like. Astro’s little footsteps change depending on what surface you are walking on, accurately conveying the texture and feel of any changes directly into your hands. Stomping across metal feels different than plinking across glass, which are both different from enjoying a day on the sandy beach in Cooling Springs.

This references the 2007 game PAIN on PlayStation 3, developed by Idol Minds. It’s notable for becoming the most popular downloadable game on the PlayStation Network at the time. On the right-hand side of the CRT pile at the end of the level are some Bots huddled around gaming on a CRT. The game they’re playing references Ridge Racer, released in 1997 for the PS1 and made by Delphine Software International. The title screen has close similarities to the original Ridge Racer and sequel Revolution, particularly the latter with a full-screen chequered flag.

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Earning them provides a sense of accomplishment as you progress through the game’s charming and nostalgic levels. But the joy of Astro’s Playroom, while largely focused on its use of the new controller, is also thanks to Team Asobi’s dedication to turning this pack-in into a mini-museum of PlayStation history. All of them are put on display to be looked at or hit to produce sound effects, pop open disc trays, and more. Although the game is comparatively short, it bags a thrilling time and displays the potential of the PS5 and DualSense within this new technology of gaming. Gameplay revolves around platforming and usage involving the DualSense’s features, including the controller’s touch pad, haptic feedback and adaptable triggers.

The symbols above the soldiers refer to the rhythm-based nature of the gameplay to help take on large beasts. After jumping up the trigger platforms and tripping a Checkpoint, check the right-hand side for tow Bots hiding from a third with mushrooms on its head. The mushroom Bot refers to a Clicker, a human taken over by parasitic fungi, while the two characters are Joel and Ellie. Joel is holding a brick, a common weapon and means of distraction in the game. After reaching the first Checkpoint in Caching Caves, look for a box frame structure in the ground you can drop into. In addition to a Puzzle Piece, you’ll see a Bot prancing down a line and clearing various shape-based obstacles.