Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute, free game showcases the PlayStation 5's features.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Astro's Playroom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
What’s It About?
In ASTRO'S PLAYROOM, players guide Astro through a series of lands, all of which tout the selling points of the PlayStation 5, including its SSD hard drive and new processor. This makes for a themed series of levels (four levels per land) that showcase the DualSense controller, primarily its rumble feature. You'll feel the ice shattering beneath Astro's feet via the controller. You'll feel the push of a windstorm. You'll feel tension as you try to pull a cord. You'll feel the spring of a jump. It underscores how much the controller can be a part of the game. For instance, in one area, Astro is atop a floating ice chunk attached to a pinwheel. To move, you'll need to blow into the controller. The game's also loaded with hidden items, which will appeal to players who like to collect trophies or find more to do once they finish a level. Completing levels unlocks rewards, encouraging players to replay.
Is It Any Good?
This is a game many people might look past in their excitement to play one of the AAA launch titles for the PlayStation 5, but that would be a mistake. Astro's Playroom is utterly charming, surprisingly deep and shows, more than many other titles, some of what makes the PS5 unique. Better graphics and faster load times are fine, but the subtle effects that are imparted via the controller are something new -- and something wonderful. The game itself, even if it's a pure promotional vehicle for the system, is loaded with cute nods to PlayStation's past (and past games) -- such as other little robots dressed as Kratos from God of War or the ability to hop on the eject button of an original PlayStation to see the lid pop open. And Astro shows that while Sony might excel at realistic and sometimes dark games, it's also very capable of making a title that young kids can enjoy. While it might not be as deep and rich a world as Super Mario Bros., Astro's Playroom is a title that young and old can both enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about progress. How have some products improved over time? How do those changes impact the experience of using or interacting with those products?
How can curiosity yield great rewards during this game? Can you take the lessons from this game and apply that to real life?
Game Details
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Pricing structure: Free
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release date: November 12, 2020
- Genre: Arcade
- Topics: Adventures , Robots
- ESRB rating: E10+ for No Descriptions
- Last updated: November 5, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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