ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission is a brand new PlayStation VR title from Japan Studio featuring the little robots from the “Playroom.” ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission is a platformer, and my favorite PSVR title so far. Think of it as playing a 3D Mario game in VR and you will know why I instantly fell in love with it.
ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission: Adorable is the word
You take control of a giant robot who controls small little Bots that you must use to rescue your comrades who have been stranded in various locations on the planet. Being a VR title, you essentially are the camera. A lot of the Bots are hidden throughout the level behind walls that you can only see by looking around the corner, and on top of scaffolding and even below ground. You are the eyes for your little Bot.
One of the most amazing features of ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission is how Japan Studio use the VR headset and the Dualshock controller in the game. The controller is visible in the game and shows you just what buttons can be used and what ones can’t by being highlighted. It’s a small addition that goes a long way with VR as you can’t exactly see your hands while wearing the headset.
I also got to use my head to break through walls and obstacles using my actual head. As I went on rescuing the bots looking down on my controller, I saw that the touchpad would open up and let the little rescued bot hang out inside the controller and watch as your controlled bot would run around. I also had to physically dodge attacks that enemies would launch at me by ducking and swaying my head out of the way.
ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission is a simple game. It requires the use of two buttons to jump and kick. I did unlock new abilities, like using the touchpad to sling a grappling hook and also to pick up objects and throw them to unlock new passages. There will be a total of five gadgets that you can unlock including a water cannon and ninja stars.
ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission: One giant step for Bots
I also got to try out a boss fight against a giant primate at the top of a giant tower. The fight wasn’t so hard once you got its attack patterns down, but enjoyable nonetheless. As the Primate would bite down on the tower, I had to run up and break its teeth. Once broken, I would swing my grappling hook at it and yank it out.
Graphically, the game is very pleasing on the eyes. The environments are colorfully and vibrant and the animations, though simple, work very well. Your Bot even has jetpack that it can use to hover across gaps and even damage enemies underneath it. Another great little touch is how the Bot always waved to me and tried to interact with me.
ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission: Simplistically fun
I got to play two stages and a boss fight and – from what I understand – there will be around twenty missions and six massive bosses in the game. I didn’t get a release date but from the sound of it we may not have to wait too long.
The simplicity of just running around and collecting coins and finding ways to save your little Bot friends may not be groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. The execution speaks for itself and its a lot of fun to play.
For more on ASTRO BOTS: Rescue Mission stay tuned to PSU and let us know what you think about playing a 3D platformer in VR in the comments below.