Summary
It’s hard to believe that the PS5 is already entering its fifth year of operation, appearing at the end of 2020. It now has a plethora of great platformers, including the newest addition,Astro Bot.The titular character has slowly started to become Sony’s new mascot since the debut of the PS4.
After several smaller games,Astro Botis finally the fully-fledged game fans have been waiting for. It’s a great platformer, but fans are always going to be wanting more. So, after they complete everything inAstro Bot,they should venture into these games next and not all of them areexclusive to Sony consoles.
7Elsie
A Fast-Paced Roguelike Platformer
Elsieis a new roguelike that takes place in a futuristic city, where a valiant professor created android saviors who have all disappeared except for the protagonist, Elsie. Players have to find their brethren in several zones, along with NPCs to bring back to home base, ranging from a chef to a gunsmith. At home base, players can unlock some permanent upgrades. Then, on runs, they can get temporary upgrades. These range from passive skills building HP, to offensive ones like adding an extra attack to a dash.
Like most roguelikes, it will be hard to get used to, and death will be a constant companion. It looks and plays well though, and with practice, it should start to feel like second nature. While it’s not on the level ofDead CellsorHades, this 2D action roguelike will hit the spot, especially for the robot enthusiasts ofAstro Bot.
6Gravity Circuit
A Mega-Man-Like With Rescue Missions
Gravity Circuitis like aspiritual successor to theMega Mangames. Instead of firing a Buster Gun at enemies in themed levels, the hero can pummel enemies with their fists. Players also have a hookshot that can grapple onto most surfaces.
Astro Botfans will enjoy the game beyond the cybernetic theming, as players can rescue fellow robots in stages. This will unlock bonuses in the HUB World, including items in the shop to unlock skills and weapons. It’s a fairly short game, but it’s an example of quality over quantity. Those who pass it by are missing out on a high-quality indie game on the level ofShovel Knight.
Astro Bothas some RTS-like elements included in the HUB world, called the Crash Site. Players can summon bots to their aid to unlock new pathways. Those who wished this idea was more fully fleshed-out should check outthePikminseries, namely the latest entry:Pikmin 4.
Players can gather plant-like creatures known as Pikmin to carry out missions, which range from gathering rocks to making a bridge to fighting monsters. It’s not a giant RTS game on the level ofStarCraft, but it hits the right itch for players who like commanding large units. It’s easy to learn and understand in a brief amount of time. What’s more, it’s absurdly delightful in the vibes department, akin to the joy players receive when engaging withAstro Bot. There are some dark moments, like when Pikmin die, but it’s not graphic, just sad.
The Plucky Squireis a new indie game that thinks outside the box — or, in this case, the storybook. The setup follows Jot, a hero within a storybook. Players will go through this book likea typicalZelda-like adventureat first. New shakeups will soon appear, like a mini-game akin toPunch-Outwherein Jot will box a badger. Another interesting idea is that words can change the outcome of the book; for example, the player can switch the word “closed” to “open” at a gate to unlock it.
The big surprise happens when Jot is thrown out of his story into the real world, leading to some truly remarkable scenarios as players move in and out of 2D and 3D plains. Like the imaginative levels inAstro Bot,The Plucky Squirehas ideas for days, and there are even platforming segments to tie the two games closer together. It’s a jolly treat that hopefully gets the attention it deserves.
SteamWorld Dig 2is a Metroidvania centered around Dorothy, a young robot girl who is trying to find the character from the first game, Rusty. It’s a simple gameplay loop wherein players go down into a mine, collect loot, go back to the surface and sell off minerals, maybe buy some upgrades, and then head back down. For example, players can improve their pickaxe to bust through thicker rock to gain better minerals.
Every purchase and upgrade can help the town, improving the lives of its citizens. It’s like rescuing the bots inAstro Botbut on a bigger scale, as Dorothy is helping a whole town.SteamWorld Dig 2is addictive since the gameplay loop is so simple, giving players plenty to work with on each run.Astro Botfans would probably enjoy most entries intheSteamWorldseries.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apartwas one of the earliest platformers to hit the PS5 and showcase its capabilities. This multiverse adventure could transport players to new worlds via the new rift mechanic, which demonstrated the console’s fast loads. Next toAstro Bot, it’s probably the second-best platformer on the console (or tied for first, depending on what kind of adventure players want to get into). If they prefer a story with plenty of funny dialogue, thenRatchet & Clank: Rift Apartis the one to check out.
Beyond the story, the platforming is more involved, as there is weapon-based combat. Ratchet, with his new partner Kit, and Rivet, who has gotten ahold of Clank, can defeat enemies with everything from guns that shoot drill-powered dogs to ones that create black holes. Insomniac has always been good withweapon variety, and the same is true inRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
There has to be at least one Mario game recommended here, andSuper Mario Bros. Wonderis the latest. It matches the level and power-up variety thatAstro Botdemonstrates exponentially. There are typicalpower-ups inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderfrom the Super Mushroom to the Fire Flower, and then there is the Elephant Fruit, which literally turns Mario and his friends into water-sucking elephants.
Beyond that, each stage has a hidden item called a Wonder Flower that will transform a stage or character in a myriad of ways. One level could turn Mario into a boulder, while another could have enemies start singing. From beginning to end, players will be guessing what comes next.Super Mario Bros. Wonderis weird, and it was exactly what theMariofranchise needed in 2023.
