Latest news with #AstroBot
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
The best video games of the decade (so far)
As we hit the halfway mark of the decade, it's time to take stock of the amazing few years of video games we've all had the pleasure of playing. Across all genres, studios have spoiled us with incredible stories, incredible gameplay, and incredible performances. Looking for something great to play? Well, below are just snippets of the magic the last few years have provided: Astro Bot (PS5) Winning Game of the Year in 2024, Astro Bot is a game of pure delight and has quickly risen in the ranks as one of the best platformers ever made. You'll have a permanent smile on your face from beginning to end as you guide the titular little robot across over 90 levels of fun and whimsy. The magic of Astro is that each level you venture into is brimming with interactivity, prompting you to explore every crevice possible. Simple platforming gameplay is transformed by a variety of suit abilities, and the wall-to-wall nostalgia from PlayStation's back catalogue of hits across the galaxy makes this little gem an absolute blast to play, play, and play again. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Released back in 1997, Final Fantasy VII is regarded as one (if not the) best games ever made. And so the decision to remake a masterpiece into an ambitious trilogy was always going to be met with equal levels of anticipation and anxiety. Could the magic survive a modern revamp? The answer is absolutely. FFVII Rebirth is the second instalment of the series, taking all the magic, nostalgia, and emotional impact of the original, but with a distinct modern flair. This is the game of your childhood, with breathtaking visuals, high-octane combat, and a renewed focus. The game's only fault? That it makes the wait for the third and final instalment all the more agonising. Returnal (PS5 & PC) Released back in 2021, Returnal is a third-person shooter that is as challenging as it is utterly addictive. You play as Selene Vassos, a space pilot who crash-lands on the hostile planet Atropos ,following a signal that is calling to her. Unfortunately for players, everything that lives on the planet wants her dead. Great. This game has roguelike elements, making death a central game mechanic. You will die repeatedly. Each time you fail, you'll restart your journey anew, equipped with only the knowledge of the dangers that lie before you. Throughout your play, your screen will be a constant sea of fluorescent bullets, as Selene dips, dives, and shoots everything and anything that dares move. It is an adrenaline-inducing tour de force. Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac) Words can only do so much to describe how fun, how creative, and utterly engrossing Baldur's Gate 3 is. Winning Game of the Year in 2023, and no doubt Game of the Decade come 2030, it is a masterclass in high-fantasy, where every single second of your epic journey across Faerûn is of your own making. From complex combat and levelling, to intricate branch narrative storytelling, this game is the perfect introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, where decisions you make seconds into the game can come back and help or haunt you hundreds of hours later. As such, every single quest you embark on can feel like its own epic adventure. Stray (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC) Blending puzzle and adventure with…well…cat simulator, Stray is a beautiful game that will pull, tug and scratch at your heartstrings throughout with its dynamic storyline and captivating environment. You play as a nameless cat who stumbles from a peaceful life above ground into a dark, dystopian underworld filled with dangerous monsters and adorable robots. True to feline form, you must approach all problems as if you were an actual cat. This means climbing everything, scratching what you can, and making sure to knock over every single bucket and book off a shelf you come across. And at 4 to 5 hours long, Stray is the puuurfect reminder that indie games can deliver some of the best experiences in bite-sized form. Ghost of Tsushima (PS4, PS5, PC) Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima is one of the sharpest samurai games you can play, promising intricate combat, beautiful environments, and memorable characters galore. Set in the 13th century during the Mongol Empire's invasion, players take charge of Jin Sakai, the last remaining member of his clan. With the impossible task of protecting his homeland, Jin faces a dilemma: does he fight honourably with his last breath? Or does he walk the path of 'The Ghost', using deceit and deception to defend his people? With the sequel Ghost of Yōtei releasing later this year, fans will be eager to see if gaming magic can strike twice. The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered (PS4, PS5, PC) Now that season 2 of the TV adaptation is behind us, the outside world can finally appreciate just how impactful (and controversial) The Last of Us Part 2 was when it released back in 2020. The continued story of a world under attack from a parasitic fungus proved one thing: the surviving humans are just as diabolical. Playing as both Ellie and Abby, you will become torn between seeking redemption and revenge. Trust that this is the definitive way to experience the grit and magic of the story. By playing it now, you get a heads up of all the horrifying surprises in store for actress Kaitlyn Dever for season 3. Elden Ring (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Selling over 30 million copies and winning too many awards to count, Elden Ring is an action role-playing game that has revolutionised the gaming landscape since its release in 2022. It is colossal in size, brutal in its difficulty, and promises endless lore for any player to get lost in. The game is set in the desolate place known as The Lands Between, where you play as the Tarnished, an exile brought back to help restore order. But in truth, the map is your oyster, and where you go and what you do with your time is ultimately up to you. Expect ferocious challenges and never-ending exploration before you. It Takes Two (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC) It Takes Two is a puzzle adventure game that has revolutionised the genre of co-operative gaming. Winner of Game of the Year in 2021, it takes you and a friend on a magical adventure that will have you both laughing, arguing and brainstorming in quick succession throughout. You play as one half of an unhappy couple on the verge of divorce. Transformed into magical puppets by their daughter, they must work together across a range of magical levels to return to their human forms. Hallmark plot aside, It Takes Two defies expectation. Trust that you'll look back on all the zany levels, brainteasers and minigames with only the fondest of memories. The litmus test for any horror game is how often you play with your eyes closed. Suffice it to say, Resident Evil Village has plenty of these moments. Playing as Ethan Winters, players must cross a horrifying remote village to rescue their daughter Rose. But in true Resident Evil fashion, expect plenty of jump scares, intense moments, and a criminally short supply of ammo. Released back in 2021, the game has since catapulted many of its villains to international stardom. From a 9ft 6' vengeful vampire to sadistic puppets and macabre mermaids, Village has no shortage of nightmares you can't help but become obsessed with. God of War Ragnarök (PS4, PS5, PC) Released back in 2022, God of War Ragnarök sold over 5.1 million copies in its opening week alone. As the ninth instalment in the series, the game continues the epic, fierce, and complicated story of the father-son pairing, as they battle the elements and ferocity of Fimbulwinter. Neither seems capable of escaping whatever prophecies and drama the old Norse Gods have cooked up, either. Equipped with his trusty Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, the ferocity of Kratos is realised like never before. Include life-like visuals, and a haunting soundtrack into the mix, and you have a gritty, vengeful and utterly unmissable reimagining of mythology to experience. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch, Switch 2) Tears of the Kingdom is a landmark game in the Zelda franchise. Building on the magic of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, it promises an expanded world to explore, brand new abilities, and a compelling story of immense scale. What more could you want? Playing as the stoic Link, the sprawling lands of Hyrule, complete with sky islands and caves, are now yours to explore. All the while, you'll learn abilities that exude creativity, where the only limit to gameplay is your own imagination. And with a recently released Switch 2 edition, players looking to jump into the game now can expect even more gaming magic ahead of them. Death Stranding 2 (PS5) Released only a few weeks ago, Death Stranding 2 has already amassed critical acclaim from legions of gamers worldwide, blending action and adventure, with a sprinkling of chaos for good measure. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of deliveryman Sam Porter Bridges, who must reconnect pockets of civilisation back to a communal network. But the world is a harsh place, with environmental hazards and dangerous monsters everywhere to be seen. Every step you take is carefully considered. Every weapon you discharge is measured. All the while, you're trying to make sense of an engrossing story that asks more questions than it ever answers. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) I've already talked at length about the absolute magic that is Clair Obscur Expedition 33, but it warrants mentioning one last time (promise!) The game is the very definition of a masterpiece and continues to be the hotly favoured contender for Game of the Year 2025. Released earlier in the year, Clair takes a modern approach to traditional gameplay mechanics and delivers an emotional story that lingers with you long after the closing credits. With a mesmerising soundtrack, a star-studded voice cast, and wearing its French roots with pride, the game will no doubt continue to inspire and dominate the industry for years to come. Play it now. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5 & PC) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is proof, in my view, that the future of superhero entertainment lies in video games. It has everything a fan could ask for, balancing an enthralling narrative with picture-perfect exploration and interactive combat. Prepare to get lost in the finest recreation of New York City to date. The story features both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who try earnestly to live everyday lives in New York City. Thankfully for players, life has other plans, as both Spideys undertake daring rescues to protect super-powered people from the sudden appearance of Kraven The Hunter. But Kraven pales in comparison to the game's main event, Venom. And it's through his long-awaited appearance that the game tackles hefty plot lines and pushes the boundaries of what we can expect from the superhero genre. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Despite a disastrous launch with poor optimisation, Cyberpunk 2077 is proof that with the proper support, care and attention, wrongs can be made right. And in its present form, it remains one of the most captivating action-roleplaying games you can play this decade. Set in the dystopian megacity known as Night City, the lines between humanity, technology and body modification are at a crossroads. From fashion to combat, the game gives players immense freedom to craft their own hero and their own world around them. Seemingly endless content throws you into the crosshairs of the city's power struggle, paving the way for one of gaming's most ambitious and well-deserved comebacks. Honourable mentions... In truth, this list could easily go on and on until the end of time, such has been the calibre of games made. Honourable mentions go to the following titles, each of which has also contributed to the magic of the last couple of years: -Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart -Metaphor: ReFantazio -Final Fantasy XVI -Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin -Senua's Saga: Hellblade II -Horizon Forbidden West -Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time -Super Mario Bros. Wonder -Mario Kart World -Pokémon Legends: Arceus -Tekken 8 -Street Fighter 6 -Split Fiction -Dredge -Unpacking -Hades -Alan Wake 2 -Dave The Diver -Helldivers 2 -Animal Well -Blue Prince -Balatro Take a deeper dive into our gaming section here
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
and I love this controller holder
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Take it from me, an eight-year-old boy can adore a PlayStation almost too much. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... After being lucky enough to receive one as a birthday present a couple of months back, my son Eddie is in love: it's been a necessity to put a one-hour limit on the machine for the days when he is allowed to play it - and one game in particular stands out. Astro Bot PlayStation handset and phone holder by The Cable Guys | EXGPRO That game is Astro Bot, in which you have to rescue lost bots and find parts for your PlayStation 5 mothership. It also involves fighting the Space Bully Nebulax... all action, as you can see. It started off as a pre-installed feature on the PlayStation to show off some of its features but last year saw it become a proper standalone game. From a parent's point of view it is reassuringly 'safe' - the bold, bright colours and simple storylines put you in mind of Super Mario. There are no nasties here. And so, imagine Eddie's delight to discover that his newfound gaming hero/avatar was available to accompany him in his living room on his travels around various worlds. Astro Bot PlayStation handset and phone holder by The Cable Guys | Tom Morton/NationalWorld It's made by The Cable Guys, who have a range of similar stands including familiar faces such as Stitch, Sonic the Hedgehog, Spider-Man and Darth Vader (what a dinner party that would be). They are not essential, by any means, as your controller will sit quite happily on a table instead and the stand doesn't have a charging function. However, given that most controllers now are wireless, it's a good way of not losing a handset if you are prone to absentmindedly walking off with it and leaving it elsewhere in the house. If you are the kind of person who finds themselves using the 'Find My Phone' option rather too often in your own house then the stand will work well as a regular place to leave your phone so you at least have a chance of remembering where you put it. And, to be honest, the stand is a good-looking little model anyway. Anyone who enjoys playing the role of Astro Bot and zooming around looking for bots may well appreciate it just as a little piece of gaming decoration in its own right. The holder is about 21cm high and about 11cm wide, so not too intrusive. As Eddie puts it: 'Astro Bot is my favourite game. When I got this Astro Bot controller holder, it really helped me get my living room tidy.'
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
and I love this controller holder
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Take it from me, an eight-year-old boy can adore a PlayStation almost too much. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... After being lucky enough to receive one as a birthday present a couple of months back, my son Eddie is in love: it's been a necessity to put a one-hour limit on the machine for the days when he is allowed to play it - and one game in particular stands out. Astro Bot PlayStation handset and phone holder by The Cable Guys | EXGPRO That game is Astro Bot, in which you have to rescue lost bots and find parts for your PlayStation 5 mothership. It also involves fighting the Space Bully Nebulax... all action, as you can see. It started off as a pre-installed feature on the PlayStation to show off some of its features but last year saw it become a proper standalone game. From a parent's point of view it is reassuringly 'safe' - the bold, bright colours and simple storylines put you in mind of Super Mario. There are no nasties here. And so, imagine Eddie's delight to discover that his newfound gaming hero/avatar was available to accompany him in his living room on his travels around various worlds. Astro Bot PlayStation handset and phone holder by The Cable Guys | Tom Morton/NationalWorld It's made by The Cable Guys, who have a range of similar stands including familiar faces such as Stitch, Sonic the Hedgehog, Spider-Man and Darth Vader (what a dinner party that would be). They are not essential, by any means, as your controller will sit quite happily on a table instead and the stand doesn't have a charging function. However, given that most controllers now are wireless, it's a good way of not losing a handset if you are prone to absentmindedly walking off with it and leaving it elsewhere in the house. If you are the kind of person who finds themselves using the 'Find My Phone' option rather too often in your own house then the stand will work well as a regular place to leave your phone so you at least have a chance of remembering where you put it. And, to be honest, the stand is a good-looking little model anyway. Anyone who enjoys playing the role of Astro Bot and zooming around looking for bots may well appreciate it just as a little piece of gaming decoration in its own right. The holder is about 21cm high and about 11cm wide, so not too intrusive.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Astro Bot July 2025 update: Vicious Void Galaxy DLC full details
Image via Team ASOBI It was July 2025, and Sony had brought back its fan-favorite platformer character with a new mind-blowing expansion. Any hardware that supports the Astro Bot game will be compatible with the Vicious Void Galaxy DLC, adding new content to play, as well as new environments and exciting mechanics to challenge the player's platforming capabilities to the extreme. As a standalone game, the base title was well received, and the DLC is a welcome addition for both old and new players. And with new challenges and twists awaiting players in the further reaches of space, the Vicious Void Galaxy update is the next step that is going to enlarge the Astro Bot universe both in terms of scale and complexity, but presented in the same package of love and out-of-the-box thinking that marks a series. Vicious Void Galaxy DLC full details ASTRO BOT - Vicious Void Galaxy 100% Walkthrough + Secret Final Level (All Bots Rescued) DLC The Vicious Void Galaxy DLC introduces a striking narrative to Astro Bot, featuring a brand-new storyline about a mysterious black hole that poses a threat to the peace of the Bot galaxy. They are to control Astro through the five new spaces in the universe, which are stocked to the brim with the intense and platform-related gameplay, secret toys, and challenges to defeat bosses. Key Features of the Vicious Void Galaxy DLC: Five new galaxy zones Graviton Grinders : Navigate the floating debris and shifting fields of gravity. Photon Peaks : While dodging the laser traps, solve the light-based puzzles. Echo Engine Abyss : Sneak through stealthy challenges while using sound cues. Neon Nebula : Dash through the neon-lit platforms and speed sections. Event Horizon Vault : The last stage, where the new and strong boss was, full of warping of the gravity, and full of a new boss, Nullcore. New gameplay mechanics Gravity flip boots: Allow Astro to walk on walls and ceilings to uncover hidden paths. Black hole portals: Shortcuts that warp to secret areas. Chrono orbs: Slow down the time to survive intense traps. Collectibles and rewards 50 brand-new Astro Artifacts inspired by classic PlayStation icons. Discover a new hidden Memory Cube with behind-the-scenes content. Completion of all challenges unlocks a new skin: Void Explorer Astro. Difficulty scaling The DLC adds more challenge to this by providing an optional Expert Mode, which is more challenging with harder enemies, stricter platforms, and potentially no forgiveness to anyone seeking to test their twitch skills. The DLC Vicious Void Galaxy gives Astro Bot new life, including some creativity, nostalgia, challenge, and overall fun in one package. Regardless of whether you like to collect each and every item or simply ride on the map, this July 2025 update has something appealing to any type of gamer. The new mission of Astro is not only a new stage in history—it is a space voyage to the stars, which is worth making. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Geek Culture
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
'Astro Bot' Finally Gets Square Enix Representation In Free Update
All right, everyone, let's mosey, as a long-requested character is finally coming to Astro Bot . The latest free update for Team Asobi's adorable platformer will add five new challenge levels to the Vicious Void Galaxy map, bringing the total number of levels to over 90, with more secret bots to rescue. While the name of one stage remains a secret, the other four are confirmed to be Twin-Frog Trouble, Suck It Up, Handhold Havoc, High Inflation. Atsu, the protagonist from Sucker Punch's forthcoming Ghost of Yōtei , has been announced as part of the bot lineup (coinciding with the PlayStation State of Play presentation focusing on the highly anticipated sequel to 2020's Ghost of Tsushima ), alongside two all-too-familiar faces: Cloud and Sephiroth. The former shows up after completing High Inflation, and beating all five new levels unlocks the One-Winged Angel. The iconic Final Fantasy VII pair are hardly the only Square Enix representation — 2B from Nier: Automata and Chrono Cross ' Serge are also due for a cameo in the game. It's a (final) fantasy come true for fans, who have been clamouring for their addition since launch. Astro Bot debuted with a whopping 173 cameos across PlayStation history, from more niche titles like LocoRoco and Legacy of Kain to popular franchises spanning God of War , Uncharted, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more, so the lack of Final Fantasy VII , traditionally associated with the brand in both the 1997 oriinal and remake forms, came as a surprise then. It sure took a while, but hey, better late than never. Astro Bot has received multiple free updates since its release in September last year, and continues to be a shining example of success despite its apparent AA scale. The PS5 exclusive beat various AAA titles to clinch four awards at last year's The Game Awards, with Team Asobi president Nicolas Doucet attributing its success to smaller-scale development. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Astro Bot Final Fantasy VII Square Enix Team Asobi
