Sony Interactive Entertainment and Team Asobi’s 3D upcoming platformer, Astro Bot, is set to receive brand new levels via DLC later this year in 2024.
In the latest issue of Famitsu magazine (via), it was revealed that new levels and speed run stages are planned as DLC for Astro Bot before the end of 2024. It wasn’t mentioned whether this content will be paid, it’s likely for it to be free given how all of the DLC added to Astro’s Playroom was free of cost.
Furthermore, the Famitsu Astro Bot feature revealed other details regarding the game. It is said to be a major upgrade over its predecessor in every aspect, with the focus not being on volume but on quality. As part of the celebration of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, it features titles and characters from PlayStation’s history. The game takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback, allowing players to feel different surfaces and materials they walk on. In terms of aesthetics, Astro Bot features more vibrant and colorful visuals in order to appeal to a broader audience.
The developers also paid close attention to the game’s physics. One of the unique power-ups featured in Astro Bot includes an octopus that inflates Astro like a balloon. There is also a string pull mechanic scattered across levels, giving players cues to make discoveries and unlock hidden areas. Astro’s power-ups feature their own unique idle animations. While some power-ups from the previous game return, they are now integrated into the new abilities rather than being available only in standalone mini-stages.
With respect to in-game currency, coins can be used on a gacha machine or to pay the Blue Bird in order to receive guidance through stages. Astro Bot also includes a mission to repair the PS5 mothership, which is tied to a bot museum where players can view all the VIP bots. These VIP bots have their own unique animations when punched. Additionally, Astro speaks lines that sound like Japanese.
