2024's best PlayStation game is already heavily discounted

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Every PlayStation 5 user has a copy of Astro’s Playroom — bundled with the PS5, this charming little platform game was a showcase for the PS5’s power, graphical capabilities, its new controller, and more expansive audio, but it was also a lot of fun.

Off the back of its surprise success, developer Team Asobi followed it up with the full-fledged game, Astro Bot, and it’s one of the PS5’s most highly-rated titles of 2024. Right now, you can pick up a copy for just £44.99 at Argos, down from £54.99. Considering that most new games are launching with a £70 RRP these days, consider that a discount on top of a discount.

With an average score of 94 on Metacritic, Astro Bot is tied first with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Metaphor: ReFantazio as the most well-reviewed PS5 game this year. Taking control of Astro, players run a gauntlet of platforming challenges across a PlayStation-themed world. From Astro’s PS5-shaped spaceship to the various iconic PlayStation characters you meet and collect along the way, it’s got plenty of shots of nostalgia to go along with the solid platforming.

By making use of the DualSense’s advanced features, like its adaptive triggers, HD rumble, high-precision gyroscope, and built-in microphone, Astro Bot keeps players on their toes with unique puzzles and platforming challenges that can go toe to toe with the best Super Mario levels.

At Amazon it’s got an incredible 4.9 out of 5 average rating from over 400 reviews, with customers praising the graphics, level design, longevity, polish, and attention to detail. “Astro Bot is back, and let me tell you, this game is a blast!” said one five-star review. “Right from the start, it's clear this is one of the best uses of the PS5's tech, especially with the DualSense controller. You really feel every movement, jump, and slide, and these sensory stimulations add a lot to the experience.”

“It's a must-have,” said another. “A fun, engaging, nostalgic game and a really nice change from all the more ‘hardcore’ games usually found on the platform.”

Another said: “The controller haptics are insane. There's so much feedback relative to what you're doing in the game. It's not just senseless vibration either, it feels like what you're doing is coming through the pad. The sounds belt out of the controller too, and just adds yet another layer to the game. There's plenty to see and do, and the difficulty seems well balanced as well. Highly recommended.”

With such a high average, negative reviews are rare. While an outlier, one customer said: “Terrible camera angle so falling off the edge and starting over constantly is very annoying. Button responsiveness is terrible and makes it frustrating due to the exact timing needed to progress through the levels.” Another said: “More of the same nostalgia baiting minus actual substance. Utilising existing product gimmicks as though they are revelations.” You can’t please everyone.

For more fun, the new Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is a great choice for £52.99 at Currys, offering tonnes of supercharged action and options to do battle on the sofa. If you’re interested in one of the other top-rated PS5 games of 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio, from the studio behind Persona 5, is just £39 at Game and has a 94 average on Metacritic.

But at just £44.99, Astro Bot is sure to be a winner this Christmas.