Astro Bot deserves the praise and success it received. It was the ideal mix of a casual platformer with inventive-level designs that exude fun. Among these sources of enjoyment is the game’s selection of abilities or gadgets.
Not only does it completely change the gameplay with its unique abilities, but it also adapts to the DualSense controller. This neat feature simulates touch and texture feel with every move, ultimately bringing immersion and satisfaction at every button press.
We've kept this list spoiler-free, so some abilities from the late game are missing.
12. Mouse
The mouse gadget not only turns you into a tiny bot, it also changes the environment around you. This makes everything really, really, big.
Unfortunately, this belongs in the last place as it does not really add any new to the DualSense haptics. That’s because it only takes one press of the right trigger to instantly turn into a tiny mouse. What makes this even more disappointing is that this ability is exclusive to only one level.
11. Octopus Balloon
The octopus transforms Astro into a balloon capable of soaring and reaching new heights. This, in turn, adds a variety of traversal options. While it does provide a benefit in exploration, the only satisfying feel to the DualSense haptics is the hissing sound of inflating and deflating.
10. Penguin
The penguin specializes in swimming. Pressing the right trigger enables Astro to traverse the waters with great speed. Helpful for underwater levels.
The haptics turns your DualSense controller into a little speed boat. Instead of engine noises, you can feel the flapping sounds of the penguin’s feet moving past underwater currents.
Like the mouse, it is only usable on one level and completely forgotten after.
9. Handy-D
The Handy-D monkey is a nifty ability useful for climbing. It is a similar gadget to its previous title, Astro’s Playroom. This navigational simian lets you press the left and right trigger buttons to grab ledges.
There is a satisfying click after successfully grabbing a ledge, and that alone deserves its 9th place.
It is also capable of slamming its hands on the floor and grabbing rocks to throw at enemies. You could feel the resistance of the trigger button when lifting heavy objects and opening chests.
8. Monkey Cymbals
These cymbals are designed for parties. It is fitting as it is only available on two special stages that celebrate a feeling of victory. (After taking down the final boss and completing all Lost Galaxy levels.)
The monkey cymbals are pretty straightforward. Its purpose is to make noise and get stuff moving. Pressing both the left and right Triggers creates a cacophonous barrage to enemies. It is like Skyrim’s version of a Shout, but with a monkey strapped to your back instead of dragons.
7. Time Stopper
Manipulating time makes the Time Stopper a powerful tool. It is useful for navigating areas where everything is moving fast.
This belongs in the 7th spot as it puts the entire area in stasis. One press of a button renders everything in slow motion. Projectiles and enemies are moving slowly, making Astro the fastest man in the room.
It is a powerful gadget, and you can’t help but emulate Neo from the Matrix.
6. Elephant
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room- I mean list: a tool used to suck in and spray out the elements. It turns regular honey into a jump pad, cement into big blocks of concrete, and water into a little ice skating rink.
This power alone offers multiple ways to deal with enemies that have liquid inside them. It is also useful for checking out secret levels that can’t be reached normally. The satisfaction of sucking out the liquid and turning them into platforms is a novel way of movement.
5. Sponge
The sponge is the exact opposite of the mouse tool. What makes this deserving of our 5th spot is in how it turns Astro into a giant. By absorbing water the little robot turns into a titan.
Much like the elephant, there is an odd delight in sucking out liquids and spewing them out to enemies. Plus, the temporary rampage you get by being large makes for a fun Godzilla experience.
4. Barkster, The Bulldog Booster
Barkster is a good boy worthy of a pat on the head. This bulldog is your ideal movement option for speeding past enemies and breaking walls. This is much like the penguin, but not limited to water.
Pressing or holding the right trigger turns you into an unstoppable horizontal force. Enemies melt upon direct contact (others explode) and big bosses will tremble at the sight of Barkster and his robot buddy.
3. Chicken
The chicken did come before the egg. Similar to Barkster the Bulldog Booster, the chicken is the best gadget to move vertically. It uses its eggs to lay down rocket-fueled energy that takes you to the skies.
This is useful for pulling objects that require upward motion, or doing cheeky uppercuts to bosses and enemies. The feel of the DualSense haptics when pulling something from the ground is like plucking out the sword of Excalibur.
2. Twin Frog Gloves
Astro’s tiny hands are still capable of packing a punch, but who’s to say it can’t get any stronger? Equipping the Twin Frog Gloves turns the beloved robot into a fighting game contender.
It is perfect for brawls against multiple enemies that don’t take the hint. Rapidly pressing the left and right triggers turn those hands into a dangerous machine gun of punches. Not only that, it is also useful for pulling out the mouths of enemies and slamming them to the ground. Talk about overkill.
1. The Muteki Cannonball Armor
Perhaps the most satisfying ability to use in Astro Bot is the Muteki. This metallic armor turns Astro into an impervious ball of destruction.
Transforming into a ball is as simple as Samus’ from Metroid. With the press of the right trigger, nothing can stop you. It is especially useful for tricky traps like falling blocks or spiky floors.
It is so powerful no enemy can stop you. That means your DualSense haptics can feel every hit, explosion, or smash from every threat available. Like a Bot of Steel, the Muteki is an impenetrable armor and is easily the best ability in the game.
These 13 abilities make Astro Bot’s adventure worth our time. Here’s hoping Astro’s next journey will add even more options for traversal and combat.
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