ASTROBOT- Game of the Year ?

[Tweaky]

If you have a PS5 you got to get ASTROBOT, it amazingly fun, and can be quite challenging as well.

I'll just give you the heads up though on a problem with the game, they seemed to have mastered it so it looks good on TV's with SDR, I suppose the logic is that ASTROBOT will be played by a lot of children on SDR TV's.

If you playback on a4K HDR TV the game looks washed out, which is disappointing.

 

I found a solution, on a SONY TV at least.[Mine is a 77" SONY A80k OLED ]

 

1] Have ASTROBOT running, this is so you can see the comparison in PQ between the settings [The opening title screen is fine]

2] Go to Picture Settings > Brightness > Gamma, now set from what should normally be zero for everything else, to either -2 or MIN, that will get rid of the white veil of over brightness and give the game the colour punch you see if playing on a SDR TV.

 

Remember to change this setting back after playing ASTROBOT

 

IF you have a different brand TV, just look for a GAMMA setting and go through the same procedure.

 

 

[Kaynin]

There will be a few games in the the running for GOTY, but Astrobot is fantastic.  My girls love it, and so do I!  Astro's Playroom is brilliant as well, and free to all PS5 consoles which is a really nice feature.  Both games use the controller to excellent effect.  I'll look at Tweaking my tv settings to have a look.

[Tweaky]

23 hours ago, Kaynin said:

There will be a few games in the the running for GOTY, but Astrobot is fantastic.  My girls love it, and so do I!  Astro's Playroom is brilliant as well, and free to all PS5 consoles which is a really nice feature.  Both games use the controller to excellent effect.  I'll look at Tweaking my tv settings to have a look.

I'm really enjoying the game, but there are some small levels that pop up after you have completed most of the main levels in a area that I'm finding diabolically hard.

The ones I'm finding torturous ATM are Pumpkin Peril, Fragile Frenzy, and Dashing Dillo, all in the Octopus constellation

 

Do you know that SONY , over the period of two months prior to ASTROBOT'S release, had four separate HIDDEN ASTROBOT'S released one by one as DLC for ASTRO's Playroom ?

Once you have them they transfer to the new game, and are needed to make up the final number needed to Platinum ASTROBOT.

 

 

[Kaynin]

On 08/09/2024 at 7:25 AM, Tweaky said:

Do you know that SONY , over the period of two months prior to ASTROBOT'S release, had four separate HIDDEN ASTROBOT'S released one by one as DLC for ASTRO's Playroom ?

Once you have them they transfer to the new game, and are needed to make up the final number needed to Platinum ASTROBOT.

 

 

 

No idea.  I don't have those download pop-ups that say there's a new game updates.  

 

 

EDIT:  Ah, I see what's happened.  The kids have started from the start again, so there isn't a completed game yet.  We'll have to polish it off and then download the secret bots. 

Edited September 9, 2024 by Kaynin

[Kaynin]

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Edited November 2, 2024 by Kaynin

[Tweaky]

8 hours ago, Kaynin said:

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There have been 3 DLC Time Trial levels released so far, another 3 to come, the only thing is you have to finish the game before you can play them.

[Kaynin]

11 hours ago, Tweaky said:

There have been 3 DLC Time Trial levels released so far, another 3 to come, the only thing is you have to finish the game before you can play them.

 

Lol, my post was about Astro's Playroom, but I've since found what part I had missed out on.  We had finished Playroom but didn't sit through the entire credits.  You have to wait for the end of the credits when it says something like "one more thing", which gives access to the PS5 artefacts.  We've rolled on and will do the extra 4 bots today, then will continue on with Astro Bot...     

 

Only problem is I've bought two more games since Astro Bot - there's not enough time to play them all!

[Tweaky]

Astobot seems deceptively simple on the main levels [They are equal to the ones in Astor's Playroom], but as you progress in each area, several smaller sub levels appear, these are much more difficult. they also have a bot you collect once you get through them, which you need to get to the 300 collected bots to open the final level.

 

They have recently started releasing the free DLC for Astrobot, there will be six it total.

The levels a small and pretty easy to do, but to get close to a top time you will have to be extremely good, and know the tricks on how to get Astrobot to fly longer and higher, which will allow you to cut out huge chucks of the level.

 

The one below is the latest level 'SPRING LOADED'l, and the one below that is what the best players have found to get the best time.

 

 

[Kaynin]

You're not wrong, much of the game appears simplistic and you only die if you lose concentration, yet some parts of the game are extremely hard.  When we get through those stages there's cheers and yelling like we've won the grand final.  I love how they release free DLC though, it extends the game.  We've still got about 40% of the game to go, so by the time we're stuck somewhere, there's always a YouTube video to help us out.  When I think about the family entertainment we've had for $110, it's been a bargain!

[lorenaparas]

On 9/6/2024 at 11:37 PM, Tweaky said:

If you have a PS5 you got to get ASTROBOT, it amazingly fun, and can be quite challenging as well.

I'll just give you the heads up though on a problem with the game, they seemed to have mastered it so it looks good on TV's with SDR, I suppose the logic is that ASTROBOT will be played by a lot of children on SDR TV's.

If you playback on a4K HDR TV the game looks washed out, which is disappointing.

 

I found a solution, on a SONY TV at least.[Mine is a 77" SONY A80k OLED ]

 

1] Have ASTROBOT running, this is so you can see the comparison in PQ between the settings [The opening title screen is fine]

2] Go to Picture Settings > Brightness > Gamma, now set from what should normally be zero for everything else, to either -2 or MIN, that will get rid of the white veil of over brightness and give the game the colour punch you see if playing on a SDR TV.

 

Remember to change this setting back after playing ASTROBOT

 

IF you have a different brand TV, just look for a GAMMA setting and go through the same procedure.

 

And there is one more recommendation, but it's more for the gamblers. I play online casino games from time to time because there are so many games, and I can always try something new and exciting. And some time ago, I tried Dolly Casino, which turned out to be a really cool one. I came across this site https://online-casinocz.com/casino-bonus/free-spiny/volne-otocky-za-registraci/ where I read about that and some other casinos and found out that I can get a bonus for registration. I like bonuses, so of course, I decided to try. I can't say which my favourite game is because I need some more time to try them out.

To be honest, it's the first time I've heard about such a game. As I saw it was released in September, but no one from I know has played it. 

But now, when I googled it and saw some videos, I see that it indeed looks cool.

Not my favourite genre, but I think I'll get it just to try something new.

[Tweaky]

2 hours ago, lorenaparas said:

To be honest, it's the first time I've heard about such a game. As I saw it was released in September, but no one from I know has played it. 

But now, when I googled it and saw some videos, I see that it indeed looks cool.

Not my favourite genre, but I think I'll get it just to try something new.

The last [5th] speed run level 'Rising Heat' was released the other day.........I wouldn't be surprised if more "Paid For DLC" was released for this game.

First video is a first attempt, second video is showing a Top 10 speed run time.

Apparently for this particular level, its best to turn the controllers motion sensor off to control the Monkey Arms, and use the left stick instead.

 

 

 

[manchu]

I've just ordered a PS5 for my boys (6,8,.11) christmas present so now deciding on games.   

 

Astrobot is now on the shortlist along with  Spiderman 2 and NBA 2K25

 

    

[Kaynin]

55 minutes ago, manchu said:

I've just ordered a PS5 for my boys (6,8,.11) christmas present so now deciding on games.   

 

Astrobot is now on the shortlist along with  Spiderman 2 and NBA 2K25

 

    

 

Great call.  Remember that Astro's Playroom is included on the PS5 and is also a cracking game.  If you complete that one then there's extra characters to collect that go in to the Astro Bot game.  Astro's Playroom is easier than Astro Bot, but just as addictive. 

 

We've finished Astro Bot now, and some levels are insanely hard, we spent hours on them, but YouTube helps a lot.  We're pretty pleased with ourselves!

 

[Tweaky]

2 hours ago, manchu said:

I've just ordered a PS5 for my boys (6,8,.11) christmas present so now deciding on games.   

 

Astrobot is now on the shortlist along with  Spiderman 2 and NBA 2K25

 

    

I hope you ordered the DISC version PS5, it will help in keeping costs down when it comes to buying games, as you end up paying about a 15-20% premium buying the downloaded versions of the same game from the PStore, a lot of times you can find a used DISC version of a PS5 game at EB Games or JB, same with PS4 games which you can load onto a PS5.

 

The PS5 doesn't play the game off the disc, as all PS5 games have to be installed on the internal HD......This brings up one of the biggest problems with the PS5.

 

You will also need to factor in the price of a bigger additional internal HD for your PS5, as it's only fitted with a 1TB as standard, but once the OS and other programs are installed, that available free disc space to install games on drops to around 670GB , which won't take long to fill up.

I'd suggest a separate, additional internal 2TB , as even adding another 1TB won't last long, you won't need to do it straight away, but you will need to do it eventually.

Depending on the size of the game, you might get 5-8 games on the standard HD......You definitely do not want to fill the HD, as it will slow to a crawl, best practice with SSD's is to leave at least 30% empty.

 

There are a few available, but whichever you choose, the SSD needs to be [1] GEN 4  [2] M.2 type  [3] Have a Heatsink fitted.

 

 A few alternatives below.

 

Kingston FURY Renegade with Heatsink 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD....currently $277

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/101189-sfyrdk-2000g

 

Crucial T500 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink.....Currently $269

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/106772-ct2000t500ssd5

 

Seagate FireCuda 530R 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink.....Currently $289

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/115063-zp2000gm3a073

 

I ending up paying through the nose for a 4TB Segate Firecuda when the PS5 was first released 4 years ago, it cost me $1500 back then twice as much as the Disc version PS5 .it's dropped by $250 since I bought it.

 

If there is one problem with the PS5 it's the small amount of storage that comes with it as standard, and the expense [and Need] to add more, especially with some big AAA titles that can end up having file sizes over 1TB

[manchu]

14 minutes ago, Tweaky said:

I hope you ordered the DISC version PS5,

 

yep,   that was always the plan for the game savings/resale  and for the  DVD/BD player.    Paid  ~$540 which was  only ~$40 more  so  kind of a no brainer.       

 

Thanks for the tips.  All very appreciated and I dare say necessary as I'm not really up to speed these days.            

 

[Tweaky]

On 26/11/2024 at 4:25 PM, manchu said:

 

yep,   that was always the plan for the game savings/resale  and for the  DVD/BD player.    Paid  ~$540 which was  only ~$40 more  so  kind of a no brainer.       

 

Thanks for the tips.  All very appreciated and I dare say necessary as I'm not really up to speed these days.            

 

ASTROBOT just got a free Xmas themed level DLC, like the speed trial levels, you will have had to have finished the main game first, before it will unlock .....[You don't need to have beaten all the harder, but shorter levels]

 

Its very good, and it might take you more than one visit before you find all the lost ASTROBOT's , new costumes and new controller skin.

 

 

 

Edited December 13, 2024 by Tweaky

[Tweaky]

ASTRO BOT The game that keeps on giving.

You will find there is a new update to Astro bot, and like the previous DLC it is another FREE collection of 5 new Speed Run levels, which will be run out over the coming weeks.

You will find a new Vicious Void Galaxy appear, and the first level is Tic-Tock Shock.

This level actually turned up as a surprise level sprung on the two finalists in the Astro Bot WC's held a couple of months ago, they both played it sight unseen, and zoomed through it like they had played it a few hundred times before....Some people are just TOO GOOD at this game.

[manchu]

On 26/11/2024 at 3:59 PM, Tweaky said:

I'd suggest a separate, additional internal 2TB , as even adding another 1TB won't last long, you won't need to do it straight away, but you will need to do it eventually

 

Well I'm shopping for that extra  2TB now .   ~$230 for Samsung 980 pro with heatsink seems like the best option at the moment.

 

I thought I might last a bit longer  before needing more space  but when the console is used by the 3 kids and me  and we all want to play different stuff it's no surprise.   

 

[Tweaky]

10 minutes ago, manchu said:

 

Well I'm shopping for that extra  2TB now .   ~$230 for Samsung 980 pro with heatsink seems like the best option at the moment.

 

I thought I might last a bit longer  before needing more space  but when the console is used by the 3 kids and me  and we all want to play different stuff it's no surprise.   

 

Yeah, I warned my nieces son about not filling all the free space on the PS5's HD that he got for Xmas, but looking at how many games he's installed on it, and working finding out and adding up the combined file size, he's ignored me and filled it anyway.

 

TBH I don't think the Samsung 980pro would be the best drive for a PS5, as they are built for speed, and not so much for reliability.

The Seagate Firecuda 2TB is around $30/40 cheaper, and has about half again higher spec's when it comes to the amount of  read/writes it can do without failure.

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/115063-zp2000gm3a073

[manchu]

1 hour ago, Tweaky said:

Seagate Firecuda 2TB is around $30/40 cheaper   

Thanks for the suggestion but looks like it’s  ~$60 more expensive though?   
 

I’ll hold off for a sub $200 option I reckon.  I bought a little more time by using and old 500gb external SSD for overflow & ps4 games.  

[Tweaky]

1 hour ago, manchu said:

Thanks for the suggestion but looks like it’s  ~$60 more expensive though?   
 

I’ll hold off for a sub $200 option I reckon.  I bought a little more time by using and old 500gb external SSD for overflow & ps4 games.  

 

The Samsung 980 pro 2tb is currently going for +/- $10 $319

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/104210-mz-v9p2t0cw

The Samsung 980 Pro 1tb [If you can find it, because it's no longer being made and it seems out of stock] is going for $179

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/93567-mz-v8p1t0cw

The Seagate Firecuda 2TB is going for $289

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/115063-zp2000gm3a073

 

There is nothing at 2tb for $200 or under.

The closest you will get is the Kingston KC3000 2tb which is actually at a BARGIN price of $205

Which is $64 off, while stocks last, which knowing how much gear Scorptec sells, won't last long.....I'd jump on that!

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/93499-skc3000d-2048g

[Kaynin]

52 minutes ago, Tweaky said:

There is nothing at 2tb for $200 or under.

The closest you will get is the Kingston KC3000 2tb which is actually at a BARGIN price of $205

Which is $64 off, while stocks last, which knowing how much gear Scorptec sells, won't last long.....I'd jump on that!

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds/solid-state-drives-(ssd)/93499-skc3000d-2048g

 

Yes, I agree.  I've used plenty of Kingston gear over the years and have had no issues at all.  2TB with heat sink (they call it a heat spreader), that's a bloody bargain.  If you want PS5 expanded memory, then that's the one to get right now.  

 

I would NOT go lower than 2TB though, you'll just chew through it.  I have a 750Gb external, and 2TB Samsung 980pro and that will see us for a long time, but not forever...

[manchu]

3 hours ago, Tweaky said:

 KC3000 2tb which is actually at a BARGIN price of $205

Cheers, looks good.   So does this one not need  separate heat sink?  
 

The Samsung  is $233 on Amazon at the moment.  

[Tweaky]

11 minutes ago, manchu said:

Cheers, looks good.   So does this one not need  separate heat sink?  
 

The Samsung  is $233 on Amazon at the moment.  

You need a heatsink on the M.2 SSD you fit into the PS5, and that particular KC3000 2tb on sale Does have one already fitted, it's just they are calling it a heat spreader.

 

Quite a few M.2 SSD's can be bought either with a heatsink/ heat spreader already fitted [by far the preferred option for PS5 use] or no heatsink fitted, for use on PC motherboards that have heatsink like covers, that fit on the SSD once you have attached it to the motherboard.

Or you can by a SSD with no heatsink fitted, and then buy a seperate heatsink and fit it yourself, but then you run the risk of that particular combo not fitting into the space in a PS5, or not securing the heatsink properly and the heatsink doesn't do it's job, resulting in a failed drive due to overheating.

Edited February 18 by Tweaky

[Kaynin]