My Game of the Year 2024 - Astro Bot - why it deserves G.O.T.Y ?

After The Game Awards (TGA) 2024, the gaming community was abuzz with excitement, surprise, and even disappointment. The announcements ranged from thrilling reveals to some weird moments, but the real highlight was the Game of the Year (GOTY) winner—Astro Bot, a PlayStation game that rose from the ashes of Sony’s recent stumble, Concord. It’s almost poetic how Sony, after a less-than-stellar outing, did a full reboot 360, and returned to their roots to create one of the most fun and well-crafted platformers in recent memory. Drawing heavily from Nintendo’s blueprint while weaving in nostalgia from Sony’s rich history, Astro Bot managed to achieve what many thought impossible for a modern PlayStation exclusive.

I know that a lot of people disagree that ASTRO BOT won it over other great games like Wukong, but Astro Bot isn’t just a game; it’s an experience, one that feels like a love letter to PlayStation fans old and new. Here’s why this game stands out as 2024’s rightful GOTY in my humble opinion :

1.​

Astro Bot is a platformer that harks back to the golden era of the genre while introducing innovative mechanics that feel fresh and exciting. The game masterfully blends tight controls, imaginative level design, and charming visuals, creating an experience that’s both accessible and deeply engaging. Every level is packed with secrets, challenges, and creative uses of the Dual Sense controller, and the fluidity of the movements put it in top tier for me.

2.​

From Easter eggs referencing classics like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter to the integration of beloved soundtracks and motifs, Astro Bot is steeped in PlayStation’s history. For long-time fans, it’s a trip down memory lane that doesn’t feel forced or pandering. Instead, it celebrates the legacy of the platform in a way that’s both heartfelt and genuine.

3.​

Astro Bot stands out for its exceptional level of polish. Each world brims with personality, featuring stunning art direction, dynamic environments, and an infectious sense of joy. The puzzles are clever yet intuitive, and the boss battles are some of the most imaginative we’ve seen in years. The game’s dedication to fun above all else is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often prioritizes cinematic spectacle over gameplay.

4.​

What truly sets Astro Bot apart is how it feels like a passion project—something you’d expect from indie developers rather than a major corporation. The care and attention to detail shine through every aspect of the game, proving that Sony can still deliver when they focus on the heart of gaming: fun and creativity.

The Competition: Why Astro Bot Stands Tall​

While Black Myth: Wukong dazzled with its visuals and gameplay depth, and Blataro captured imaginations with its unique premise, neither could replicate the sheer joy and nostalgia that Astro Bot delivers. Many who dismiss Astro Bot likely haven’t given it a chance—but once you dive into its world, it’s impossible not to fall in love. It’s a game that bridges generations, appealing to both veteran gamers and newcomers alike, take me for example, I watched the Moist critikal video on the game 4 months ago and said you know what freak it let me buy it, keep in mind I haven't played with my PS5 in over a year, I bought the game but didn't touch it till the TGA announcement and stayed in my room playing it for 3 days non-stop, and as funny as this might sound like but for the first time I actually enjoyed playing a game on my PS5.

A Return to Form for PlayStation​

For years, Sony has grappled with hits but a lot of misses in their business strategies and game development priorities. Astro Bot, however, marks a turning point. It doesn’t just replicate the magic of the PlayStation 2 era; it builds upon it. By embracing what made their classics so beloved while innovating for the future, Astro Bot provides a glimmer of hope for Sony’s trajectory. It’s proof that the company can stand toe-to-toe with Nintendo when they focus on creating great games rather than chasing trends, the developers actually but care in the physics of the game and all the movements and frames, everything i complained about in Mario Odyssey was fixed in astro bot as if they were fixing other platformers problems.

2025​

Astro Bot’s success raises exciting possibilities for Sony’s future. With the resurgence of franchises like Virtua Fighter and Okami, not as remasters but as full-fledged sequels, we could be witnessing the start of a PlayStation renaissance. The recent acquisition of From Software’s parent company also fuels speculation about a new Bloodborne title—something fans have been clamoring for, Astro bot made the ending of this year much happier and fun and actually got me excited for 2025 more than I thought I would, and since now is officially 2025 the only thing is going thro my head rn now is their song "Astro bot, Aaaa stro bot".

As we step into 2025, there’s hope that Astro Bot’s triumph will inspire Sony to double down on what truly matters: games that prioritize creativity, nostalgia, and pure fun. If Astro Bot is any indication, the future of PlayStation is looking brighter than ever—a future where they might finally reclaim their spot as a leader in the gaming world. Here’s to more surprises, more risks, and more unforgettable adventures in the year ahead.

Happy new year, everyone !​

This article was a part of a small project @Yousef started, I'm happy that I can take part in it and express my love for games with you all, I'd like to thank him and my other fellow writers who are in on the project, if you enjoyed my piece you might enjoy theirs too, here is a list of the rest of the articles (will be added soon) :
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[Hikari.EXE]

Well done! I myself finished the game today! I mostly agree with what you said, I'm still skeptical for Sony's future, while you saw potential when Sony bought From Soft parent company, I saw worry. But not today, it's New Year's Eve, we should expect only the best for the new year, thank you very much and happy new year! (And don't worry, I will release my article soon...ish)

 

[Jusaiki]

Well done! I myself finished the game today! I mostly agree with what you said, I'm still skeptical for Sony's future, while you saw potential when Sony bought From Soft parent company, I saw worry. But not today, it's New Year's Eve, we should expect only the best for the new year, thank you very much and happy new year!

Always hoping for the best, I hate a lot of sonys decisions from the past few years but when they make something like Ghost of tsushima and Astro bot out of the blue, I can only give them a chance and respect the hard work they have done so far, Also nintendo's new console is coming march confirmed, so there is a clear window for huge comptetion, if sony didn't do well this gen the next gen might only be for Nintendo and they know that damn well

 

[Hikari.EXE]

Always hoping for the best, I hate a lot of sonys decisions from the past few years but when they make something like Ghost of tsushima and Astro bot out of the blue, I can only give them a chance and respect the hard work they have done so far, Also nintendo's new console is coming march confirmed, so there is a clear window for huge comptetion, if sony didn't do well this gen the next gen might only be for Nintendo and they know that damn well

Wow, didn't know Nintendo was gonna release their next console on march, along side Xenoblade X DE! (I hope the game won't be a "Switch 2" exclusive) Maybe Sony is pulling all the stops, it's only them and Nintendo again after Microsoft bailed out, so they are actually spooked!

 

[DunkeyKong]

The game reveals alone is what makes 2025 so exciting, seeing some old franchise that have returned makes me smile (even the return of some game designer and director)

I think maybe someday, Astro Bot would be remembered for it's impact on maybe not for the gaming industry as a whole, but for Sony. What I can say is that Astro Bot does deserve the GOTY for the mascot alone

 

[Hawx]

The game reveals alone is what makes 2025 so exciting, seeing some old franchise that have returned makes me smile (even the return of some game designer and director)

I think maybe someday, Astro Bot would be remembered for it's impact on maybe not for the gaming industry as a whole, but for Sony. What I can say is that Astro Bot does deserve the GOTY for the mascot alone

i just wish that sackboy wont be replaced and hopefully little big planet is coming back

 

[Xdqwerty]

I don't care I don't have a ps5

 

[DunkeyKong]

i just wish that sackboy wont be replaced and hopefully little big planet is coming back

True, can't forget my childhood franchise
He really deserve some love

 

[Hikari.EXE]

i just wish that sackboy wont be replaced and hopefully little big planet is coming back

Don't think will be the case, but ultimately I don't think there will be another Little Big Planet, the game's devs already made another "DIY" game, Dreams! They'll prob make a Dreams 2.

 

[Yousef]

I am beyond busy right now but beyond proud of how this project is coming up so far and uber happy with how it’s turning. Can’t wait for everyone else’s pieces!
I plan to make a longer reply once I escape my unstable Saudi internet

 

[Aziamuth]

There's a Sol Badguy astrobot which I think is badass

 

[Jvsouza11]

After The Game Awards (TGA) 2024, the gaming community was abuzz with excitement, surprise, and even disappointment. The announcements ranged from thrilling reveals to some weird moments, but the real highlight was the Game of the Year (GOTY) winner—Astro Bot, a PlayStation game that rose from the ashes of Sony’s recent stumble, Concord. It’s almost poetic how Sony, after a less-than-stellar outing, did a full reboot 360, and returned to their roots to create one of the most fun and well-crafted platformers in recent memory. Drawing heavily from Nintendo’s blueprint while weaving in nostalgia from Sony’s rich history, Astro Bot managed to achieve what many thought impossible for a modern PlayStation exclusive.

I know that a lot of people disagree that ASTRO BOT won it over other great games like Wukong, but Astro Bot isn’t just a game; it’s an experience, one that feels like a love letter to PlayStation fans old and new. Here’s why this game stands out as 2024’s rightful GOTY in my humble opinion :
View attachment 7735

1.​

Astro Bot is a platformer that harks back to the golden era of the genre while introducing innovative mechanics that feel fresh and exciting. The game masterfully blends tight controls, imaginative level design, and charming visuals, creating an experience that’s both accessible and deeply engaging. Every level is packed with secrets, challenges, and creative uses of the Dual Sense controller, and the fluidity of the movements put it in top tier for me.

2.​

From Easter eggs referencing classics like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter to the integration of beloved soundtracks and motifs, Astro Bot is steeped in PlayStation’s history. For long-time fans, it’s a trip down memory lane that doesn’t feel forced or pandering. Instead, it celebrates the legacy of the platform in a way that’s both heartfelt and genuine.

3.​

Astro Bot stands out for its exceptional level of polish. Each world brims with personality, featuring stunning art direction, dynamic environments, and an infectious sense of joy. The puzzles are clever yet intuitive, and the boss battles are some of the most imaginative we’ve seen in years. The game’s dedication to fun above all else is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often prioritizes cinematic spectacle over gameplay.

4.​

What truly sets Astro Bot apart is how it feels like a passion project—something you’d expect from indie developers rather than a major corporation. The care and attention to detail shine through every aspect of the game, proving that Sony can still deliver when they focus on the heart of gaming: fun and creativity.

The Competition: Why Astro Bot Stands Tall​

While Black Myth: Wukong dazzled with its visuals and gameplay depth, and Blataro captured imaginations with its unique premise, neither could replicate the sheer joy and nostalgia that Astro Bot delivers. Many who dismiss Astro Bot likely haven’t given it a chance—but once you dive into its world, it’s impossible not to fall in love. It’s a game that bridges generations, appealing to both veteran gamers and newcomers alike, take me for example, I watched the Moist critikal video on the game 4 months ago and said you know what freak it let me buy it, keep in mind I haven't played with my PS5 in over a year, I bought the game but didn't touch it till the TGA announcement and stayed in my room playing it for 3 days non-stop, and as funny as this might sound like but for the first time I actually enjoyed playing a game on my PS5.

A Return to Form for PlayStation​

For years, Sony has grappled with hits but a lot of misses in their business strategies and game development priorities. Astro Bot, however, marks a turning point. It doesn’t just replicate the magic of the PlayStation 2 era; it builds upon it. By embracing what made their classics so beloved while innovating for the future, Astro Bot provides a glimmer of hope for Sony’s trajectory. It’s proof that the company can stand toe-to-toe with Nintendo when they focus on creating great games rather than chasing trends, the developers actually but care in the physics of the game and all the movements and frames, everything i complained about in Mario Odyssey was fixed in astro bot as if they were fixing other platformers problems.

2025​

Astro Bot’s success raises exciting possibilities for Sony’s future. With the resurgence of franchises like Virtua Fighter and Okami, not as remasters but as full-fledged sequels, we could be witnessing the start of a PlayStation renaissance. The recent acquisition of From Software’s parent company also fuels speculation about a new Bloodborne title—something fans have been clamoring for, Astro bot made the ending of this year much happier and fun and actually got me excited for 2025 more than I thought I would, and since now is officially 2025 the only thing is going thro my head rn now is their song "Astro bot, Aaaa stro bot".

View attachment 7734

As we step into 2025, there’s hope that Astro Bot’s triumph will inspire Sony to double down on what truly matters: games that prioritize creativity, nostalgia, and pure fun. If Astro Bot is any indication, the future of PlayStation is looking brighter than ever—a future where they might finally reclaim their spot as a leader in the gaming world. Here’s to more surprises, more risks, and more unforgettable adventures in the year ahead.

Happy new year, everyone !​

This article was a part of a small project @Yousef started, I'm happy that I can take part in it and express my love for games with you all, I'd like to thank him and my other fellow writers who are in on the project, if you enjoyed my piece you might enjoy theirs too, here is a list of the rest of the articles (will be added soon) :
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-
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I though Black myth would win goty but i didnt expect ASTRO BOT of all games win game of the year and i dont know if i get angry, confused or Both.

 

[BinaryMessiah]

Wholeheartedly agree! On my site, I listed this as my GOTY as well. It's so rare these days for me to find a modern game that I can't put down, let alone finish. I platinumed that game in 4 days.