Astro Bot: Rescue Mission

This clever virtual reality platforming adventure stands out as an excellent example of what the evolution of platforming adventures could become. Astro Bot: Rescue Mission never loses sight of the fact that the real hero of the game is Astro, the adorable robot mascot first seen in The Playroom and The Playroom VR. The game puts players into the role of Astro's partner, able to scout out locations from all angles with your 360-degree view of the environment and lend the hero a bit of extra aid when it's needed. You still control Astro and are responsible for its jumps, attacks, etc., but you're able to take in the whole scene and act accordingly. It's a fun twist on both the standard VR and the platform game formula, and it adds something fresh and exciting to both.

Even without the VR hook, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission would be a great platform game. The level design is great, offering plenty of challenge without ever being too difficult or frustrating. Using Astro's various gadgets to interact with the environment adds a level of puzzle-solving strategy as you find ways to help Astro get from point A to point B safely. Each stage has its own flavor and personality, as does each boss you face along the way. Admittedly, the minions are a bit generic, but that's a minor issue. The VR wisely comes into play when you're judging distances and angles, finding the best ways for Astro to advance. It also encourages players to take in the environments -- not just to admire the scenery, but to look for hidden goodies tucked away. Players will need to take plenty of breaks from the game, though, as the VR's constantly shifting and shaking view can get a bit dizzying. Still, if you've got a PSVR unit, you owe it to yourself to pick up Astro Bot: Rescue Mission. It's not only one of the best PSVR titles available to date, but also one of the best platforming games you'll find on the PlayStation 4.