Through the miracle that is often labelled as luck or fortune, I managed to acquire a PlayStation 5 near the start of May. It was Mother’s Day weekend and I was out looking for possible gifts for a woman that, when asked, had shook  her head and offered me merely a secret smile in response. Since I was out in a shopping centre, I thought it would not hurt to make enquiries at the different electronic stores scattered about and see if I couldn’t put my name down on one of the wait lists that some had for the ever elusive console. 

My first stop was EB Games. One of the store people approached me as I browsed the shelves and asked if I needed any help. It is a rare instance, indeed, when I turn around and say ‘yes.’ This, I did. My first question was in regards to a physical release for The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in Australia. Sadly, they advised that the game would not be gracing store shelves. I turned my question then to whether or not they had a wait list for the PlayStation 5. She shook her head and apologised. Dismayed but undaunted, I thanked her for her time and headed to the JB Hi-Fi also nestled in the bowels of Castle Towers.

As my friend and I walked, we passed by Vodafone that taunted me with promises of owning the console if I were only to take them up on their NBN plan.

When we arrived, I awkwardly tried to track down a staff member in charge of the gaming section. Once we managed to attract her attention, I made my request again. Unfortunately, the list was full and I would have better luck trying the following week – preferably on a Friday when stock was usually dropped. 

Shattered, I sighed melodramatically for several minutes and tried to think up ways to put my name down on the list. I even demanded that my friend assist me in my time of dire need. Perhaps seeing how desperate and inconsolable I was at missing my opportunity, the staff member happened to recall that perhaps there was a stock error with the latest shipment. Though she offered no promises, she advised that she would check the storage room out back for a possible PlayStation 5.

Knowing that my chances were slim, I waited. Five minutes passed and to my great surprise, she walked across the store carrying a brand new PlayStation 5 Disc Edition. To say that I was overjoyed at my luck would have been an understatement.

Forgetting that the trip was to buy my mother her own gift, I made the decision to purchase the PlayStation 5 and hoofed it back to my car. This white baby was as precious as could be. It was my own One Ring and I would give it up to no-one or nothing.

After setting it up, it was a long while before I managed to play the one game that came installed on it: Astro’s Playroom. As a showcase of what the console could do, as well as the DualSense controller, it was spectacular. Though I had not played the initial Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, I fell in love with the little robot that tinked around on its tiny little legs and was just so GOSH DARN ADORABLE!

The game itself is very much a 3D platformer with rote levels and gameplay. Though the narrative was simple and to the point, the game was able to pull me into its universe with the astute way it made use of the DualSense abilities. Haptic triggers can sound like a buzzword when it comes to advertising, but when one is playing and can feel the resistance when it comes to pushing down on the trigger R2 and L2 buttons, it makes all the difference and elevated the game for me. For the first time, I could see why people were excited about what the PlayStation 5 could offer.

Beyond these changes, I also loved how Astro’s Playroom was a celebration of all things PlayStation. The consoles have gone through so many iterations over the years. As someone that has owned a PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Portable and a PlayStation Vita, it was great to see miniature versions of these in games. All these Easter Eggs and more managed to capture my attention for a few good hours. Best of all, Astro’s Playroom never overstayed its welcome. 

Short and sweet, it’s the perfect game for anyone – no matter how young or how old – to have a glimpse at what the PlayStation 5 can do. 

Oh, and I did manage to get my mother something for Mother’s Day. Because I had almost no use for them, I handed over my share of the NSW Dine and Discover vouchers that had been used to fuel and revitalise the state’s economy. And honestly, who can say ‘no’ to a free $100?