Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus review – A stunning Metroidvania with unique mechanics.
Table of Contents
Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus Review
Details
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series S|X
Developer: Squid Shock Studios
Publisher: Humble Games
Reviewed on: PC
Also Tested on: Steam Deck
Release Date: July 17, 2024
Introduction
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Metroidvania enthusiasts. This genre, known for its rich exploratory mechanics and intricate level designs, has flourished with several notable releases. The year kicked off with the highly anticipated and delightful “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” a rare high-profile addition to the genre. Following this, the indie scene brought forth a wave of creative and unique titles, including “Minishoot’ Adventures,” which introduced bullet hell elements to the exploratory format, “Turbo Kid,” a belated movie tie-in featuring rad bike tricks, and “Ufouria The Saga 2,” an unexpected sequel to a relatively obscure classic. Despite this plethora of choices, “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” has managed to stand out and claim a special place among Metroidvania fans.
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Setting and Story
In “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus,” players are introduced to Bo, a tiny fox yokai descended from the heavens with a significant destiny. Set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology, Bo’s journey takes place across the beautiful yet perilous landscapes of Sakura City and the Bamboo Forest. The tranquil existence of these lands is threatened by a menacing force, and despite Bo’s small stature, they are the sole hope against this encroaching darkness.
The story, while not groundbreaking, provides a sufficient backdrop for Bo’s adventures. The narrative follows the classic hero’s journey archetype, with Bo proving naysayers wrong through their determination and unique abilities. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, it effectively sets the stage for the game’s core elements: exploration and combat.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Movement and Abilities
The defining feature of any Metroidvania is its movement mechanics, and “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” excels in this area. Bo starts with basic abilities: jumping and swinging a bo staff. However, these foundational skills quickly expand into a repertoire of acrobatic maneuvers that set the game apart.
One of the game’s most exciting mechanics is the extra jump gained each time Bo hits an enemy or object. This unique feature transforms the gameplay into a dynamic and fluid experience, allowing for thrilling aerial acrobatics across hazardous environments. The satisfaction of bouncing from enemy to enemy to traverse dangerous areas cannot be overstated. This mechanic is further enhanced as Bo acquires more abilities, making movement even more exhilarating.
Unlockable Abilities
As Bo progresses through the game, they gain additional abilities that enrich both exploration and combat. Some of these include:
- Projectile Hitting: Bo can strike projectiles with their staff to open previously inaccessible paths.
- Ground Pound: This move breaks weak floors and deals significant damage to enemies.
- Air Dash: Enhances Bo’s aerial mobility, making traversing the world even more enjoyable.
These abilities are not just for show; they are crucial for accessing hidden power-ups and collectibles in previously explored areas, providing a satisfying sense of progression and encouraging backtracking.
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Combat System
Combat in “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” is straightforward yet engaging. Bo’s primary weapon is the bo staff, which offers simple but effective attacks against various mythical foes. However, the real depth of combat lies in the use of Daruma, collectible items that unleash powerful attacks at the cost of some of Bo’s tea resource.
Each Daruma has a unique ability, such as shooting a large projectile or breathing fire, which can turn the tide of battle. Landing consecutive hits with the bo staff without touching the ground boosts the next Daruma attack, adding a layer of strategy to combat encounters.
Boss Fights
The game’s bosses are where Bo’s skills are truly put to the test. These fearsome and fantastical adversaries require mastery of both movement and combat abilities. Each boss presents a unique challenge, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. While the final boss poses a significant difficulty spike, it provides a satisfying climax to Bo’s journey. However, the trek to the boss arena after each defeat can become a tad frustrating, especially after numerous attempts.
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Collectibles and Exploration
A key aspect of Metroidvania games is the motivation to explore and collect items, and “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” excels in this regard. The game is filled with various collectibles that enhance Bo’s abilities and offer passive buffs. These include:
- Charms: Equippable items that provide various passive benefits.
- Currency: Used for purchasing upgrades and items.
- Leaf Friends: These adorable companions help rebuild the hub town, unlocking helpful buildings and services.
The satisfaction of finding these collectibles and the benefits they provide make backtracking and thorough exploration highly rewarding.
Visuals and Art Style
One of the standout features of “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” is its breathtaking visual design. The art style, heavily inspired by Japanese classics, is nothing short of stunning. Every frame of the game is a visual delight, with meticulously crafted environments and beautifully animated characters. A particularly memorable sequence involves a mermaid chase scene, where the ocean water crashing towards Bo is reminiscent of Hokusai’s famous Great Wave. This blend of classic art and modern animation creates an enchanting and immersive experience.
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Performance and Platform Differences
The game performs admirably across all platforms. On PC, the graphics are sharp and the gameplay is smooth, making it the ideal platform for those seeking the best visual experience. The Steam Deck also handles the game well, offering a portable yet uncompromised version of Bo’s adventure. Console versions on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox Series S|X provide solid performance, ensuring that players on any platform can enjoy the game without significant technical issues.
Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
While “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” is a near-perfect Metroidvania experience, it is not without its flaws. The story, although serviceable, could have been more engaging and less predictable. Additionally, the final boss’s difficulty spike may frustrate some players, especially given the lengthy trek to the boss arena after each defeat. These minor issues, however, do little to detract from the overall excellence of the game.
Conclusion
“Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” is a standout title in the crowded Metroidvania genre. Its innovative movement mechanics, engaging combat, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game’s collectibles are worthwhile and encourage thorough exploration, while the charming art style and atmospheric world keep players immersed throughout the 6-8 hour campaign. Despite a few minor flaws, Bo’s journey is one that Metroidvania enthusiasts should not miss.
FAQs
Q: What platforms is “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus” available on?
A: The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox Series S|X.
Q: How long is the game’s campaign?
A: The main campaign lasts approximately 6-8 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring and collecting items.
Q: What are the main abilities Bo can acquire?
A: Bo can unlock abilities such as hitting projectiles, ground pounding, and air dashing, among others.
Q: How does the combat system work?
A: Bo uses a bo staff for basic attacks and can collect Daruma for powerful special attacks. Combat involves a mix of strategic staff attacks and using Daruma at the right moments.
Q: Are there any performance issues on different platforms?
A: The game performs well across all platforms, including PC, consoles, and the Steam Deck. Players can expect a smooth experience regardless of their chosen platform.
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Q: What makes the game’s visuals stand out?
A: The game’s art style is heavily inspired by Japanese classics, with beautifully crafted environments and characters that create a visually stunning experience.
Q: Is backtracking encouraged in the game?
A: Yes, backtracking is highly encouraged as it allows players to find hidden power-ups and collectibles that enhance Bo’s abilities.
Q: Are there any difficulty spikes in the game?
A: The final boss presents a significant difficulty spike, which may be challenging for some players. However, mastering Bo’s abilities and strategy will help in overcoming this challenge.
Q: Is the story engaging?
A: While the story provides a sufficient backdrop for the gameplay, it is somewhat predictable and not the main highlight of the game.
Q: What is the most unique feature of “Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus”?
A: The most unique feature is the movement mechanic where Bo gains an extra jump each time they hit an enemy or object, allowing for thrilling aerial acrobatics and dynamic traversal.