Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus Review: A Gorgeous, Difficult Action Platformer

by

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of action platformers and Metroidvanias. But let me tell you, Squid Shock Studios’ Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus has left me utterly captivated.

Over the past ten years, Metroidvania game enthusiasts have been in their element, with stellar titles such as Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread, and the Ori series gracing us. The newest addition to this list is Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus by Squid Shock Studios, a delightful action platformer that doesn’t disappoint. Featuring an endearing fox protagonist in a richly textured world steeped in Japanese mythology, it may present a challenge, but it’s a must-play for Metroidvania fans.

The first thing fans will notice in Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is just how gorgeous it is. Screenshots don’t even do the game full justice as it’s quite mesmerizing in movement and really impresses with a watercolor-like style. Technically, the game holds up its end of the bargain as the game runs extremely smoothly as Bō leaps and dashes through the air. Enemy design is just as wonderful as the world itself, as there’s not a weak aspect of the visuals.

As a devoted fan of Path of the Teal Lotus, I’d like to share my experience on how the gameplay significantly enhances once you acquire a dash ability early in your journey. With this skill, every enemy strike becomes an opportunity for a double jump, granting you impressive airtime and enabling you to cover vast distances. This is also when the Metroidvania aspect of the game truly shines, allowing you to revisit previously unexplorable areas and progress further in your adventure. Over time, you’ll unlock new forms for your shapeshifting staff and even Daruma doll allies that can be employed as cooldown attacks. The abundance of choices at your disposal makes Path of the Teal Lotus an incredibly engaging and satisfying game to delve into.

The heart of the game’s action is engaging, but what truly shines are its challenging boss battles. Instead of a routine clash with an enemy, these encounters are more intricate and call for both strategic thinking and perseverance. Frequently, these adversaries are colossal in size, forcing you to utilize your platforming skills effectively, as well as dodging their relentless attacks, to reach vulnerable spots. Overcoming a boss provides an immense sense of achievement, even if it requires multiple attempts.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus Review: Final verdict

The game “Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus” boasts an impressively designed and refined experience in the action platformer genre. Its captivating visuals leave one in awe, while its challenging gameplay proves incredibly rewarding. Unique features like the Daruma doll system add depth and value for fans of Metroidvania games.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Great.” Although there are some small flaws, this rating indicates that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and leaves an enduring impression.

I received a complimentary digital copy of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus from the game’s publisher for the purpose of writing a review. I’ve played this version 1.000.002 and would be sharing my honest thoughts on it based on my gaming experiences.

Read More

2024-07-15 19:11