Fans of Metroidvania games have been in heaven over the past decade thanks to great games like Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread, and the Ori series. The latest beautiful yet challenging action platformer to be released is Squid Shock Studios’ Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, which features an adorable fox protagonist in a world filled with plenty of Japanese folklore. While it’s on the more challenging side, it’s not one to miss for fans of the genre.
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.
Gameplay in Path of the Teal Lotus really opens up once you gain a dash ability early on as you can trigger a double jump whenever you strike an enemy, which allows you to get some serious airtime and travel huge distances. This is also when the Metroidvania element starts to shine, as you’re able to go back and access some earlier areas that were out of reach. Over time, you’ll also be able to get new forms for your shapeshifting staff and even unlock Daruma doll allies that can be used as cooldown attacks. Needless to say, there are a lot of options at your disposal, which makes the game a real joy to explore.
While the core adventuring is great fun, the game’s boss battles are its best moments. Rather than simply hitting a foe three times, battles are more drawn out and require a combination of pattern recognition and patience. These foes are often giant, requiring you to make the most out of your platforming abilities as well in order to get to weak points while dodging attacks. Defeating a boss becomes highly satisfying, even if it might take a dozen attempts to do so.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus Review: Final verdict
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a well-crafted and polished action platformer. Its gorgeous art style wows and its gameplay winds up being highly satisfying thanks to its difficulty. Some fresh ideas, such as the Daruma doll system, help make it a worthwhile time for any fans of Metroidvanias.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital copy for our Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus review. Reviewed on version 1.000.002.
