Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus

Though it features some of the best parts of modern metroidvania games, too often Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is waylaid by its lack of direction and poor platforming.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is a game where charm meets challenge and a passion for Japanese culture is expressed with artistic flair. Its emphasis on platforming skill over exploration gives it a distinctive profile in the Metroidvania crowd and, while that might not be everyone's cup of tea, for many, the appeal will blossom like the trees in Sakura City.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is an extremely charming metroidvania thanks to its rich use of Japanese folklore in its world and character design. Not only is the world nice to look at, but a delight to explore. There are some rough edges when it comes to the platforming, but there is immense fun to be had if you can work past them.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is, plain and simple, one truly superb and expertly-crafted metroidvania game. The cast of colorful characters ends up leading to quests that feature impressive gameplay that encourages exploration as you eventually discover more of the world, the action is superb and challenging with a lot of fun movement, and it all looks dazzling as you take in all of the sights of Japanese mythology, depicted here in such a charming style. If you're a fan of the genre, you need to check it out. And if not, consider Bō a good place to start.

Squid Shock Studios lets loose an astonishing debut in the form of Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, a silky-smooth metroidvania platformer.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is an excellent Metroidvania for newcomers to the genre. With its accessible difficulty and shorter length, it’s a very inviting experience for less experienced players. The aerial combat is incredibly satisfying, the visuals are stunning, and the soundtrack is spectacular, enhancing the overall exploration. However, the price might feel a bit high for what the game offers, especially when compared to other titles in the genre.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania that captivates with its engaging gameplay, blending Japanese folklore with a heartwarming story. While there are moments where the game's pacing stumbles—particularly during some of the more punishing platforming sections—the overall experience is enriched by its charming characters, gorgeous art, and thoughtful themes.

In a crowded genre, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, stands out with its wonderful hand-drawn visuals and rewarding platforming focused gameplay. The demanding difficulty won't be everyone's cup of tea, but for those after a challenge, it's well worth seeking out.

Though the tale of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is easily contained to a single game, I can already feel myself wanting to return again, to see how much better I can ferret out secrets, collect all the things I missed, and see if there’s even more to the deeper tale of the tentaihana. Don’t sell yourself short just because it reminds you of another game: Bō proudly stands on his own two, adorable, little feet.

Sporting gorgeous visuals, and loads of style, but it can be quite demanding