Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus Review (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, & PC)

The release of Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is bringing lots of smiles to Metroidvania adventure. What started as a solo project three years ago has now blossomed into a full-fledged game inspired by Japanese folklore.

The excitement has been building, and today we finally get to explore its stunning, mythical world. But does Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus live up to its promise, or does it fall short? Let us jump right into Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus review to find out.

A Tale of Beauty

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is an eye-catching Metroidvania adventure inspired by Japanese folklore. This game initially kicked off as a one-person project. However, it has now evolved into a much better experience thanks to the efforts of Christopher Stair and Squid Shock Studios. The collaboration has opened the game into an experience filled with vibrant hand-drawn art that is full of fantastical creatures in the mythical forest.

The story kicks off with a meteor crash, introducing us to the fox-like protagonist, Bo. She is a mysterious and charming character who embarks on a quest to uncover her purpose in this enchanting world. Initially, she is met with disrespect by the inhabitants, who treat her as the runt of her species. This sets the stage for a narrative where Bo must earn her place and respect.

While the game struggles with deep character development, it performs an admirable job of creating a sense of curiosity and wonder. It pulls players into its folklore-inspired narrative. The game’s world-building is exceptional, with every corner of the map brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.

From ancient temples to serene bamboo forests, each area feels distinct and alive. The mythical creatures make the environment feel authentic and intriguing. If you love exploring, the game offers a truly rewarding experience. Although the main narrative might only hook some, the rich and beautifully crafted world certainly will.

Infinite Kettle Quest

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus truly shines in gameplay. Fans of Metroidvania will find familiar elements like a sprawling map filled with secrets, upgrades, and formidable bosses. Similarly, the combat system is well-designed, featuring Bo’s magical Equinox staff and tea kettle. 

It is amazing how resources transform into different objects to strike enemies, unlock paths, and solve puzzles; an aspect that turns its puzzle games phenomenon captivating. Survival hinges on the teakettle, which isn’t just for taking tea, but also crucial for maintaining health. 

Sipping tea restores health. However, it is a process that requires careful timing and strategy, especially in the heat of battle. Lovers of tea will have their work cut out throughout this adventure, as they must use the tea sparingly to ensure your survival. The amazing part is that as you progress, you can upgrade the tea kettle to improve its efficiency.

The Equinox staff, on the other hand, is Bo’s primary weapon and an essential tool that evolves as the game progresses. Initially used for basic attacks, it soon reveals its potential for complex maneuvers and puzzle-solving capabilities. The staff is impressive from the start, but it becomes even cooler with upgrades. These upgrades not only increase its power but also introduce new mechanics. For instance, it allows you to launch enemies into the air or use them to access otherwise unreachable areas.

The Essence of Discovery

Exploration is an essential component of the Metroidvania genre, and Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus excels. In Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, the thrill of discovery and exploration is at the heart of the game. Moving through the beautifully crafted world, you’ll constantly find new secrets, hidden paths, and interesting side quests. The game blends exploration with the Metroidvania genre’s signature backtracking, making every corner of the map feel worth exploring. 

The joy of finding a hidden room or unlocking a previously inaccessible area with a new ability is incredibly satisfying. The game’s map is vast and very well-designed, with varied hidden paths and collectible items. In the game world, each new area presents its own set of challenges and rewards, encouraging thorough exploration. 

Additionally, the game’s stunning hand-drawn art and atmospheric sound design enhance the sense of discovery. They create an immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more. Therefore, whether you’re hunting for rare items or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, the exploration in the game is a rewarding journey.

Platforming Perfection

Platforming in Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is a mix of joy and challenge. You’ll bounce off mushrooms, chain attacks to reach new heights, and float through the wind to avoid hazards. While the platforming mechanics are solid, they require precise timing, which can sometimes be frustrating. However, the sense of achievement from mastering these sequences is immensely satisfying. 

The game also offers accessibility options like invincibility for those who find certain sections too harsh. The platforming challenges are varied and creative, keeping players on their toes. Early in the game, you’ll perform basic jumps and bounces, but the complexity ramps up significantly as the game progresses. Therefore, you’ll need to chain together attacks to cross significant gaps. Take advantage of the wind currents to glide through treacherous terrain, and time your movements perfectly to avoid deadly traps. 

Despite the occasional frustration, the platforming in Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is designed to be fair. Most failures result from player error rather than unfair design, which encourages you to keep trying and improving your skills. Additionally, the game provides a steady stream of new abilities and upgrades that make traversal more manageable and rewarding. Notably, each new ability opens up fresh possibilities for exploration and platforming.

On the other hand, the game features well-designed checkpoints and rest areas. Of course, who doesn’t need a moment to breathe in a world full of challenges? Actually, it allows you to regroup and prepare for the next section. These rest areas often include NPCs offering hints and selling upgrades. The balance between challenging platforming and moments of rest ensures the pacing remains engaging throughout the adventure.

A Worthy Addition to Your Collection

The game’s ability to balance challenge and fun makes it appealing to many players. Hardcore fans will appreciate the intricate level design and demanding platforming, while newcomers can take advantage of the accessibility options to enjoy the game at their own pace. The robust upgrade system provides a sense of progression and customization, allowing you to tailor Bo’s abilities to suit your playstyle.

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is a triumph of indie game development. It captures the essence of classic Metroidvania titles while infusing it with a unique cultural and stunning artistic touch. The game’s world is a joy to explore, filled with secrets, challenges, and beauty at every turn. 

Furthermore, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus stands out as a remarkable Metroidvania game that combines beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and a rich, immersive world. The evolving Equinox staff, strategic use of the tea kettle, and intricate puzzle-solving make for a unique and enjoyable experience. While the story might not deeply hook every player, the essence of discovery and exploration keeps the adventure exciting.

With its stunning hand-drawn art and atmospheric sound design, “Bow: Path of the Teal Lotus” is a feast for the senses. The game’s vast world, filled with secrets and challenges, ensures hours of captivating gameplay. Despite a few frustrations with platforming and character development, the overall experience is incredibly rewarding. This game is a must-play for fans of the Metroidvania genre and those who appreciate a beautifully crafted, immersive adventure.

Conclusion

Obviously, we don’t expect Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus to reinvent the Metroidvania genre. However, it excels in delivering a compelling and beautifully crafted experience. The combination of tight gameplay, challenging platforming, and breathtaking visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

On the flip side, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus shines in many areas, it has a few drawbacks. One notable issue is the lack of character development. Though you encounter various villagers and travelers, it’s hard to form a meaningful connection with them. In a way, the story doesn’t grip as it should.

The game also falls short in its platforming. While enjoyable, the timing for jumps can be quite frustrating. Missing a jump often is more likely due to the game’s mechanics rather than a player’s error.

Additionally, the game’s difficulty can be overwhelming at times, with enemies swarming the screen and specific weak points needing precise hits. Fortunately, accessibility options like invincibility are available for players who find certain sections too challenging.

Despite the minor issues with character development and difficulty spikes, the game’s strengths far outweighs its flaws. Thus, Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is a journey worth embarking on. Ultimately, all you have to do is grab your staff, sip some tea, and prepare for an adventure like no other.