The Indie Informer

Gorgeous. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is absolutely gorgeous. It has no right to be as stunning as it is — like a traditional ink painting come to life. But on top of that, the game’s mechanics are as fluid as a brush stroke, its characters are animated, and its opaque mystery paints drama through every level.

I have not yet finished the game, but relish the idea that I have more of this painted world to look forward to. I’d love to wax poetic about the brilliant colors, smokey embellishments, and painterly aesthetic, however the game’s screenshots will give you a better idea of that. My delight getting into the gameplay, was finding an accomplished Metroidvania.

The first thing that struck me was how inviting the gameplay is. Having recently fallen under the spell of Nine Sols, the more player-friendly — the by no means less skillfully designed — world of Bō is a welcome sip of tea. Combat so far gives me time to stop, take stock, and heal when needed. My actions range from a tried-and-true slash combo to a doll-based special. A talisman customization system means I have options to shake up my playstyle depending on the trouble I expect to run into and the movement is, perhaps, the game’s best mechanic.

I quickly learn how to soar through the air, barely ever needing to touch the ground. Hitting an enemy or one of the myriad supernatural lanterns dotting the landscape gives me a free jump. Mushroom jolt me into the air if I hit it just right with my staff and, when I unlock other abilities like a dash, The combinations to keep me airborns are pleasantly numerous.

Outside of combat, the traversal is bolstered by vividly telegraphed levels, which will help me find my way easily and mitigate the typical frustrations of a game like this. I suspect the challenge will grow the farther in I venture, but it appears the way will always be well lit.

Personality is another thing dripping from every ink-inspired surface. The short opening, which might be one of the most resplendent cinematics I’ve seen this year, has no dialogue. Despite that, a sprightful kodama made me chuckle and the shimmering of the moon caught my breath. The rollercoaster of experience was unexpected, but certainly welcome.

In game, the small touches of animations, that don’t need to be there, show off even more. The way the little protagonist diantly cups its tea when drinking at a shrine, the way a binary bird argues with itself while prophesying, and the way a mushroom friend’s hat allows me to bounce off it makes the would all the more bright.

By the looks of the world-shaking shadow skeleton — whose steps I can feel rumbling in my controller — that descends upon the world early in the game, I’m guessing Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is going to get a good deal darker. I have no doubt its visuals will remain spectacular and its action satisfying.