Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus Review

We’ve all been hanging out for Hollow Knight: Silksong for what seems like three console generations now, it’s like the worst kind of running gag when a Nintendo Direct comes and goes without a peep. The bright side to all the waiting is discovering alternatives, and thankfully 2024 has been packed full of quality Metroidvanias to keep us all busy. Add Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus to that list, a hand-drawn adventure from a small team out of Thailand that’s an absolute banger from start to finish.

You play a fox tentaihana, which in Japanese folklore means a spirit-like creature born from a flower (i.e. a celestial blossom). Having arrived to fulfill an ancient prophecy, you set out with your staff and collection of unique abilities to take on the adventure ahead, packed full of mythical creatures, giant bosses and a handful of allies pulled from Japanese folklore. It’s a wonderful choice of setting, affording the dev team the chance to deliver on some familiar yet clever takes on landscapes, various yokai and enemies that could have easily existed within the pages of a manga.

You’ll have plenty of different tools at your disposal, not least of which is the staff itself. Initially you’ll be able to use it to bound off enemies to reach higher places, something that becomes vital within the game’s layout. Timing is everything within that, and it did take me a little while to find it as the controls aren’t quite user friendly, but eventually clicked as I progressed further. The best action platformers always impress me with their traversal, and Bō nails that out the gate.

Stunning scenery abounds within

Further abilities open things up in terms of combat and traversal options, and there’s a nice sense of flow when you grapple across platforms and combo into some juggling attacks. As is tradition, there are some hidden paths and secrets to be found that can only be reached once you unlock the right ability, but unlike some Metroidvania’s there’s a distinct lack of confusion as to where you need to go next. It’s a smooth journey (perhaps even a little too easy in places), but it’s enjoyable when compared to some of the frustrations I felt playing Hollow Knight for the first time.

There’s also a selection of Daruma you’ll be able to make use of during battle, many of which can come in handy in a pinch. These allies can act as bonus spells or counters, though you’ll only be able to use them occasionally and some are more helpful than others, especially players who may need an extra helping hand avoiding pitfalls or for an extra burst of damage when it’s needed.

You’ll eventually come across villagers to spend your hard-earned currency on, many of whom will have important items and upgrades available for you. Coins are scattered throughout so it won’t take long to gather what you need if something specific catches your eye, and one particular merchant will provide unique items you can equip to boost health among other essential elements.

What are you trying to say, hmm?!

Many of Bō’s best moments come within its impressive range of boss encounters, massive creatures and creative sequences that avoid some of the trappings other titles slip into. One favourite is a giant water goddess who taunts you across a bridge before throwing fire and water at you from all directions, which sees you bouncing off lanterns to avoid said attacks. You’ll still likely die a few times before the pattern and timing becomes clear (I certainly did), but combined with the solid collection of abilities it comes together swimmingly.

Bō’s path is a beautiful one. Mixing 2.5D animation and a painterly art style, the experience of watching our little fox hero jump, attack and dodge their way around is magical. It truly is one of the best looking Metroidvanias, if not one of the best video games of the past few years. Every little touch exemplifies the experience, the petals left in the wake of every move, watercolours splashed across the screen. I got distracted so many times by the background animations, giant monsters looming in the distance and suns setting over flowing rivers. I probably died a few times because of it, but I’m not complaining.

Between the action, the constant platforming and many tense battles, there are plenty of tranquil moments of reflection. It helps to set Bō apart from many of its compatriots, the chance to take it all in and see the clouds roll by instead of being chased every second or frowning at the map. There are so many lovely little touches elsewhere, like stopping to drink tea at save points or visiting villages to procure items and upgrades, full of welcoming characters voiced by traditional Japanese musical instruments.

Stand very, very still. They react to movement.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so surprised at the quality of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. It does, after all, feature members of the same team that impressed with their Metroid fan game AM2R, before Nintendo politely (I guess) asked them not to. Arguably one of Nintendo’s smartest moves yet given the results we have now, a bright and beautiful adventure that puts signature Metroidvania pathfinding and action to better use as a clever little blossom within an equally clever world. It’s a pure delight from start to finish, one that deserves all the attention amongst a sea of highly regarded titles already defining 2024, that captures the spirit of old-school action titles and stands out with unique visual palette. It is, in a word, breathtaking.

Reviewed on PC // Review code supplied by publisher

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