Unveiling Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus – A Hand-Drawn Action-Platformer Coming to PlayStation 5
Hello PlayStation enthusiasts! I’m Chris Stair, the creative director of Squid Shock Studios. Today, I am thrilled to share some exciting insights about our debut game, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus. This hand-drawn action-platformer is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on July 17.
Inspirations Behind Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
Growing up, I was deeply influenced by 2D action-exploration games. These games captivated me with their sense of wonder and mystery, the thrill of discovering new abilities, and the satisfaction of using those skills to uncover hidden paths. Some of my favorite games in this genre also featured memorable traversal mechanics, such as bombing up walls, launching off enemies, or dashing through castle halls.
With Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, our aim was to create a unique movement and combat system that offers a rewarding rhythm. We wanted players to experience a "flow" state where everything seamlessly comes together. Today, I’d like to delve deeper into the mechanics that make this possible.
Mastering the Flow
In Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, the protagonist Bō cannot perform a double jump by default. Instead, players will need to master a technique we call the Bump. When Bō strikes an object or enemy with the Equinox Staff while airborne, he glows teal, allowing for a mid-air jump. This ability can be chained—striking another target after the second jump enables a third jump, and so on.
Additionally, Bō can use a move called Pogo to gain even more airtime. By pressing down and striking an object while descending, Bō immediately bounces up, resetting his jump ability and allowing for another mid-air leap. As long as there are objects or enemies to strike, players can keep Bumping and Pogoing indefinitely, staying airborne as long as they maintain the rhythm. It turns into a mini-game of its own.
As players progress, they will unlock other traversal abilities, such as dashing or smashing downward through the air. We hope that as you become familiar with these abilities, you’ll see opportunities to combine them in creative ways—whether during enemy encounters, boss battles, or navigating through seemingly incidental environmental objects.
Combat Mechanics and the Mystic Tea Kettle
The traversal abilities in Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus are not just for movement; they are integral to combat as well. One of the key elements of the game is the mystic Tea Kettle, which Bō receives early on from Asahi, a rabbit-like sprite central to the journey.
When Bō strikes enemies with the Equinox Staff, including during Bumps and Pogos, he siphons their energy into the kettle, brewing tea. This tea can be used in various ways, such as restoring health or summoning Daruma Dolls—powerful entities that unleash devastating attacks. The potency of these attacks depends on the temperature of the tea; the hotter the tea, the more powerful the attack. To heat the tea, players must stay airborne in combat for as long as possible.
We designed the game’s areas and encounters around this concept. For instance, players might encounter seemingly impassable chasms filled with enemies that serve as stepping stones. Boss battles often require bouncing off smaller foes to build momentum for a powerful Daruma Doll strike. Our goal was to create a system that is easy to learn but challenging and rewarding to master.
Drawing Inspiration from Japanese Folklore
While Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus draws heavily from 2D action-exploration games, it also incorporates elements of Japanese folklore and traditions. The character of Bō is inspired by stories such as Princess Kaguya and Momotaro. Many of the yokai (supernatural beings) and monsters in the game are creative twists on classic Japanese folktales. For example, players will confront the massive Hashihime, who guards a bridge in Bō’s world.
Bō can enhance the Daruma Dolls by collecting ink to draw additional eyes, a practice linked to achieving goals and good fortune in real life. Players can also collect and equip Omamori—amulets that provide various gameplay bonuses.
What to Expect
There’s much more to explore in Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, including discovering your own rhythm and flow through the game’s mechanics. The game world is rich with lore, challenges, and opportunities for creative gameplay.
Community Reactions and Anticipation
The anticipation for Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus has been palpable within the gaming community. Early previews and demos have garnered positive feedback, with players praising the game’s art style, innovative mechanics, and engaging storyline. The hand-drawn visuals have been particularly noted for their beauty and attention to detail, reminiscent of classic animation styles.
Reviewers have highlighted the game’s seamless blend of exploration and combat, emphasizing how the traversal mechanics add a layer of depth to the gameplay. The incorporation of Japanese folklore has also been well-received, adding a unique cultural flavor to the game that sets it apart from other action-platformers.
Good to Know Information
For those new to action-platformers, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Practice Makes Perfect: The Bump and Pogo mechanics may take some time to master. Spend some time in early levels practicing these moves to get a feel for the rhythm.
- Explore Thoroughly: The game rewards exploration. Hidden paths and secrets often contain valuable items and upgrades.
- Use Your Tea Wisely: The tea kettle’s energy can be a lifesaver in tough situations. Learn when to use it for healing and when to save it for powerful attacks.
- Customize Your Playstyle: Experiment with different Omamori to find the combination that best suits your playstyle. Some may offer defensive benefits, while others enhance your offensive capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus promises to be a captivating addition to the action-platformer genre. With its unique mechanics, beautiful art style, and rich cultural inspirations, it offers a fresh and engaging experience for players. We at Squid Shock Studios are incredibly excited to share this journey with you and can’t wait for you to experience Bō’s world.
Mark your calendars for July 17 and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure on PlayStation 5. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy playing Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates and insights into the game. Happy gaming!
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