On July 17, 2024, the action platformer game “Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus” will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Developed by Squid Shock Studios and published by Humble Games, this game promises an exciting blend of Japanese folklore and engaging gameplay.
In “Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus,” players embark on a journey as Bō, a unique yokai known as a Tentaihana or Celestial Blossom. This character, inspired by mythical creatures and stories, emerges from flowers touched by divine tears. Bō is a fox-like being who uses a magical staff to navigate through the game’s hand-drawn 2D world.
The game features a vibrant, hand-drawn art style that draws from traditional Japanese folklore. Players will encounter various supernatural entities and spirits, adding depth and richness to the game’s world. The game’s director, Christopher Stair, wanted to create an experience that feels both familiar and new, leading to the creation of original yokai like Bō.
Bō’s adventure is set in a colorful, mythical world filled with otherworldly beings. The protagonist wields a shapeshifting earring that transforms into a Bo staff, inspired by the legendary staff of Sun Wukong from Chinese folklore. This staff allows Bō to attack enemies, bounce off their backs, and reveal new paths.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is all about the flow 🪷
Discover how to bump, pogo, and more in this hand-drawn action platformer: https://t.co/FY26o5xqPZ pic.twitter.com/xpYjV8Idg9
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 15, 2024
One of the standout features of the game is its fluid and acrobatic movement. Players will be able to “bump,” “pogo,” and perform other dynamic actions to navigate the game’s challenging environments. The game’s controls are designed to make these movements feel smooth and natural, enhancing the overall experience.
In addition to Bō, players will meet a variety of unique characters throughout the game. One notable character is Tori, a two-headed bird who serves as a guide. Tori offers advice and hints in a playful and cryptic manner, adding a touch of humor and mystery to the game.
The game’s narrative is deeply influenced by Japanese myths and legends. Stories like “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” and the tale of Momotaro provided thematic foundations for the game’s world and characters. Another inspiration was the Utsuro-bune legend, a 19th-century story about a mysterious woman arriving on the coast of Japan in a hollow ship. This story inspired the in-game character, the Vermillion Stranger, who plays a mysterious role in Bō’s journey.
“Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus” has been in development since early 2021. It started as a solo project by Christopher Stair and later expanded with the help of lead programmer Trevor Youngquist. The game was successfully funded through a Kickstarter campaign in February 2022, raising $174,999 from nearly 4,000 backers. This funding helped secure ports for the game on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
The game was officially revealed at a Humble Games Showcase livestream in May 2023 and further showcased at Gamescom in August 2023. Fans of action platformers and Japanese folklore are eagerly anticipating its release.
