Bat Boy is a retro platformer through and through. From the nostalgia inducing 8-bit graphics to the simple but catchy chip tune sound track, this side scrolling action platformer feels like an old classic made in modern times.
The game takes inspiration from many of the classics and even from other, more modern retro inspired platformers. The themed levels, boss fights, and abilities gained from those boss fights are reminiscent of classics such as Mega Man. The overworld map where you move around to select which level you play definitely reminds me of Super Mario World. The smooth platforming where you bounce around on enemies and projectiles may bring to mind modern retro games such as Shovel Knight.
This isn’t to say Bat Boy isn’t without its own identity. The abilities you gain after defeating the bosses add another dimension to the platforming. These abilities often grant new ways to move around the map, making traversal much faster and more convenient. It oftentimes opens up new pathways to collectables and upgrades as well.
The game also provides a base of operations which functions as an interactive menu and gallery. You can visit anytime to talk to a growing menagerie of comrades. The jukebox allows you to listen to soundtracks you’ve unlocked via collecting cassette tapes scattered throughout the levels. You can even buy potions to help make completing the levels easier. The potions can do things such as restore health and are unlocked by collecting ingredients hidden in some of the levels. There are also animals you can rescue and pet and extra optional levels with secret bosses to defeat. All of these are small extras but they add a nice level of polish to an already polished game and help set Bat Boy apart from similar titles.
In regards to the game play and mechanics, it feels and works great for the most part. It’s standard side scrolling action platformer fare and it’s well done. The game does feel very smooth when you can use your bat attack to jump from enemy to enemy and projectile to projectile or even bypass them completely with some abilities. There’s definitely an immense sense of satisfaction when you can successfully navigate some of the more tricky jumps to get all the gems and collectables in one smooth run.
Even with some of the aspects of the game that may require a tad more skill, Bat Boy manages to strike a moderate level of difficulty for most experienced gamers. The levels are not too difficult to navigate and while some bosses may pose a mild challenge, thanks to generous check points it shouldn’t create a frustrating experience for even new players.
The game also has a light narrative reminiscent of older, lighthearted animes. It’s nothing to write home about but it’s serviceable.
Overall, Bat Boy provides an enjoyable romp for fans of platformers.
Additional Info
Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1709350/Bat_Boy/
Review Score: 96% positive with a total of 54 reviews as of this writing (08/21/2023)
Developer: X PLUS Co., Ltd., Sonzai Games
Publisher: X PLUS Co., Ltd.
Release Date: May 25, 2023
MSRP: $14.99
I received a free key from Keymailer. Thank you to the awesome person who approved my request!
Time spent: 20.9 hours
Achievement Score: 18/18
P.S. As a funny side note, I did fully complete the game and unlock everything but they released an update that fixed cloud saves not working. My Steam Deck save file which had nothing unlocked was more recent so now I lost my fully completed save file 😦
Ducky Obrien 