Discover the Insights Behind Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
After the release of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus on PC and consoles, I had the opportunity to reach out to the creators for an exclusive interview. We delved into various aspects of the game, such as its reception, soundtrack, plans for a physical release in the West, optimization for the Switch, Steam Deck compatibility, and more. Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a visually stunning and engaging platformer that I personally enjoyed playing on both the Switch and Steam Deck, despite encountering a few minor issues on the Switch port. I was so captivated by the game that I even purchased the Japanese physical edition.
Traversing the World of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
TouchArcade (TA): What inspired the unique traversal system and locomotion mechanics in Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus?
Christopher Stair (CS): The intricate traversal system in Bō was heavily influenced by games like Dustforce and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. These games inspired the flow and movement that we aimed to capture in Bō, providing players with a high skill expression level once they master the controls.
The Aesthetic Appeal and Potential Physical Releases
TA: The aesthetics of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus have garnered much attention, particularly in regions like Singapore. Can we expect physical releases for North America, Europe, and Australia on various platforms?
CS: While there are currently no plans for physical distribution in the West, the team is open to exploring this option based on demand. The physical releases in other regions, like the deluxe set in Japan, have been incredibly well-received and are a testament to the game’s visual appeal.
Optimizing for Different Platforms
TA: Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is Steam Deck Verified. What challenges did the team face in optimizing the game for this platform?
CS: The Steam Deck’s resolution differences posed a challenge during optimization. Despite this hurdle, the team managed to deliver a smooth gameplay experience on the platform.
Enhancing Performance on the Switch
TA: Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus faced some performance issues on the Switch. Are there plans to further optimize the game for this platform?
CS: While the Switch presented some performance limitations, the team worked diligently to address and resolve these issues. Future patches will aim to enhance the overall gameplay experience on the Switch.
Exploring Possibilities for Mobile
TA: Will Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus make its way to iOS in the future?
CS: While a mobile port is not currently planned, the team is open to the idea if the right opportunity arises. Adapting the game’s control scheme for touch screens would require careful consideration and innovation.
Music to Our Ears
TA: Any plans for a vinyl soundtrack release?
CS: The team has a strong interest in creating a vinyl soundtrack for Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus, along with other musical projects like chiptune and LoFi EPs. These endeavors are in the pipeline for potential future releases.
Reflecting on Reviews and Reactions
TA: How has the team responded to the reviews and player reactions across different platforms?
CS: The varied reviews reflect the diverse reception of Bō. While some players appreciate the mechanics and depth of the game, others may have missed certain nuances. The team aims to improve tutorialization in future updates based on feedback received.
Multiplatform Launch Challenges
TA: What was it like working on multiple consoles and PC simultaneously for the game’s launch?
CS: Managing multiple ports alongside PC development was a complex process for the team. Moving forward, focusing on the PC version first might streamline the development process and reduce complexities associated with multiplatform launches.
Getting Personal
TA: Last but not least, how do you take your coffee?
CS: Iced Americano without any sugar or cream is my usual go-to, but I do indulge in an Iced Mocha occasionally.
A special thanks to Christopher Stair and Mel Karimzadeh (fortyseven communications) for their valuable insights and assistance.
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and updates on upcoming titles. Your support and readership are greatly appreciated!