Bat Boy

X PLUS Co. and Ltd., Sonzai Games have released a new 2D platformer game called Bat Boy, in which players take on the role of a young hero who must free his brainwashed sports teammates from the Trials of Darkness. The game features nostalgic 8-bit graphics, exciting baseball-style combat, and a variety of unique environments to explore. In this review, we'll take a closer look at Bat Boy's gameplay, story, and overall entertainment value.

About the game

Bat Boy brings players into a nostalgic 8-bit world of baseball-style action and platforming adventure. As the titular hero, players must travel a hostile world to free the minds of Bat Boy’s brainwashed sports-hero teammates from the sinister mage Lord Vicious. Pitted against the allies of his former team, Bat Boy allies with the mouthy crow Garou as they explore the dimensions beyond Lord Vicious’ gateway, encountering enemies, allies and secrets along the way.

Bat Boy provides a thrilling 2D platforming experience set against rich, pixelated backdrops reminiscent of early genre legends. Players can swing, deflect, spin and power-hit their way through baseball-combat, exploring a vast world of unique environments and ultimately confronting one of Bat Boy’s brainwashed allies. By freeing each ally, players can take on their powers and skills, allowing for greater traversal and combat capabilities.

Bringing back the classic style

The visuals and soundtrack also nod to classic platformers, presenting glorious 8-bit graphics and high-octane chiptunes. Dozens of enemies, exciting bosses, intriguing companions and puzzle-filled levels create a continually engaging experience from start to finish. Players can swing on vines, bounce baseballs as projectiles and utilize the environment for platforming, ultimately leading to a showdown with the menacing Lord Vicious.

Hidden collectibles like coins and power-ups, unlockable music and more create replay value within the game’s dynamic world. While the story and setting recall Super Adventure Island, the baseball-bat focused gameplay brings a unique spin to the genre. Those nostalgic for classic platformers will find much to love in Bat Boy, though the difficultly may prove too much for younger players.

Bat Boy shares some similarities with other 2D platformers, such as the popular indie title, Shovel Knight. Both games feature retro-inspired graphics, exciting combat mechanics, and a variety of unique environments to explore. However, Bat Boy has a unique baseball-style combat system and a more straightforward story that focuses on freeing Bat Boy's brainwashed teammates. Shovel Knight, on the other hand, has a more complex story and a variety of playable characters with unique abilities.

Review: 7/10

Overall, Bat Boy is an enjoyable 2D platformer adventure that offers a unique and nostalgic experience. The game's baseball-style combat, platforming mechanics, and retro-inspired graphics create a fun and immersive gameplay experience.

Pros:

• Nostalgic 8-bit graphics and high-octane chiptunes create a unique and immersive atmosphere
• Exciting baseball-style combat and platforming mechanics set the game apart from other 2D platformers
• Unique and interesting characters to encounter and free from Lord Vicious' brainwashing
• Hidden secrets, collectibles, and unlockable music add replay value to the game

Cons:

• Some players may find the gameplay repetitive
• The story may be too straightforward for some players
• The game's mechanics may not be accessible to all players