B.I.O.T.A.

by Mikhail Apr 14, 2022 | 1 Votes | 74 Played | 0 Reviews

10 rate

Genres:

Action , Arcade , Retro , Platformer

Graphics:

Labels:

Space Games , Aliens

Platforms:

Publishers:

Retrovibe B.I.O.T.A. is an action-platformer Metroidvania where you play as one of eight heroes hired to clear a mining colony infested by an alien plague. Featuring pixelized retro graphics, you’ll not only shoot your way to unraveling the mysteries of its futuristic world but also engage in battles with starships! Play Now Similar Games

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Summary Plotline Gameplay Graphics/Sound Conclusion

Summary

The "retro" aspect of video games is timeless. By that, we mean the pixel art graphics, 2D side-scrolling (or top-down) elements, and the early funky tunes and sound effects that are a joy to listen to. Many developers today still churn out retro-style titles. This isn't because they are more accessible to smaller studios, but because these kinds of games still appeal to a massive audience.

B.I.O.T.A. is an indie Metroidvania action-platformer that hits all of the abovementioned descriptions. It's a retro-style run 'n' gun title that looks like something you would play on an arcade machine back in the early 90s. However, instead of dated gameplay elements akin to classics like Contra, you'll dive into a relatively modern experience with many nooks and crannies comparable to its recently-released peers. It will appeal to gamers who prefer diving into arcade classics and those who want action platformers with more to offer.

So, is B.I.O.T.A. something you would want to add to your backlog or otherwise? Let's first check out what it has to offer:

Plotline

B.I.O.T.A.'s story is comparable to games released back in the day. It follows a futuristic setting set in a universe where space exploration and aliens are the norms. People now scramble for resources, and among the groups that dominate this aspect is the V-corp, a massive corporation wielding a lot of power and influence.

Our story mainly takes place in a faraway mining colony devastated by an alien plague. You will play as one of the characters of the famous Gemini 2 Squad sent to uncover what happened. Although there is a narrator, the game mainly tells the story through subtitles and unvoiced dialogue.

Gameplay

B.I.O.T.A. is a tight and solid Metroidvania action-platformer run 'n' gun. Yes, we know, it's all a mouthful, but unlike its cacophony of genres, it's a relatively simple game. After learning the basics and controls, the next step is to pick from one of the main characters available on the main hub. From the start, only a few are available, but players can unlock up to eight.

B.I.O.T.A.'s characters move similarly; they have the same move speeds, can jump, and are able to hug the walls and do "wall jumps" like Madeline in Celeste. However, the characters have fundamental differences, notably in their weapon types and special abilities. For example, one character uses a short-range, rapid-fire submachine gun and grenades, while another is proficient in using a sniper rifle, and one can use a shotgun and put up a shield to absorb damage. You can freely change characters on the central hub, replenish your special weapons, and chat with NPCs.

You'll spend most of your time underground in B.I.O.T.A., exploring an underground complex full of traps and aliens. While the areas aren't particularly tricky to navigate, it's relatively easy to miss enemies stuck on walls, even those flying across the area, dropping bombs along the way. Beating enemies lets you farm viridium, the game's currency, which you can use to obtain necessary items on the Black Market, which is located on the main hub.

Areas in B.I.O.T.A. where you can save your game are few and far between. This is a challenge, considering there are lots of things that can kill your character in the game. These range from one-hit traps to persistent enemies with fast yet predictable attack methods. Meanwhile, boss fights are entertaining. These encounters are unlike run 'n' gun encounters like those in Cuphead or Metal Slug, where you can fire and hope for the best. B.I.O.T.A.'s are slower and focus more on dodging the enemy's attack patterns.

Finally, apart from the run 'n' gun aspects, there are also parts wherein you can control a mech, fight a starship, and even control a submarine. In a way, this gives the game a bit of variety, giving you something fresh on every level.

Graphics/Sound

In terms of presentation, B.I.O.T.A. uses old-school aesthetics, and its overall appearance is reminiscent of 8-bit games with limited color schemes back in the day. There are various four-color palettes you can choose from, ranging from grayscale, green, and even pinkish hues. However, some of the selections are better than others, considering they contrast and make enemies more visible than others. Meanwhile, the soundtrack and SFX are comparable to what you usually hear when you step into an arcade back in the 90s. The funky futuristic vibe suits the game, while the explosions and gunfire emanating from characters' weapons are satisfying to the eardrums.

Conclusion

B.I.O.T.A. is a fun, fast-paced action-platformer that dishes out a lot of depth, though being relatively simple to play. The game is a fun modern retro experience that holds up well with its peers. If you're a fan of retro-style titles, then this title deserves a spot in your video game library.

New Game Added: B.I.O.T.A.

by Mikhail Apr 14, 2022

B.I.O.T.A. is an action-platformer Metroidvania where you play as one of eight heroes hired to clear a mining colony infested by an alien plague. Featuring pixelized retro graphics, you’ll not only shoot your way to unraveling the mysteries of its futuristic world but also engage in battles with starships!