Oh man, I love 3D platformers with collect-a-thon elements. So BOTI: Byteland Overclocked ticked a lot of nerdboxes for me. Want to know why? Let’s dive right in.
BOTI: Byteland Overclocked
We are introduced to BOTI, a data bot accompanied by his friends Zero and One. BOTI is new to Byteland, so he is assigned to transport data from one place to another. However, during an attempt to overclock Byteland, the trio finds themselves at the epicenter of a massive issue plaguing their world. It is now their responsibility to take on the numerous viruses infested Byteland while simultaneously restoring balance and searching for their missing friends.
It’s not without reason that I mentioned the collect-a-thons in my introduction. As soon as I started playing BOTI: Byteland Overclocked, it reminded me of the good old days spent playing classic 3D platformers that were popular during the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo 64 era. The graphics have a charming, nostalgic quality, with bright colors and lively characters filling the screen. You’ll hardly ever find a character standing idle, and even those who do are quick to comment on their hard work. Since they all exist within a computer, every NPC is vital in ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. Bot, the main character, can chat with some of the other programs running around, and his two companions, Zero and One, also offer their comments occasionally. It felt like I was transported back into the 90s when games like Banjo Kazooie and Jack & Daxter were king.
Gameplay
As you embark on the journey through the game, you will be greeted with many diverse levels, each offering unique color schemes and objectives. The game character, BOTI, is equipped with remarkable abilities such as running, gliding across significant gaps, and performing a ground pound to activate switches. Your ultimate goal is to guide BOTI through the dangerous levels, filled with tricky platforming challenges and various enemies you must skillfully defeat. Most of these elementals will feel right at home with the audience targeted with this type of gameplay.
The well-integrated combat system is one of the most impressive aspects of the game. As you progress through the game, you will acquire different essential skills during combat. By utilizing these skills, you can easily defeat enemies and go through the levels effortlessly. The combat system stands out because it feels natural and intuitive, making it easy for players of all skill levels to grasp. My daughter loved the bright and colorful outlook of the game, and we tried it together for a bit. With a little help from my side, she quickly mastered some of the platforming and combat challenges thrown at her.
What helped a lot is the feature of frequent checkpoints throughout the levels, ensuring that your progress is never lost. This allows you to take breaks and resume playing the game without having to start over from the beginning. Furthermore, the game offers a variety of costumes and collectibles that you can pick up along the way. These items are helpful in various situations, making the gameplay even more engaging.
Multiplayer & Co-Op
The game offers a multiplayer mode that enables two players to participate in the journey locally and online. Although I did not have the opportunity to try it – since I don’t own two controllers for my Steam Deck, it was pleasant to see it as an option. The game’s cute and straightforward controls make it suitable for a younger audience that wants a more hands-on experience. With many gameplay changes throughout the adventure, no one will have to worry about the gameplay becoming stale as progress is made. I found myself attempting to replay sections where you slide down a slope while trying to hit all the notes, mainly because I’m a huge collector in these games and always aim for the 100% mark.
Conclusion
BOTI: Byteland Overclocked is a delightful 3D platformer game that immerses you in a world of bits and bytes. It is time to converse with your robot buddies and assist them in collecting hidden items strewn throughout the futuristic levels. Alternatively, you can explore the intricately designed world to gain various rewards. Playing it solo or with a friend effectively doubles the fun. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with the trio as they searched for a way to rectify a mistake they made while attempting to improve things. The smooth and responsive gameplay allowed me to maneuver BOTI effortlessly from one platform to another while battling various viruses that stood in my way. While there were a few performance glitches when the action got intense, I didn’t face any significant issues that would have prevented me from finishing the game. BOTI: Byteland Overclocked is an endearing adventure suitable for anyone who wants to play alone or with a friend.
