It’s never a good thing when you have to research what a game is about after playing through the game. Sometimes the story plays out in front of you, clear as day. Others, you need to look for clues, explore a given area and dig in to find the inner workings of what’s happening around you. My time with Bionic Bay was fun, but confusing.
There isn’t much to the story of Bionic Bay. For some, that’s fine, while others, they might be after a bit more to understand just what is actually going on here. You play as a scientist trying to escape a beautiful mechanical world filled with platforming and puzzles, all while using a teleportation device and other wild abilities to help you along your quest for freedom. There are very few moments of storytelling, coming across a fallen scientist who wasn’t able to escape the harsh puzzling mechanics of the world. Leaving behind a message in hopes to help fill in a bit of the lost story gap that had me questioning why or how I even landed here.
The world is dark and eerie with a Limbo-esque vibe that features challenging puzzles which had me go back for more and sometimes even put down my Steam Deck in frustration, to later come back with a fresh set of eyes and overcome the challenging puzzle. Bionic Bay feels like a test, a test to the developer (Psychoflow Studio) to work on level designs, puzzles, game mechanics and the like. Though it certainly has its moments of enjoyment, the key feature remains to be its technical puzzles with mind-bending movement, precision platforming and a lot, I mean, a lot of dying. Though, to Psychoflow Studio’s credit, dying is meant to be a part of the game. Trial and error is required for some puzzles and when you do die, you’re quickly back in the game, thanks to great check points throughout each level.
The art direction sets the tone of the game. The environment with its rays of light and use of color is remarkable. Bright vibrant colors in contrast with lurking shadows with pipe-filled levels and explosive traps was something that instantly caught my attention. It was a welcome direction, away from the monochromatic art styles we’ve seen in the past. It helped create the atmosphere of Bionic Bay.
Traversing along the 2D vertical level design will test your platforming abilities, knowing one incorrectly mistimed jump could mean the end. Though a more in-depth story touching on a few more reasons behind the mysterious world we’re a part of would have been nice. I enjoyed the puzzling platform mechanics behind the game. Along with its beautiful art direction. Bionic Bay is worth a go if you are into the silent protagonist and puzzle platforming challenges. The game will certainly test your jumping abilities, which tie well with the level design. Definitely worth picking this one up.
