“A fun, action-packed 3D platformer set in a cyber world of technology and computers.”
Boti: Byteland Overclocked is a delightful 3D platformer that can be played in single-player mode or split-screen local co-op with a friend. You play as Boti, a data transfer bot, and you are tasked with ridding Byteland of its bugs, viruses, and glitches. Joining Boti on his quest are his floating companions, Zero and One. Byteland is a huge world inspired by computers, technology, and electronics, full of adventure, with many hidden secrets to find and uncover.
ℹ️ Reviewed on Xbox Series X | Review code provided by PR/publisher, this review is the personal opinion of the writer. Got unanswered questions about this game? Get in touch on X!
Developer | Purple Ray Studio |
Publisher | Untold Tales |
Things I liked!
- Gameplay | Boti: Byteland Overclocked brings back great memories of classic 3D platforming and is such a joy to play. I really had fun playing this, despite a few issues that I will mention later. There is a great deal of variation with the gameplay, from running around levels, smashing and punching to gathering data bits, which can be found in data sockets and used to defeat enemies. These are then used to progress in each level; this could be to open a door or hit a switch. When you complete a level, you are awarded a maximum of three stars per level; this is decided by how many data bits you found, along with other collectibles discovered in each level. Data bits in the main area hub outside of the main eight levels are used as a form of currency and can be used to purchase upgrades for Boti, such as more health and scanner upgrades. I am a huge fan of exploring and trying to uncover everything, so this was perfect for me. Boti can jump, dash, hover, and glide, which is essential for moving around and defeating enemies. Boti also has a very useful scanner that can be used to find secrets. On some levels, Boti can use a hover car-like vehicle as well as a slide to reach her destination. These slides have lots of bends, twists, and turns, and while sliding, you can try to hit as many music notes as possible.
- Collectables | There are lots of collectibles to find in Boti: Byteland Overclocked, from large bot coins and hidden computer screens which unlock new skins for Boti, to treasure chests which contain lots of loot, rumour CityBots, and Coulombot files which provide useful insights about Byteland.
- Graphics | Despite the frame rate dips at times when playing Boti: Byteland, overall I was really impressed with how it all looks with plenty of detail too. Byteland is a colorful, vibrant world with lots to see as you explore. I adored the characters, who often reminded me of the many characters you might expect to meet in the game Fall Guys.
- Sound | Boti: Byteland Overclocked features original tracks composed by Marcin Buchnajzer, a sound designer and music composer who has skillfully brought the sounds of a cyber-world, inspired by robots, computers, and technology both new and old, to life. This really adds to the immersion you feel when playing. The voice acting is also very impressive; despite your two companions, Zero and One, often repeating the same dialogue, I never really found it became too annoying. The sound effects are also spot-on, with a lot of robotic bleeps and blops to the rhythm-driven musical slides.
Mixed & disliked!
- Difficulty | Overall, I found Boti: Byteland to be a little too easy. When you die, you simply respawn at the previous checkpoint. Checkpoints are scattered frequently throughout its levels, so you never have to replay much of the level to reach where you got to. Also, you can purchase upgrades in the main game hub area, which give you extra health, making the game a bit too easy. Looking back, the most difficult part was the final boss, which took me a few attempts to beat.
- Bugs and Crashes | During my playthrough, on two occasions my game did crash, causing the game to close and send me to the Xbox home screen. Sadly for me, the second time this happened was just after I completed the game, causing me to miss the end of the game cutscene. Luckily, when I replayed the final level from the start, it never crashed and the game completion achievement popped. Some other bugs I found are related to achievements not popping, particularly for completing level 5 and buying all HUB extensions, which never popped for me. Hopefully, these issues can be addressed in a future update.
How long did I play the review before publishing? 12 Hours
How long to beat the story? 9 Hours
How many Achievements did I earn before publishing? 35/52 or 670/1000G
How long to achieve 1000G | 20 Hours +
You’ll love this game if you like these | Koa and the Fire Pirates of Mara & Kena: Bridge of Spirits
CONCLUSION
Score: 77/100 – Despite a few bugs and crashes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing Boti: Byteland Overclocked. I was not able to test out split-screen co-op for this review, but there are definitely times when having two players would have helped, especially with the final boss. There is a lot of humour to be found here, which I think both adults and younger players would find funny. I enjoyed exploring the main game hub, where you can purchase HUB extensions such as a track, slide, Santa grotto, and trick-or-treat area, which have a few mini-timed levels. You can also track all the collectibles you have discovered. (There are even collectibles to find here). I do hope there are updates to fix the broken achievements not popping, as it would be nice to go for the 100% completion.
Want to see it in action? Watch Robby’s recording here:
Avid gamer for over 30 years who lives and breathes Xbox, I enjoy talking video games and can often be found on X.