Info about Bat Boy:

Official game description:
  
Play as Bat Boy in this 2D side-scrolling action platformer in which the interdimensional mage **Lord Vicious** has brainwashed Bat Boy’s fellow teammates in order to participate in the **Trials of Darkness**, a heinously brutal series of athletic events! It’s up to Bat Boy to team up with the mouthy crow _Garou_, traversing a hostile world, to free the minds of his sports-hero teammates and learn their skills before they fall victim to the Trials. Along the way, Bat Boy will encounter all manner of characters, some allies, most not, as he fights his way through the bad guys in a variety of levels until reaching the final confrontation with **Lord Vicious**.  
Bat Boy pits the titular hero against the former allies of his sports team, heroes such as _Racket Girl_, _Shinai Guy_, _Aquaria_ and _Mr. Blitzer_, among others as he travels through the many regions beyond **Lord Vicious'** dimensional gateway!  
**▪** A thrilling **2D platforming adventure** set against rich, nostalgic 8-bit backdrops.  
**▪** Swing, deflect, spin and power-hit your way through exciting **baseball-style combat!**  
**▪** Explore a vast world of unique and exciting environments, ultimately leading to a showdown with one of Bat Boy’s brainwashed allies!  
**▪** Take on the powers of each ally as you free them from the influence of Lord Vicious!  
**▪** Glorious **8-bit visuals**, reminiscent of early platformer legends.  
**▪** High-octane **chiptunes from Evader Music**, composer for _Smelter_ and _Super Sami Roll_.  
**▪** Dozens of enemies, exciting bosses and intriguing companions to encounter!  
**▪** Baseball-bat-based traversal and environmental puzzle solving!  
**▪** Hidden secrets, collectibles, unlockable music and more to find!

Release date: May 25, 2023

Categories: 2D Platformer, Retro, Action Platformer, Chiptune, Boss Fights, Collectibles

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The audit found limited direct Steam Deck-specific evidence. The main technical signal is a report of running under Arch Linux with Proton Experimental, which indicates compatibility-layer use and possible tinkering. Control feedback is mostly positive but includes a minor complaint about ability controls. No crashes, unreadable UI, external launcher issues, or battery drain were reported. Under the scoring criteria, the Proton Experimental usage keeps the friction score at 40, meaning playable but requiring some tinkering.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: Positive reviews support the game's quality and say it is worth playing, but they repeatedly frame fair value around its short 6-8 hour length, frequent sales, bundles, and deep discounts. This suggests the community sees the full base price as potentially steep and would consider roughly $5-$10 a fair base-game range, with $10 being the upper end for fans who strongly enjoy the genre.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.5h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 7.0h
  - Reasoning: The campaign is repeatedly described as short. One quote gives a 5-hour platformer, and another explicitly says the story took 6 hours, so gameCompletion is set to a 5.5-hour midpoint and storyCompletion to 6 hours. For completionist/endgame play, reports give 5.5 hours to 100% and 8 hours to finish the game 100%, so endgame is set to a 7-hour midpoint. No quote gives a numeric session length, so sessionLength is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports mostly describe the game as enjoyable from the start and consistently entertaining, though one reviewer found early amusement fading into repetitive tedium. Early friction includes tutorial prompts that assume a default control layout and difficult non-linear levels.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Tutorial prompts assume the default button layout, so custom layouts require trial-and-error to find the correct button.; Levels are difficult and do not follow a linear progression.
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: N/A
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro Platformer Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgic love for classic 2D action-platformers and their genre conventions.
    - Playstyle: Methodical run-and-gun platforming, projectile bouncing, boss patterns, and comparison to genre classics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of old school 2D platformers
    - Reference games: Shovel Knight; Mega Man; Ninja Gaiden
  - Completionist Upgrade Collector (sale)
    - Motivation: Unlocking abilities, buying upgrades, and finishing the game's collection and progression systems.
    - Playstyle: Collects currency and golden fruit, purchases mana and special upgrades, tracks completion percentage, and grinds toward full progression.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Challenge-Seeking Platformer Purist (sale)
    - Motivation: Testing and mastering skill through difficult platforming and bosses.
    - Playstyle: Seeks difficulty spikes, critiques easy bosses, and wants optional hardcore platforming stages that demand full use of abilities.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Shovel Knight


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Impressive pixel art (weight 0.33): The pixel art is widely praised as charming, impressive, and carefully crafted, often paired with great music.
- Solid level design (weight 0.33): Level design is frequently highlighted as great, solid, and eloquent, with good design for both levels and boss fights.
- Balanced difficulty (weight 0.3): Reviewers appreciate the well-tuned difficulty that is neither too hard nor too easy, with a good curve that ramps up as players advance.
- Fun action-platformer (weight 0.3): The game is celebrated as a very fun action-platformer with satisfying platforming action and a chill vibe.
- Shovel Knight and Mega Man comparison (weight 0.27): Players frequently compare the game's style and mechanics to Shovel Knight and Mega Man, noting it feels like a streamlined, approachable version of those classics with its own twist.
- Great soundtrack (weight 0.2): The music and audio are consistently praised as great, super good, and very good, enhancing the overall experience.
- Responsive controls (weight 0.2): Controls feel responsive, intuitive, and easy to master, with fluid movement that contributes to the smooth gameplay.
- Memorable boss fights (weight 0.19): Boss fights are described as intense, rewarding, and memorable, with interesting choreography that adds to the experience.
- Retro charm and nostalgia (weight 0.15): The game's retro aesthetics and 8-bit visuals evoke nostalgia and are pleasantly surprising, contributing to its charm.
- Short but sweet (weight 0.15): Players find the game relatively short but sweet, delivering a delightful experience without overstaying its welcome.
- Good character design (weight 0.15): Character design is praised as on point, with dialogues being a big plus that adds to the game's charm.
- Abilities unlocked from bosses (weight 0.15): Gaining new abilities by defeating bosses is a rewarding mechanic that adds depth and progression to the experience.
- Speedrun mode adds replayability (weight 0.14): Speedrun mode offers extra challenge and replayability by allowing players to skip cutscenes and focus on gameplay.

Common complaints:
- Abilities underutilized (weight 0.66): Many abilities are rarely used outside tutorials and feel useless. The game does not provide enough opportunities or incentives to use the full moveset.
- Level difficulty spikes (weight 0.64): Some levels are frustratingly difficult, especially later ones, with sharp difficulty spikes that may alienate players. This often requires excellent timing and quick reflexes.
- Bugs and technical issues (weight 0.58): Numerous bugs affect gameplay, from minor glitches to game-breaking issues like being stuck in walls or teleporting. These issues hinder progression and enjoyment.
- Story and dialogue are weak (weight 0.47): The story is simple, boring, or ridiculous, with empty chatter that players skip. Characters lack charm, and the narrative fails to engage.
- Gameplay becomes repetitive (weight 0.4): The core gameplay is too simple and repetitive, lacking evolution or escalation. This makes the game tedious quickly.
- Closely resembles Shovel Knight (weight 0.39): The game heavily borrows from Shovel Knight in design, story, and mechanics without innovating. It lacks originality and fails to bring something new to the genre.
- Ability controls are confusing (weight 0.3): Ability inputs are not intuitive, and the sheer number of moves overwhelms players. Button mapping issues and mixed-up controls on controllers add to the frustration.
- Level design is weak (weight 0.25): Level design is not perfect, with generic themes and poor progression. Upgrades often trivialize challenges, and moves lack ceremony.
- Lack of progression and money retention (weight 0.19): Players must finish a stage to keep money and refight bosses, which is frustrating. Gems are reset if the boss is not defeated, and there's no explanation about item retention.
- Game is short and lacks content (weight 0.19): The game is very short even for 100% completion, with insufficient content to flesh out mechanics. This leaves players wanting more.
- Bosses are too easy (weight 0.16): Many players find boss fights overly easy and unchallenging, with some even using cheat tools to beat them. This reduces the sense of accomplishment and makes the game less engaging.
- Collectibles lack explanation (weight 0.15): Players are unsure about the purpose of golden fruit and seeds, and how to obtain them. This confusion stems from poor in-game explanations and missed dialogue.
- One-way platform landing issues (weight 0.11): Jumping upward through one-way platforms often fails to let the player land, pushing them downward. This is visually misleading and causes frustration.
- Platforming precision issues (weight 0.11): Pogo precision is sometimes too demanding, and projectile interaction is inconsistent. This leads to unfair deaths and frustration.
- Bird companion is distracting (weight 0.1): The bird's speech bubbles often cover gameplay, obscuring the player or important elements. This is a nuisance during play.
- Jump hangtime inconsistent (weight 0.1): Reduced-gravity hangtime when holding jump takes too long, and doesn't apply to other jumping methods like bouncing on enemies. This feels inconsistent.
- Boss gimmicks are monotonous (weight 0.06): Some boss gimmicks are repetitive and not fun, making fights feel like a chore. This detracts from the overall experience.
- Health upgrade system obscure (weight 0.06): Health upgrades are not shown early, so players may miss them. This is compounded by the need to grind for golden fruits.
- Potions accidentally consumed (weight 0.06): Potions are assigned to trigger buttons and can be consumed accidentally, wasting resources. This is a control oversight.
- Stamina system is archaic (weight 0.06): The stamina system limits ability usage and feels outdated. It makes players uncomfortable using abilities frequently.

Gameplay feedback:
- NES-style retro platformer (weight 0.68): Players consistently describe the game as a retro-styled 2D side-scrolling action platformer reminiscent of old NES classics. It aims to capture the feel of 8-bit action-adventure games with modern polish.
- Shovel Knight and Mega Man inspirations (weight 0.58): Many reviews compare the game to Shovel Knight and Mega Man, noting similarities in level design, mechanics, and overall feel. Some even call it a Shovel Knight clone or a melee Mega Man.
- Bosses grant new abilities (weight 0.41): Defeating bosses rewards players with new powers or moves that can be used in subsequent levels or to replay earlier stages differently. This mechanic is frequently highlighted as a core progression system.
- Boss fights are central (weight 0.4): Boss fights appear at the end of each level and are often described as unique and sports-themed. They are a key part of the game's structure and are frequently mentioned in reviews.
- Abilities and power-ups system (weight 0.35): Players unlock a variety of abilities and power-ups as they progress through stages, often by defeating bosses. These abilities enhance gameplay and provide new mechanics to master.
- Collectibles and hidden items (weight 0.32): The game features collectibles and hidden items in each stage, with exploration elements that encourage players to search for secrets. This adds replay value and depth to the levels.
- Baseball bat combat mechanic (weight 0.27): The player uses a baseball bat as their primary weapon to attack enemies and hit back projectiles. Jumping while hitting things with the bat is a core mechanic, and it can be used to clear stages.
- Moderate and fair difficulty (weight 0.19): The game offers a slight challenge without being frustrating or overwhelming, with a difficulty curve that starts easy and gradually becomes more challenging. Most players find it rarely unfair.
- Speedrun and hidden modes (weight 0.18): A speedrun mode exists that skips cutscenes, and there is another hidden mode available. These modes cater to players looking for additional challenges beyond the main story.
- Bouncing on enemies for traversal (weight 0.11): Similar to Shovel Knight, players can bounce on the heads of enemies to traverse obstacles and reach higher areas. This is a core mechanic used for platforming and combat.

Performance notes:
- Smooth and uncapped performance (weight 0.11): Players report the game runs smoothly and with an uncapped framerate, which is a positive technical aspect. These performance-related comments appear in multiple clusters, indicating consistent praise for the game's optimization.
- Specific crash in North Tower (weight 0.07): Using the hookshot at the top left of North Tower's upward autoscroller causes a crash. This is a reproducible, location-specific bug that can halt progress.
- Controller disconnects on window focus (weight 0.07): After clicking out of the game window and back in, the controller stops working, forcing players to reconnect or restart. This bug disrupts gameplay flow and is a common annoyance.
- Collision bugs allow wall clipping (weight 0.06): Small bugs allow players to enter walls and pass through the floor, which can break level progression or immersion. These collision issues are specific but potentially game-breaking.
- Inconsistent controls responsiveness (weight 0.06): Controls responsiveness sometimes does not match the demands of platforming and enemy encounters, leading to frustration. This inconsistency affects core gameplay feel.
- Animation frame rate independence issue (weight 0.06): Animations are not tied to 60 fps, which may cause visual inconsistencies or gameplay desynchronization at different frame rates. This technical detail suggests a lack of frame rate independence in animation systems.

Recommendations:
- Appeals to Retro Platformer Fans (weight 0.56): Reviewers consistently recommend the game to fans of retro-style 2D platformers and old-school action games. It is described as a solid entry for those who enjoy the genre.
- Positive Overall Recommendation (weight 0.33): Many reviewers give a general strong recommendation, calling it a must-play experience and highly recommended. The sentiment is broadly positive across multiple clusters.
- Good Value for Price (weight 0.32): Several reviewers mention that the game is worth its price, especially when bought on sale or at a discount. The value proposition is a common point of praise.
- Recommended with Caveats (weight 0.19): Some reviewers recommend the game but note that it is rough around the edges, lacks innovation, or that better games are available. They suggest buying on sale or trying the demo first.
- Appeals to Indie Adventure Fans (weight 0.15): Reviewers recommend the game to fans of indie adventure platformers and 2D adventure games. It is seen as a good fit for those who enjoy exploration and action.
- Good for Quick Play Sessions (weight 0.14): Some reviewers find it suitable for short, snacky play sessions or a quick experience. It is recommended for when you want to play something brief.
- Hidden Gem and Worth Discovering (weight 0.14): A few reviewers consider it a hidden gem and worth discovering. It is described as an unmissable 2D platform adventure.
- Mega Man Successor (weight 0.11): Reviewers see it as a worthy successor to Mega Man, with a strong understanding of the classic formula. It is highly recommended for fans of that style.
- Try the Demo First (weight 0.1): Some suggest trying the demo to see if the game suits your taste. If you like the demo, you will likely enjoy the full game.
- Not Recommended by Some (weight 0.1): A few reviewers do not recommend the game, citing lack of innovation or personal preference. One mentions it is not for them.
- Technical Issues Noted (weight 0.1): One reviewer cannot recommend the game due to controller issues. More testing is suggested to address such problems.
- Prefer Shovel Knight Instead (weight 0.09): Some reviewers suggest playing Shovel Knight instead if you haven't, or waiting for a deep discount if you have. This implies the game may not live up to that standard.
- Challenging for Hardcore Fans (weight 0.06): The game is recommended only for the most dedicated ultra-fans of old-school hardcore platformers. It may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty.
- Upgrade Special Moves (weight 0.06): A tip suggests purchasing manna/special move bar upgrades whenever possible. This helps with gameplay progression.
- Don't Give Up (weight 0.06): One reviewer advises not to give up, implying the game may be challenging but rewarding. This is a motivational note for players.
- For Story or Gameplay (weight 0.06): One reviewer recommends going in for the gameplay rather than the story. This suggests the story may be weaker than the action.
- Safe Bet if Interested (weight 0.06): If the game looks like something you might enjoy, it is a safe bet you probably will. This reflects a general confidence in its appeal.

Other player notes:
- Frequent Shovel Knight comparisons (weight 0.89): Many reviewers compare the game to Shovel Knight, citing shared design elements, nostalgic appeal, and similar platforming mechanics. Some consider it a worthy successor while others note it is less accomplished.
- Mega Man and classic inspirations (weight 0.57): The game draws inspiration from Mega Man, Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden, and other NES/SNES classics, particularly in boss abilities and level design. Several reviewers compare it to old-school platformers.
- Short game length (weight 0.5): Multiple reviewers mention the game can be completed in a few hours, typically 3-8 hours, with some noting it is short but sweet. Completion times vary from 4 to 10 hours for 100%.
- Story and characters (weight 0.23): The story follows Ryosuke transforming into Bat Boy to fight Lord Vicious, with a bonkers plot and Tokusatsu-style superheroes mixed with sports themes. Some want a sequel to learn more about the characters.
- Good value and availability (weight 0.23): The game is reasonably priced, frequently goes on sale, appears in bundles, and has a demo. PC requirements are low, making it accessible.
- Speedrun and extra modes (weight 0.19): The game includes speedrun modes, hidden modes, and multiple costumes, adding replayability for players interested in challenges beyond the main story.
- Miscellaneous comparisons (weight 0.18): The game is compared to Super Mario World, Sonic, Wario Land, and Kill La Kill, highlighting its diverse inspirations.
- Japanese language support (weight 0.15): Reviewers note that the game offers Japanese localization and language support, which is appreciated by Japanese-speaking players.
- Comparisons to other indies (weight 0.15): Reviewers compare it to Celeste, Super Meat Boy, Hollow Knight, Guacamelee, Ori, and others, noting differences in difficulty scaling and platforming challenge.
- Music and aesthetics (weight 0.11): The chiptune music is reminiscent of Sega Genesis, and the game features many references to other video games and memes, enhancing its retro appeal.
- Gamepad and Linux compatibility (weight 0.11): The game supports various gamepads, including Stadia controllers via Bluetooth, and runs on Arch Linux with Proton, as tested by one reviewer.
- Humorous elements (weight 0.1): The game includes jokes that may cause facepalms and has a bonkers story, adding to its quirky charm.
- Demo availability (weight 0.1): A demo is available, and some reviewers played it months before release, which helped them decide to purchase.
- Backer and double purchase (weight 0.09): One reviewer was a backer for the game, and another bought it twice, once for themselves and once for a friend, showing strong support.
- Lack of difficulty scaling (weight 0.06): Some players criticize the game for lacking difficulty scaling and platforming challenge, especially when compared to games like Celeste and Super Meat Boy.
- Recommendations for similar games (weight 0.06): Reviewers suggest trying Shovel Knight, Batbarian, and Owlboy if you enjoyed this game, indicating its appeal to fans of similar indie platformers.
- Russian language absence (weight 0.06): The game lacks Russian language support, but English is not too difficult, according to one reviewer.
- Limited reviews in Russian (weight 0.06): The game has few reviews, especially in Russian, indicating lower visibility in that region.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.29): Players derive enjoyment from the game's polished 2D platforming, responsive controls, and well-crafted level design that balances difficulty with rewarding exploration. The humorous narrative, unique abilities, and retro aesthetic contribute to a fun and engaging experience. Many appreciate the game's variety, boss design, and the satisfying progression that makes gameplay increasingly enjoyable.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment stems from the game's lack of originality, feeling like a copy of Shovel Knight without innovation. The short length and underutilized abilities lead to a sense of wasted potential, while easy bosses and an unsatisfying ending further detract from the experience. Bugs and balancing issues in later levels also contribute.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Satisfaction arises from mastering abilities and overcoming challenges, with frequent checkpoints and balanced difficulty that make progress feel rewarding. The solid 16-bit platforming, responsive controls, and polished gameplay loop provide a sense of accomplishment. The game's approachable yet forgiving design allows players to learn from failures and improve.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration is caused by rigid character controls, small attack reach, and sharp difficulty spikes in later sections. Bugs that trap players, break camera, or force keyboard play, along with losing progress upon quitting, exacerbate annoyance. Unforgiving platforming and inconsistent mechanics contribute to a sense of unfair challenge.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia is evoked by high-quality pixel graphics and chiptune soundtracks that mimic classic NES and Gameboy games. The retro aesthetic and simple, old-school platforming remind players of childhood gaming experiences. This nostalgic feeling is a key positive emotional response.
- Confusion (weight 0.03): Confusion arises from unclear game mechanics, such as the purpose of collecting golden fruit and seeds, and ambiguous menu options like 'End' being a stage escape. Players finish the game without understanding these elements, leading to a sense of bewilderment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by tedious grinding for golden fruits and having to refight bosses to keep money. Excessive character dialogue, a companion's speech bubble covering gameplay, and accidental potion use due to button mapping add to the irritation. Map extras and demanding pogo precision further annoy players.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is derived from intentional jokes and humorous dialogues, particularly from the character Garou. The humor, even when facepalm-inducing, is appreciated for its comedic effect. This lighthearted element enhances the overall experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by dynamic boss encounters, gradual ability progression, and the potential for speedruns due to a zip bug. The retro pixel art, background music, and fun gameplay also contribute to an exhilarating experience. Players look forward to the challenges and discoveries ahead.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom results from a simple and predictable story, skip-worthy dialogues, and repetitive gameplay. The lack of engaging content makes the experience tedious. This emotion reflects a sense of underwhelming design.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Fun is experienced through enjoyable abilities that make the core gameplay loop entertaining, combined with a nostalgic retro platformer aesthetic. The game provides a lighthearted and pleasurable experience. This emotion highlights the game's ability to entertain.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is expressed through appreciation of its soundtrack and its comparison to classic titles like Mega Man and Shovel Knight. The game resonates with players on a deep level, creating a strong emotional attachment. This love stems from the game's quality and nostalgic appeal.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is felt for the game's hidden gem quality, with gameplay elements that surpass Shovel Knight. Varied background visuals, mechanics, and a sense of charisma and great pacing are highlighted. Players value the game's unique strengths and overall craftsmanship.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction arises from bosses being too easy and average operation feel, along with weak level design and unbalanced upgrades. These aspects detract from the overall experience, leaving players wanting more challenge and polish. The game fails to fully meet expectations in these areas.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is high because the game is seen as a spiritual successor to beloved titles and is considered game of the year by some. It is praised as the best indie of 2023, reflecting strong excitement and support. Players are eager to champion the game's quality.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Delight is caused by the cute collectible cats and dogs found in the game. These charming elements bring joy and a sense of whimsy. The inclusion of such adorable features enhances the overall pleasant experience.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret occurs when players skip dialogue and consequently miss collectibles on their first playthrough. This oversight leads to a sense of remorse and the wish to have been more thorough. It highlights the importance of paying attention to narrative elements.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Indifference is felt because the game does not do anything particularly interesting or innovative. It fails to engage players emotionally or intellectually, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm. This emotion reflects a sense of apathy towards the game's design.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration stems from a lack of explanation about item retention when escaping a stage. This ambiguity causes minor annoyance and confusion. Players are left uncertain about game mechanics, leading to slight irritation.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is experienced as players look forward to completing all levels. The desire to fully explore and conquer the game creates a sense of eager expectation. This forward-looking emotion drives continued engagement.}