While there have absolutely been some variations in the different Metroidvania titles over the years, as the genre’s name somewhat implies, in general there’s a certain type and style of play you’ve come to expect from them. There are certainly some that are more focused on combat, while others are all about exploration, but in terms of the flow and feel of gameplay there typically isn’t that much differentiation. With BioMorph, however, it’s safe to say that while most of the core elements are in place, it absolutely does some things that help it to stand out as being more unique in the space.

As the title’s name implies, this particular genre entry has a focus on your character’s ability to transform into other creatures, and that really opens the door to new challenges. For one, it easily expands what forms stage puzzles can take on, as you’ll need to work out which forms you may need to take and how in order to work through problems. It also makes for combat taking far more forms, with some creatures you change into more suited for power, some for agility, and some with just a feel all their own. One smart move is that once you’ve killed and changed into specific forms enough times, you’ll have the option to change into it at will moving forward, allowing you to build a small stable of go-to forms, at least for combat, as you progress. Thankfully, your character’s actual form will also acquire new skills of their own over the course of the adventure as well, making it worthwhile or necessary to continue to change between forms as the situation dictates.

Where it falls down a bit is the fact that unfortunately it doesn’t feel like the game sufficiently makes use of this morphing mechanic over the course of its runtime. In particular, rather than pushing the player to combine the abilities of a few different creatures in order to work through tougher puzzle challenges, solutions tend to be more one-note. Forcing people to flex their transformative power more thoroughly and thoughtfully could have really taken play to another level, but most of the time your different forms are ultimately more handy just for tackling combat instead.

Regardless of some potential missed opportunities, BioMorph still plays out in a satisfying manner, marrying well-executed controls with a cool concept, setting itself apart from its peers nicely. I would hope that if a sequel is made that it more thoroughly explores how people could continue to tap into their different forms in ways that feel more strategic and geared towards puzzle-solving and exploration, taking a good idea and helping to refine it into something great. Even coming up a little short on that end of the bargain, this is still a rock-solid addition to the genre space and well worth a look.