DaRmaZat Bionic Bay is an upcoming 2D puzzle-platformer developed by Psychoflow Studio and Mureena Oy, and published by Kepler Interactive. Set for release on April 17, the game will be available on PC and PlayStation 5. Clearly inspired by games like Limbo, it blends atmospheric storytelling with physics-based platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics.
This preview is based on a press preview build, which included the first ten levels of the single-player mode. However, the final game will also feature an online mode, introducing a competitive speedrunning element where players race against the ghosts of others worldwide. This mode will not only offer challenging levels, but also allow for character customization, adding a personal touch to global leaderboards.
A Dystopian Labyrinth of Logic
Who you are in Bionic Bay doesn’t seem to matter at first, but appearances can be deceiving. The protagonist may look like an ordinary person in a white shirt, tie, and sneakers, but he is, in fact, a scientist. Using a unique teleportation instrument, he attempts to escape from an ancient biomechanical world filled with imaginative technology, deadly traps, and hidden secrets. Along the way, he encounters the remains of others who failed in their escape, adding a haunting layer to the journey.
Timing is key, and some puzzles require rapid execution rather than just logic.
The controls start out simple: you can only jump, roll, dash, and reset your position when stuck. However, the gameplay depth expands quickly with the introduction of a device that allows the player to swap positions with objects. This mechanic is not just for movement—it’s a core puzzle element requiring strategic planning. You can use it to teleport behind objects, create barriers, build stacks, or even detonate explosives. However, misjudging an object or action order can be fatal, as some objects are dangerous. Timing is key, and some puzzles require rapid execution rather than just logic.
Beauty in All Its Brutality
Bionic Bay features impressive physics: rolling builds momentum for jumps, objects react realistically to movement, and the character’s flailing limbs when falling or bouncing add a touch of realism. Environmental hazards include deadly lasers, glowing lava, crushing mechanisms, and explosive materials, all of which contribute to the exciting challenge.
Much like in games like Limbo and INSIDE, Bionic Bay places significant emphasis on the visual representation of death. Gruesome yet fascinating, deaths include beheadings, full-body crushes, and explosions. The world itself is a dystopian, industrial, biomechanical landscape packed with intricate details, where dense pixel art creates an eerie sci-fi aesthetic. Lighting effects and atmospheric music add to the unsettling feel, with each world featuring a distinct soundtrack. Mechanical hums, laser bursts, and the crackle of explosions further deepen the thrilling experience.
Preliminary Thoughts
With its clever physics-based platforming, unique teleportation mechanics, and haunting dystopian setting, Bionic Bay is shaping up to be a standout puzzle-platformer. The tight controls, well-crafted puzzles, and immersive world suggest a game that will challenge both reflexes and problem-solving skills. If the full release expands upon what the preview build offers, this could become a must-play. To conclude, we eagerly anticipate the final release to see how the journey of our scientist continues.
Additional Information
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Psychoflow Studio, Mureena Oy
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Official Website: https://www.bionicbaygame.com
Relevant links: Bionic Bay on STEAM
