Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Game
Game2022
B.I.O.T.A.
Developer small bros
Intense 2D action-platformer set in a mining colony infected by an alien plague. In B.I.O.T.A. you can choose your hero, fight gruesome monsters, and customize your 8-bit retro experience with swappable 4-color palettes. From the Steam store page
134 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Oct 4, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
89
LovedLoved
118 positive · 14 negative
95% range 83–94%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 118 | 14 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
2 newer reactions are still waiting for a label.
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
231 of 263 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What people are saying
Summary pending — the reactions are listed below.
Reactions
60 of 134 · most liked firstReview by [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/34633003-Gaming-Masterpieces/lists/] Gaming Masterpieces - The greatest games of all time on Steam. Is this game a masterpiece? This game looks like a Nintendo Gameboy release with 4 colors, but it uses a large screen. It also plays like a Gameboy classic - but this is not a bad thing. It's a run and gun game - jump and shoot (in 4 directions), avoid endless pits, other environemental dangers and enemies. Quite easy to understand, even…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic metroidvania action platformer where you are a group of mercenaries that were sent to an infected mining place to investigate the situation You can watch some gameplay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RInhf8wVHvI It's not so hard to learn the game, but i'd recommend a controller over a keyboard here. You'll have 4 available characters and 4 other ones that you can unlock, each unique in skills, stats and weapons. The story is also said to have two endings and there are levels…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Unfortunately I can't recommend this game. While the overall graphical, sound, and gameplay design meet and in many cases exceed expectations, there are too many problems with the controls and mechanics of the game which make it a chore to play. The wall latch/jump mechanics, in particular, are completely broken: 1. When you jump normally, letting go of left/right will result in your momentum slowing to a stop, but out of a wall jump, your momentum is maintained. It's tremendously…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A nostalgic trip down the new-age metroidvania. After completing the tutorial level, you will be brought to a base located above the underground complex. You can use this area to heal, test your skills in a training facility, acquire upgrades on the black market, and switch between characters. Everyone has the ability to jump, shoot, and cling to the wall. Wall jumping, which is required to unlock in practically every metroidvania, is available right away. The only thing that distinguishes…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sadly I didn't have fun. List of unfunmakers: Palettes are diverse but overall it's hard to see things Walljumping going from left to right to left etc. feels bad, you lose grip on the walls if you face the direction you came from briefly before turning the way you want to go Music is maddening Room after room of identical enemies that don't really fight back Funmaker: Different characters abilities are kinda cool but don't change much about how you play Does it get better? Maybe, but I…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It’s time to complain again about the lack of space in steam’s rating system for 3/5 games, as it does feel very mean spirited to give Biota a thumbs down. It’s a short, cute, polished metroidvania with no new ideas that is probably worth the asking price of £7.50. It reminds me a lot of Gatoroboto, another decent lo fi metroidvania that was a fun, if forgettable way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Biota’s only real change to the formula is the ability to play a number of different…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game looks like it has a lot of potential but it actually shockingly mediocre. The game is piss easy in some parts and irritating in others. The level design is boring and extremely repetitive. The controls are slippery and unresponsive. You can essentially save scum for some reason. The main positive of the game is really just the music. I can't recommend this game to anyone.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Terrible controls. Also why can I shoot upwards... but not downards?
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Tried twice to get into this but the controls put me off. Coming from other, better platformers I felt like I had no precision in where the character ends up off a wall jump and eventually I just didn't want to stick with it
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun run&gun metroidvania. A bunch of different characters to play through areas with, all with different equipment and abilities. Retro feel is enhanced by unlockable color pallets, great throwback. https://youtu.be/0i7zFq4jhAM
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cute little metroidvania. It ain't no Hollow Knight but if you've got an afternoon free and want some 8-bit platforming, it's easily worth ten bucks.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Since I posted my First Impressions on BIOTA yesterday, I've now finished the game. Already impressed but when I got to scoot around in a submarine and a spaceship - it's awesome. Have unlocked the last two characters and enjoying arcade mode now. BIOTA is a top shelf retro platform shooter. Gorgeous pixels, sound's great, and it's packed with extras. 6-8 hours of action-packed fun not including the arcade mode (it's awesome too)! A must-have! For more information, read my First Impression:…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →B.I.O.T.A. is a retro metroidvania, similar in looks and tone to fellow indies 'Xeodrifter' and 'Gato Roboto'. The gorgeous pixel-art really pops on screen and the chiptune synth soundtrack perfectly accompanies the old-school Gameboy feel. The action takes place on a mining colony. There's been an alien infestation, and it's your job as a band of mercenaries to investigate and destroy the mutant scourge! Whilst BIOTA is labelled a metroidvania, it's is more linear than you'd expect. The map…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →⣿⣿⡻⠿⣳⠸⢿⡇⢇⣿⡧⢹⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⡇⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⡐⣯⠁ ⠄⠄ ⠟⣛⣽⡳⠼⠄⠈⣷⡾⣥⣱⠃⠣⣿⣿⣿⣯⣭⠽⡇⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⢢⠏⠄ ⠄ ⢠⡿⠶⣮⣝⣿⠄⠄⠈⡥⢭⣥⠅⢌⣽⣿⣻⢶⣭⡿⠿⠜⢿⣿⣿⡿⠁⠄⠄ ⠄⣼⣧⠤⢌⣭⡇⠄⠄⠄⠭⠭⠭⠯⠴⣚⣉⣛⡢⠭⠵⢶⣾⣦⡍⠁⠄⠄⠄⠄ ⠄⣿⣷⣯⣭⡷⠄⠄⢀⣀⠩⠍⢉⣛⣛⠫⢏⣈⣭⣥⣶⣶⣦⣭⣛⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄ ⢀⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⢀⣴⣿⣿⣿⣎⢩⠌⣡⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣆⠄⠄⠄ ⢸⡿⢟⣽⠎⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢀⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⠄⠄ ⣰⠯⣾⢅⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡄⠄ ⢰⣄⡉⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⠄ ⢯⣌⢹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄ ⢸⣇⣽⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄ ⢸⣟⣧⡻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⡻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄ ⠈⢹⡧⣿⣸⠿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠗⣈⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⠄ ⠄⠘⢷⡳⣾⣷⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣾⣿⣿⢀⣶⣶⣶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠇⠄ ⠄⠄⠈⣵⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄⠄ ⠄⠄⠄⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠇⠄⠄
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There's two things that make this game so infuriating that I didn't wanna continue playing. 1. The different color palettes are a cool concept but end up being more of an annoying edition than an interesting one. I feel like most of them are a huge eye sore and they give the games art less of an identity. 2. The controls are incredibly clunky. Like I've played platform games on an actual game boy that have felt more responsive. I think it's a combination of weird controls and slight delay in…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is.. okay. It's very short (I left the game running overnight, my playtime is massively inflated). To my surprise, It's actually NOT a metroidvania. The game has no ability-gated progression. The gating is done through keys and doors (and items which serve as keys and doors). Despite this, the game has a lot of crossover appeal because of the branching path map design and backtracking. You can only fire your gun upwards and sideways, no aiming in other directions (can't fire…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Art from September - Embroidery hoop based on art from the game B.I.O.T.A. Dissolving canvas left the design wonky and warped, but still a fun time. Based on the Quasar palette 💙🧬💛 #biota #metroidvania #pixel #embroidery #crossstitch #neon
unlabelledView post →I so rarely give negative reviews, but I feel like I have to in this case - the game looks great, and feels great most of the time, and then you get hard walled by dubious design decisions. 1) The game has two endings but you cannot go back to explore the map or get missed collectibles after reaching the final boss. There is a free roam mode that shortens a second playthrough but if you did the bad ending first you will be in for unnecessary extra hours. 2) The map completion seems bugged…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun science-fiction adventure with enough hot-swappable two-tone palettes to satisfy the most demanding retro aesthete. An evil energy corporation hires mercs to investigate reports of slimy tentacled aliens taking over their asteroid mining operation! Kick-ass music and limited but effective (and grammatical!) dialogue carry the Alien II-on-a-modded-Gameboy mood! Crunchy puffball sprites are notable for recognizability and even artistic value while somehow being one or two pixels away from…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Body is a bit angry but we have some shootin to do. its time to finally break out B.I.O.T.A a game ive had on the books for a good long while that i was waiting for a good opportunity for! Nows as good a time as any right? Lets see how it is! #vtuber #vsky
unlabelledView post →I don't want to completely rain on the game here, but for me a game like this is all about how it controls. It's cumbersome, to put it mildly. You'll know what I mean the second you try to jump near a wall or just try to move around. This was a source of frustration and quite a few lame deaths. Still, the game is easy enough as it wants you to win at all costs. You'll probably have a good time here. If you're wondering whether this is damning with faint praise, well... Give the demo a try if…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'd say about 80% of this game is very good. The general gameplay loop of exploring, teleporting back, buying items - it's great, and each character's unique weapons and subweapons make you constantly want to keep switching between them. If the whole game was like that, it'd be perfect, but unfortunately there's several dreaded vehicle sections. They're not very fun, not very challenging, and they go on for far, far too long. There are several toward the end of the game that come right after…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cool little metroidvania. Jumping and shooting are tight and crunchy (which is a weird thing to type, but that's how it feels), you have various characters with differing weapons and abilities you can use, you can find simple upgrades and additional specials for each character, and there are quite a few secrets to find. If you've played a metroidvania before you'll know the drill, you tend to explore a modest-sized map, find a mission critical item, and then move onto the next area, but you can…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is, in my opinion, the definition of less is more. It features fairly simple platforming mechanics, enemies, and just overall gameplay, and it nails all of it. There are a few sections where it branches out and deviates from the main gameplay, and these sections can be pretty hit or miss. Either way, they are worth powering through, because the core of the game is very fun and creative. The ability to change palettes on the fly is a feature that does not affect the gameplay in any…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wish there was a neutral for this game as it doesn't reach to bad, but not sure i'd recommend. platform metroidvania style, the retro color got a bit much, and some of the rooms were fully filler; most were populated just right. boss fights were too bad and i was able to finish the game >6hrs. For what ever reason this didn't grip me enough to want to 100% it.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cool game, great music and art. It has problems, though. It's infuriating that you can't reload your save before stumbling into the last boss to find the remaining collectibles. You have to warn your players when there's no going back! I'm not playing it all over again just to see the good ending. Plus, being able to save anywhere is cool but it becomes a chore after a while. It's really punishing to forget to save after every screen, and it doesn't really add to the game. Could have had an…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Blast from the Past! Let me start by saying that the Sci-Fi atmosphere reminds me of Alien movies mixed with A-Team. The heroes of the game are real tough guys with huge weapons and... funny dialogues. It's like a trip to the 80's :) GAMPLEY is very SOLID. I like that game can be played with different characters. Each character has a different weapon and special ability (for example grenade or sniper riffle). The design of the levels is great. Various areas in the game have distinctive…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Read our full review: [url=https://www.backlogodyssey.com/backlog-review-biota/] B.I.O.T.A. on The Backlog Odyssey "All in all B.I.O.T.A. was an absolute blast that delivered the running and gunning retro shenanigans that I was craving. Clocking in at just over 6 hours for completion, it didn’t overstay its welcome and ended on a satisfying note that I’ll definitely want to revisit at some point in the future! With a variety of play styles, welcome modern conveniences like quick saving, and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →good game resonably priced looks great. need more boss fights and weapon variety
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Strong Metroid vibe game here, definitely recommend it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game is a blast. + Loads of fun + Fun sci-fi story/setting (80's/90's) + Great pixel graphics + Variety of playable characters supporting various playing styles + Butter smooth movement for a retro game + Great music Not gonna lie, thought the changeable color palette was a bit gimmicky before I bought the game but it really grows on you and is a nice addition.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm having a blast so far! Update: Yep, definitely of the best 2D games I've played this year and a true hidden gem.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a very fun retro shooter with metroidvania element. I like diversity between specific biomes and that you can switch between a few playable characters. The graphic is simple but very nice with a possibly to change color pallet. Soundtrack kicks ass. Gameplay brings a lot of joy. Who does not like shooting mutants on an alien asteroid somewhere beyond our solar system? Additional modes are also fun. I can recommend this for anyone that likes old school shooters.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →B.I.O.T.A., developed by small bros and published by Retrovibe, is a thrilling 2D action-platformer that successfully captures the spirit of classic retro games while incorporating modern design elements that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Set in a dystopian mining colony overrun by alien contamination, the game plunges players into a hazardous world filled with mutated creatures, corporate conspiracies, and desperate survival. Players take command of a squad of eight mercenaries, each…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The whole time I played, the changing color palettes kept shocking me. The gorgeous pixel art became beautiful in new ways, revisiting old areas stayed fresh. Fantastic experience
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →there is a fine game here but it is not my personal cup of tea, i still would recommend it if the genre interests you
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cool looking visuals and soundtrack. The controls are responsive and the exploration was decent. There are some annoying parts in the game, but overall its upsides outweigh them. NOT a metroidvania in my opinion. Getting the unlocks and the currency system tied to it was one of the annoying parts of the game, and it didn't feel too rewarding. Just make sure to look up a guide if you want to get both endings, because it's not obvious how to get the 2nd one, and also you can't backtrack to an…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Gameplay- ☑ Very good ☐ Good ☐ Nothing special ☐ Okay ☐ Bad Graphics- ☑ Masterpiece ☐ Beautiful ☐ Good ☐ Will do ☐ Bad ☐ Awful Audio ☐ Amazing ☑ Very good ☐ Good ☐ Decent ☐ Not too bad ☐ Bad Audience ☐ Kids ☑ Teens ☑ Adults ☑ Everyone Story- ☐ Lovely ☑ Good ☐ Average ☐ Not great ☐ None Difficult- ☐ Just press a bunch of buttons ☑ Easy ☐ Significant brain usage ☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master ☐ Not so easy ☐ Difficult ☐ Dark Souls Grind- ☐ Nothing ☐ Only if you care about…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The map design of B.I.O.T.A is amazing, I haven't played many Metroidvania, but the flow of the map feels really smooth, there wasn't a moment where the flow was broken, you get from one place to the next, always knowing what you need to do, even though there are some puzzle involved here and there. Sound track really fits the vibe of the game and changes accordingly to the level you're playing. The heroes that you can choose from are all specialists and each of them will feel better in each…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have a soft spot for both metroidvanias and the Alien franchise, which pretty much made B.I.O.T.A a surefire winner in my books. Having played the first few hours I can safely say that it won't win any GOTY awards, but if you're looking for a fun and undemanding romp that's heavy on nostalgia, you could do a lot worse. Gameplay is quick, fluid and varied. Sound, graphics and story are serviceable. Most importantly, you can tell that genuine care went into crafting the title. As I said, you…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You cannot change the controls also start is so confusing i did not know where to go, 4/10
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Super solid metroidvania 10/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Crunchy, compact, satisfying as hell. Experimenting with the characters in different situation is enjoyable. Enemies are threatening and fun to deal with. Currency is something to keep in mind, but you'll never find yourself stuck in a long grind for it. The story is brief, simple, but quite charming, absolutely capturing that retro feel. A very good deal for a very low asking price.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A great metroidvania that focuses on tight movement and set pieces over gaining new powers. It looks good in screenshots and trailers, and feels even better to play. Strong recommend.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →just finished one of the multiple endings - excellent metroid-style game - i loved it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hot lead in the cold of space versus biology run amok. A nice snack of a platformer. +1 for enough color palettes for every day of the month. -1 for lack of secret rooms. Dev Response; Oh, I found some secrets. Just not enough :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a great little Metroidvania with a ton of cool vehicles and swappable characters to spice things up. Very welcoming to newcomers and enough new for Metroidvania fanatics.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →B.I.O.T.A. offers a challenging Metroidvania experience wrapped up in an old-school retro gameboy aesthetic with solid controller support, fun story campaign and a rock'n chiptune soundtrack to boot! [url=https://youtu.be/z2isJwEdCyU] Check out gameplay here
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Such an incredibly solid title. Super proud of the dev team for making such a damn fun game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you're a fan of metroidvania games I highly recommend this it ticks all the boxes! Here is my review: https://youtu.be/raNvW_sp2kU
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →B.I.O.T.A. is an 8-bit 2D Action Platformer with metroidvania elements about a squad called GEMINI II and their trip to Front Horizon where they need to find the source of corruption. The game offers an interconnected world with different biomes each with their secrets, upgrades and platforming sections to overcome. There are shops in the game where you can buy ammo upgrades, Max HP increase and many more. There are over 40 different color palettes to choose from and can switch anytime from…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun metroidvainia, but absolutely is rage inducing at points.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a fun little game. Saving between screens adds a great element of casual play while being hard overall. Looks great on a CRT TV, with fun filters, if you're a weirdo like me. That being said, some sections like the submarine area are a bit of a slog, and I did get lost a few times. The story isn't extremely engaging, but if you like these kind of games, it's reasonably priced.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Crazy how people can make crazy good games with these graphics lol Enjoyed every bit of it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game and achieved a good ending on the first run. Loved the art-style, music, the unlockable color palettes and overall feel of the game. Just had a short struggle with the brain boss and did not love the mech and sub sections - they dragged on for too long. Also if you do not get the hidden specimens/rooms in the first run, that's it, you can't go back to the last save and explore more - you need to replay the game - but at least all things can be unlocked,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →B.I.O.T.A. is a retro style Metroidvania that has an amazing style and a surprising amount of options for playstile and even look of the game. Gameplay wise this is a simple one with some precision platforming thrown in with the enemies to make exploration a pretty fun time. It has a host of characters making up the crew that you play as witch you can switch between and even add to as you play the game. They all have pretty unique kits with different weapons and special abilities that can…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a sci-fi genre classic: humanity has found a unique 'miracle' element known as viridium, and V-Corp is mining as much of it offworld as possible. One such mining operation has gone dark, and V-Corp has hired Gemini II Squad to recover as much as they can. What unfolds is a tightly paced Metroidvania that plays its cards very close to the chest. Developer Ivan Porrini has made a unique system in which the game is split up into multiple sections of a mining station, each with their own…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It has an entertaining enough story, good movement, and interesting maps.cant believe theres a precision platformer i like.... so far. for now, it hits the spot of being hard and entertaining without having any gimmicks, nor being annoying. --------------------POST COMPLETION (bad ending) edition: OH! MY LORD!!!!I 10/10, PERFECT GAME, let me explain. Context first: 1- I am a Metrodivania addict completionis.... got that?? cool. 2- I HATE precission platformers (almost every single one of them,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wish I had realized there was a button to view the map and inventory before I was half way through the game. The color design makes it incredibly hard to read text at times. The game mechanics that try to do something different, like the mech, submarine, and dogfight, were not great. It also took me a bit to get used to the way you have to handle saves. That stuff aside, the rest of the game is a lot of fun. I enjoyed the enemies. The boss fights were cool. Exploration was mostly enjoyable.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I don't even know why I bought this game. Its... just not for me, to say the least.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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