La-Mulana

Though brilliant in its design, La-Mulana is definitely one of those games that will only appeal to a dedicated few.

La-Mulana is an exceptional metroidvania, but only to those who are capable of braving its meticulous ruins. Understanding the symbols and meaning behind so much of its cryptic messages is only half of the battle. Being able to meet it physically is another story, since the enemies care as insane as the ones in old-school Castlevania, and the traps are more methodically implemented. The adventure is epic with quite a few miles to it.

La-Mulana may not be for everyone but this Metroidvania-style game is rich in challenging puzzles and bosses, with an interesting plot and a very welcoming audiovisual environment. Its puzzles might not be the most accessible ones, but those willing to put some effort and patience into this work will be duly rewarded with a marvelous piece of gaming on the Nintendo Switch.

No, I didn't chuck my controller as I've grown up. However, I still say the game cheats. That aside, LA-MULANA has a ton of playability as you try to find hidden shops and solve the puzzles. It is not the best game on the Switch, but it is a lot of fun. It would be a shame to pass up this little hidden gem.

La Mulana is a really wonderful blend platforming, puzzle "attempting", solid music, and some nice updated graphics. With a slew of interesting interconnected areas, plenty of puzzles to bash your head against, and a great challenge that doesn't feel artificial or purely sadistic. Well, the jury's still out on that last point. I have very few gripes about La Mulana, mainly just bats and not being able to grab ladders while jumping.

For players who enjoy complexity and depth, there’s an ocean of possibility here which makes any other Metroidvania look like a puddle by comparison.

La Mulana took me back to the micro computer days in just the right way that I didn’t want to completely quit on it. The fact that I preserved through it must mean I had fun, right? Once this game sunk its teeth into me I was utterly hooked. Yes, I got mad, frustrated but I kept getting called back. That won’t be the same for everyone but to me it means I liked it, a lot.

With a reasonable price and great content, La Mulana 1 & 2 provides many hours of entertainment. It is a good cost x benefit, as long as the user is aware of the saga he is about to embark on. It is not an easy journey and, for the most part, the game does not provide guidance. It is a well-produced game, but, in the end, it is up to each player to assess how suitable La Mulana is for himself. If the constant obstacles and dead ends exhaust your patience, it is better to look for something else. If persistence and a taste for mystery defines you, it's definitely worth checking out.

GOOD - La-Mulana 1 & 2: Hidden Treasures Edition should appeal to those gamers who enjoy difficult gameplay and cryptic hints set in a Metroidvania style universe. Those that grew up during the ‘80s and liked adventure games on the NES are the target market for this one. Just be prepared for obscure puzzles, tons of death traps, and challenging enemies!

From collecting items to loading your laptop up with new software, each bit of progress feels like putting a puzzle together piece by piece.