Developer: Drinkbox Studios
Genre: 2D Platformer
Release Date: April 9th, 2013
Available For: Playstation 3/Playstation Vita (Cross-buy)
2D Metroidvania platformers are a genre that has extrapolated since the rise of mobile gaming. It seems as though you can run, jump and beat-‘em-up on almost every platform, and as a result, they’ve become rather trite by their sheer abundance. So when Drinkbox Studios revealed Guacamelee – a two dimensional platformer by design – back in April, you can understand why the game didn’t exactly fly off the digital shelves upon release. Nevertheless, Guacamelee is an absolute must-have for Playstation owners.
Drinkbox Studios’ colourful and surprisingly complex title is a true indie darling that can stand alongside the PSN’s other greats proudly such as Journey and The Unfinished Swan. Infused with a comedic Mexican theme, Guacamelee is an homage to past Metroidvania games – particularly Castlevania – while still cementing its own sombrero-shaped stamp on the age-old genre. In terms of story, the game follows Juan, a muscular agave farmer who, after donning the powerful Luchadore’s wrestling mask, fights to rescue the daughter of El Presidente from the villainous bandit, Carlos Calaca. Though this arc may sound rather formulaic, its Guacamelee’s witty and amusing written dialogue that saves it from the jaws of cliché.
Though you may be able to run through the game in 6 to 7 hours, Guacamelee is expertly designed. Moreover, with a series of side-quests and the addition of new game plus, this is a 2D platformer that stands head and burly shoulders above the rest courtesy of its excellent fighting mechanics and intriguing, often hilarious world.
Try if you liked: Fez, Metroid Prime.
Current price: $14.99/£7.99 (On sale for UK & Europe until July 17th)
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