LA-MULANA Review
Release date: Mar 17th,2020
Developer: NIS America
Platforms: Steam, XBL, PSN, Switch (Reviewed)
Price: $14.99
LA-MULANA is a game that reminds me of how games used to be. Games in the early 90s, late 80s were challenging and relentless. This kind of game is making a comeback and LA-MULANA combines a few things, mystery, challenge, platforming, and something like Lode Runner, for the right fan this is a great game.
There is an interesting story thats revealed in time. Gamers are trust into the role of Lemeza who’s after treasure. Games will be whipping, unlocking puzzles and avoiding obstacles and enemies. Some people have hinted this is a Metroidvania game due to the exploring and secrets. I think of it as a complex puzzle like old school adventure games. Some of the items gamers will pick up wont play a role until later. This is where the game challenged me more than once. Might want to keep a notepad close for notes, maybe a hand drawn map?
Graphically the game has a nice 8 bit charm. There is plenty of details in the environments and Lemeza looks like a shorter version of everyone’s favorite explorer, Dr. Jones.The game controls like a game from the late 1980s. Players cannot change the momentum of their jumps in mid air, and this caused me to die quite a few times. This adds an additional piece of challenge.
There is limited combat, players have whip and can pick up other weapons throughout the game. Sub weapons are also present but non of the enemies present a real challenge. There is a neat tech feature involving iframes which you can install on the laptop Lemeza carries with him. This can he helpful when solving puzzles.
So will every gamer like this this game? Probably not, it’s challenging and unforgiving but the puzzles are interesting. The platforming could use some work for modern gamers but that game has plenty of charm and intrigue. This is definitely an interesting style of game.
Thanks to the publisher for letting us review the game.
Final score
Pros
Interesting puzzles
Neat throwback to retro games
Cons
Controls
Hard platforming