LA-MULANA 2 Review
Release date: March 17th, 2020
Developer: NIS
Platforms: Steam, XBL, PSN, Switch (Reviewed)
Price: $24.99
LA-MULANA 2 is more of the same as the first game. If you are a gamer that likes puzzles, and an interesting platformer than this game might be for you. Warning it’s just as challenging as the first game and has some interesting twists.
The sequel started as a Kickstarter in 2014 and was very successful. Gamers play as the protagonists’ daughter Lumisa who has returned to the ruins of La-Mulana to see where her father has gone to. The ruins still exist and monsters are attacking the small town. The 2nd game expands more on the story, there are more NPCs to interact with it.
This Metroidvania themed game is just as challenging as the first game. The areas are all connected and full of traps and the issues that were in the first game are still there. It is very easy to die and to complicate matters checkpoints are harder to find. This means you could play 20-30 minutes, die and its time to retrace your steps.
Did you play the first game and enjoy puzzles? Well there are more this time and I struggled and the clues didn’t help much. Gamers will spend some time running around and scratching their heads. A guide might be the best choice to speed things along. But if you are one of those gamers who can get through the puzzles, than hats off to you.
The game has a 16 bit look to it. There are more details in the environment bosses look very details and colorful. The game controls like a classic 16 bit platformer. Her jumps are just as floaty as her fathers. But that’s what makes the game interesting.
Is the game as good as the first one? Probably, unfortunately I am not the kind of gamer this game is designed for, as I got stuck a lot. I also got frustrated a lot at the puzzles. But if a player can put in the effort and enjoys this sort of genre with its many challenges, than go for it and enjoy. This is the kind of game that stands out on the crowded eshop and the developer has a done a fantastic job.
Thanks to the publisher for letting us review it.
Final Score 4/5
Pros:
Puzzles
Metroidvania
Its challenging
Cons:
Few checkpoints and its difficult
Puzzles can be complicated