Playing through La-Mulana made me realize something that is deemed as inappropriate towards approaching this adventure. You are not supposed to be speed running, hack and slashing or trial and error your way through the ruins.
Instead, you are expected as an archaeologist to carefully unravel the many cryptic hints that await you, be it written on signs, tablets, skeleton remains or even more subtle objects or backgrounds. La-Mulana is a thinking man's game combined with action platforming.
Henceforth, it would be best if you started remembering, writing or taking pictures of each hint. Take heed of the advice the quirky gaming elder gives you through e-mails, and especially show your respect towards the ancient ruins of which celestial beings were once occupying these areas. Or else, divine judgment might find your way through those pesky electrical eyes.
Don't believe me? I angered the gods by reading upon a tablet twice which clearly said not to do so, thus activating hard mode. With more enemies spawned everywhere, the game suddenly became even more challenging.
My challenge aspect, of which I once wrote in another post, has faced a different dilemma here. Whenever I was absolutely stuck and clueless on how to proceed, I searched for help. Other than that, I tried my best to navigate, as a token of my respect towards the single designer that created this impressive title.
But, it has to be said. La-Mulana is one of the hardest games I have ever played, and it simply comes from the fact that the game is very non-linear, very confusing and very cryptic on how to proceed at certain parts. Regarding combat and platforming, I'm used towards those kinds of difficulties, but finding a way to progress through this at certain times is mentally challenging.
Nothing beats out the feeling of uncovering a new route by yourself finally though, such a huge reward to experience. A lot of endurance and patience will be needed for these moments. Getting stuck and being unable to proceed, I guarantee that everyone who plays this the first time around other than the developer himself will experience it.
Despite bearing a striking resemblance towards 2D Metroid and Castlevania games(or Metroidvania/Castleroid if you will), La-Mulana is king when it comes to multiple paths being available, as well as of purposeful backtracking.
The complexity of the level design and the obtusity of the puzzle design is compelling. It really is a genuine hardcore title, and also serious competition for other 2D action platformers. Puzzles are not my main interest in general, but the design seen in here is a large driving force for enduring them and continueing.
While Super Meat Boy's precise platforming and Dark Souls's methodical combat are excellent sources for hardcore gaming, La-Mulana uplifts the puzzle element so much, it demands to be played by anyone who is searching for a challenge in an entirely different way other than showing off practiced skills.
One more aspect that keeps you playing through this long adventure is the impressive soundtrack, each of the area's having their own theme. The songs are reminiscent of many classic 2D action plaformer games in the past in the sense that they encourage you to keep playing, and to keep remembering the precious parts.
To sum it all up, let me quote the Destructoid review's paragraph that catches the essence of La-Mulana's core gameplay,:
"If you go into La-Mulana like any ol' action game and don't pay attention to literally everything, you will find yourself wandering the halls lost and confused for hours. You can't take anything for granted, the faintest etchings on the walls could offer some hint as to what item must be used. You must treat every word, every artifact, every structure like it's the most significant thing in the universe. Read those riddles with the same focus you would dedicate towards open-heart surgery."
There are only 3 upcoming new titles left this year for me to experience regarding games, which are Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, ZombiU and Paper Mario: Sticker Star. If they fail to be even better than this in overall, then I can say without a doubt that this remake of La-Mulana is my favorite and best game of the year 2012.
Rating: 9.0
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