Can you survive long enough in the deadly ruins below the surface so you can solve tricky puzzles in La-Mulana?
Dark Souls was a surprising hit from last year. The Action RPG wasn't the best looking game in terms of realism like Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or as engaging (or attempt at being engaging) like a Final Fantasy game. But Dark Souls was praised for its difficulty and ability to give players the freedom to explore. Dark Souls might be enjoyable to people who have masochistic fantasies and exploration fetishes, yet with it being on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and now on the PC, Wii gamers might feel left out. Fortunately another exploration-based-yet-difficult game is coming to the WiiWare service, and any fans that know of La-Mulana will know that they will die a lot in this game.
The premise for La-Mulana is simple: You play as Lemeza Kosugi, a 31-year old archaeologist that hasn't taken lessons on how to dress for ruin-infiltration from a particular Harrison Ford film (honest). Wielding a whip not taken from a memorable action/adventure film, he goes out to explore the tomb of La-Mulana. From here the game is very open in where you can lead Lemeza to, what puzzles to solve, and what will be your eventual death.
La-Mulana would be more similar to "Metroidvania" games where it has platforming elements and an open-world to explore. Like Super Metroid, you can acquire power-ups that help you reach new areas previously unreachable. Yet La-Mulana could be the first "sandbox" Metroidvania game as there are multiple paths to reach the one and only ending to the game. You don't need every power-up to win the game, yet each one acquired from a puzzle will help a lot. Nigoro, the developers of La-Mulana were at least kind enough to provide a guide to beginners for the game, along with explaining that you will die a lot.
La-Mulana will be available for download on the Nintendo Wii this September 20th, 2012, for 1000 Nintendo Wii Points.
