La-Mulana

Greatest game ever made

I played this game with a guide and it was still a lot of fun. There is indeed a lot of jank, and the difficulty is in fact very often tied to the jank, but it has its charm much like a game like Zelda 2. I think that even as much as if can frustrate you, La Mulana is a genius and bold game that deserves nothing but my respect. Again, I did play it with a guide so I saved myself a lot of headaches but I could still appreciate what the game tries to do. Also the soundtrack is an absolute banger. Only complaint I could mention is that there is a bug if you play on Linux where some platforms render you stuck in a falling animation depending on how you fall on them, and one of those cases is against one of the bosses, Viy, making it practicaly impossible to beat on Linux. Had to switch to Windows for that boss fight.

There is an extremely specific demographic of people that this game appeals to. The kind of people who would enjoy spending way too much time trying to solve the mysteries of the game. I learned that I am in this demographic.

A remarkable blend of exploration, puzzle solving, and action creates an experience that rewards patience, observation, and careful note taking. Ancient ruins are filled with interconnected mysteries that unfold gradually, encouraging attention to environmental clues and underlying patterns rather than direct guidance. Progress often feels earned through deduction and understanding, giving each breakthrough a genuine sense of accomplishment. World design stands out through intricate structure and meaningful exploration. New areas frequently reveal connections to earlier discoveries, transforming the ruins into a vast puzzle where knowledge becomes as important as tools and equipment. Hidden mechanisms, cryptic clues, and layered challenges create a constant sense of curiosity, making exploration feel purposeful from beginning to end. Combat and platforming complement the adventure without overshadowing the core focus on discovery. Enemy encounters require awareness and preparation, while boss battles provide memorable tests of timing and strategy. Character upgrades and equipment options add flexibility, allowing different approaches to overcoming obstacles scattered throughout t…

Personal favourite. Age of the game really shows as it's a retro remake of a free MSX inspired game that controls way harder. But there's not a single game like this. If you manage to beat the game while using no or little guides, and get past the retro controls, what awaits you is a rewarding experience that makes you feel like an actual archeologist.

I haven't played much, but was quite enjoying the retro style. The game's not allowing rebinding of the arrow keys has left me unwilling to play so I'll leave a "not recommended" review for those who want to research its downsides before buying.