Guacamelee: Gold Edition
Producer: Drinkbox
Release Date: August 8, 2013
Platform: PS3, PS4, PC
Rating: Mature
Genre: 2D Platformer
La Lucha Loco
Written by Jesse Seilhan
Downloadable titles get a bad rap sometimes, especially in the value proposition department. Some gamers see a smaller, cheaper game as “less than” and unworthy of their valuable time and attention. However, the past few years have definitely shifted the tone of that argument, with some of the best games of this generation arriving late and via the internet, such as The Walking Dead, Journey, Hotline MIami, and many more. Very rarely do these games get any sort of attention unless they do something radically different, crossing boundaries by getting those that only play one style of game interested. This can be achieved with interesting graphics, a unique narrative, or in the case of Drinkbox’s Guacamelee, a combination of both of those blended with nostalgic gameplay and a crazy Luchador theme. This game utilizes the classic exploration gameplay of a Metroid or Castlevania with better platforming than the majority of games in those franchises. Your character, Juan Aguacate, is a wannabe luchadore that eventually dons the mask in an attempt to save the President’s daughter from the evil Carlos Calaca.
With a heavy Day of the Dead inspiration, Guacamelee spins its yarn over multiple Mexican locales, from the desert and a mountain range all the way down to Hell itself. The neon shine and over-the-top characters are as bombastic as the tradition of Mexican wrestling itself. The art style is flashy and looks smooth running at 60 frames per second on the PC. Also, the over-the-top color scheme fits the vibrant luchador world Drinkbox Studios has created, and the semi-cel shaded graphics are indicative of Klei’s great games Mark of the Ninja and Shank. But beyond the aesthetics, a great blend of combat and platforming is really what makes this game a champion among champions. The platforming has one giant hook that few games attempt: you can switch between two worlds at any time, creating new paths, new visuals, and a new way to game.
One hit of the trigger and platforms that were once there are now gone, and often different ones appear elsewhere. This variety makes for even more strategy during larger brawls that may contain enemies only susceptible to damage in one realm and sometimes by only one type of attack within that realm. Still with me? While you can button-mash your way through most stages, the complexity built within all of the upgrades and platforming makes for a furiously fulfilling fracus especially towards the game’s finale. This realm-swap ability also makes late-game puzzles quite interesting, as you’re constantly switching between worlds in order to remove and materialize various structures or platforms that hinder or help your progress. Having the ability to switch from The Living World and The Dead World at any time takes away the need for a second playthrough, ala Symphony of the Night, as it crams nearly twice the game in one go.
While you can use a keyboard and mouse, the game recommends an XBOX 360 controller and that’s exactly what I used. I couldn’t imagine attempting some of the tough timed platforming sections without the precision the controller gives, so grab one from a friend if you don’t own Microsoft’s console. Clocking in at roughly five hours, that’s with all of the story mode and most of the secrets found, it may seem a little light on content. But with a co-op mode, a Hard mode to run through again, and only requiring $15 instead of the average $60, it’s nearly impossible to deem this game unworthy of purchase. The game pays tribute to the classics moreso than any game I can think of, placing logos and familiar symbols from not only other games, but from media outlets and famous internet memes. Mix that in with some timing-tested platforming trials and a funny story, and you have a perfect downloadable title fit for just about any gamer.