Mulaka

Anyone with a thirst for adventure and a hunger for story can find more than their fill by taking a closer look at the mythology and lore found in this game. Mulaka is a beautifully rendered case that cultural stories can provide incredible experiences. Inspired by the lore from the Tarahumara tribe, the game faithfully brings to life the wonder of tales passed down for generations. Although the whole "save the world from encroaching evil" theme has been done time and time again, the story here still manages to feel unique. These are characters and entities that are the foundation of an entire culture. They have a natural feel because they have been developed and refined for centuries. It's an engaging experience that piques the curiosity of players and encourages them to discover more outside of the boundaries of the game.

As rich as the story's origins might be, the simple truth is that none of it would matter if the actual game wasn't fun to play. Thankfully, that's not an issue here. The game has a simplified, artistic look that flows in motion. It's almost like someone has breathed life into the paintings of the Tarahumara ancestors. The controls are simple but effective. Combat and motion tie together well, allowing a range of movements to best dodge enemies and get in position to attack their weak spots. The controls also work nicely for the platform elements of the game, though admittedly, the camera can sometimes make it difficult to gauge certain jumps or navigate some obstacles. It's not enough to take away from the experience by any means, but it can cause the occasional frustration. But any time you transform into a bird and fly over a village, or into a bear charging through the woods, those frustrations quickly fade. You feel like a real part of the world around you, and an integral part of a truly timeless tale.