Mulaka

Mulaka is an action-adventure game with a strong element of 3D platforming to it; it was developed by Lienzo – an independent studio. The game came out for a few systems, and PC, SWITCH and etc. is on the list as well.

Plot

Mulaka takes the player for a journey to a fantasy version of Sierra Tarahumara, located in North Mexico. The story in the game was inspired by legends and cultural achievements of the Tarahumara tribal people living in the area, and it was created based on consultations the developers did with anthropologists and the tribe's elders. It needs to be added that Tarahumara are known mainly for their great athletes and hunters, which is directly reflected by the game.

Sukurúame is the protagonist; he is a tribal shaman who sets out for a long and dangerous journey aiming to save the beings inhabiting the land. Both humans and animals have been on the path of gradual corruption, and this is why the gods watching over Sierra Tarahumara are wondering whether to bring doom to earth and start everything over. The mission of the protagonist is to reach particular gods and gain their trust.

Mechanics

Mulaka for PC, SWITCH and etc. is played from a third-person view. The player explores diverse locations (throughout the adventure, the protagonist traverses the picturesque Basaseachi Valley, densely wooded mountain terrains, or the Samalayuca desert), jumps across platforms, avoids different traps and fights the encountered enemies. The player-controlled hero has to face different kinds of adversaries – beginning with smaller ones that do not create much trouble, and finishing with the largest specimens that serve the role of bosses, such as the gigantic Ganoko, the fire-spitting Sipabuara, or Rusiwari – this last one is capable of devouring souls. When fighting, the protagonist uses melee weapons and potions they have brewed themselves – those increase the combat potential, offering different skills.

What is also important, is that the protagonist uses powers received from the gods as part of blessings. Thanks to those powers, Sukurúame can shapeshift into animal forms – as a bear, he can face the stronger enemies; as a snake, the protagonist reaches hardly accessible areas; in the form of a bird, he overcomes environmental obstacles without trouble. More and less complex environmental puzzles, as well as conversations with neutral characters are also the more important elements of Mulaka – for instance, talking to other characters, the player can get valuable information concerning the game world.

Technical aspects

Mulaka for PC, SWITCH and etc. offers three-dimensional visuals, and despite the simple design, the game can be a pleasure to look at, since the creators employed an original graphic style, though all the elements concerning the visuals were created using as few polygons as possible. The visuals are complemented by an atmospheric soundtrack, which was created using the type of instruments the Tarahumara people use themselves.

Last updated on January 17, 2018