Over four years since their Kickstarter, indie Japanese developer Nigoro has announced they’re finally releasing La-Mulana 2.
The spelunking action-adventure game will be launching for Windows PC (via Steam and Playism) sometime this summer.
Featured above, a new trailer was released to show off the game’s polished build. A new teaser website was also launched alongside the new release window.
I actually interviewed La-Mulana creator and Nigoro boss Takumi Naramura back in 2014 when La-Mulana 2 was initially crowdfunded. We talked up the sequel and how it shapes up when compared to the original – you should check it out!
To celebrate, the original La-Mulana is currently on sale over on GOG for $5, a 67% discount from its regular $15 price.
Here’s a rundown on the game:
La-Mulana was known as a “Metroidvania” style game (a 2D action platformer with an emphasis on non-linear exploration). That said, the real core of the game is in deciphering the riddles scattered about the game, and solving the puzzles that exist as part of the ruins.
A classic experience: As with the previous game, La-Mulana 2 will not feature a tutorial or a long-winded sidekick. As a seasoned explorer, it’s up to you to discover the secrets hidden within the ruins and find the truth within.
Explore on your terms: By deciphering cryptic text on the monuments scattered throughout the ruins, the player can slowly unravel the riddle of the ruins. Which part of the sprawling underground to tackle, and in what order, is up to you. Sometimes you will need to use changes in background, mysterious sounds, the strength of enemies or the sneakiness of traps to detect a change in their surroundings.
A colossal adventure: We have designed a variety of zones, and have created a mystery deep enough to encompass a gigantic cave system. This is a very large scale indie title. We predict newcomers to the series would probably clear the game in 20 to 30 hours. Because of the non-linear nature of Eg-Lana, La-Mulana 2 will have plenty of replayability.
New horrors, new weapons: Plenty of ferocious and terrifying monsters and guardians stand in your way in the depths of this new underground network. Fortunately, there will also be an arsenal of tools and weapons to help you on your journey.
Widescreen Support: The first La-Mulana was a remake of a retro-styled game that ran in a 4:3 aspect ratio, which made widescreen support impossible. For La-Mulana 2, NIGORO is developing the game’s areas and rooms with a 16:9 aspect ratio in mind, making it perfect for widescreen TVs and monitors.
The question we’re asking ourselves is “How can 2D games take advantage of recent developments in technology?
Key Features:
- Become an adventurer and explore sprawling ancient ruins
- Gather hints to solve the various mysteries of your adventure
- Dive into the action as you fight off tough enemies seeking to stop your progress
- A detailed and beautifully dot-rendered world
- Seven main weapons and over ten sub-weapons
- Over 60 items of various types to help you explore the ruins
- Over 20 apps to install on your trusty adventurer’s tablet, the “Mobile Super X 3”
- Includes reference book with over 200 monsters and other characters in the game
