La-Mulana
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| La-Mulana | |
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| Developer(s) | GR3 Project |
| Publisher(s) | Independent |
| Designer(s) | Naramura |
| Engine | Custom |
| Release date(s) | 2005 |
| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Media | Free download |
| Input | Keyboard or Gamepad |
La-Mulana is a PC side scrolling platformer that has an MSX style graphics and interface. The game is a traditional action-adventure game, reminiscent of the Castlevania and Metroid games. This game was originally only available in Japenese, however an English translation has been finished recently.
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[edit] Overview
The protagonist of the game is a whip wielding adventurer similar to Indiana Jones exploring the tomb within La-Mulana. Although there is only one ending in the game there are many ways to get there, in that completing objectives in the game (gaining power ups and reaching new areas) is not linear, nor is there an obvious recommended path to take. Many powerups will allow you to reach new areas, but the game gives no indication of where to go, similar to Super Metroid.
Since the game was intended as a tribute to the MSX games of the 1980s (and especially to Maze of Galious), it uses the 16-color palette and low resolution typical of those games. Also, the opening sequence parodies the typical load screen of the MSX, displaying the amount of available RAM and a copy of the MSX logo. The protagonist also has a laptop MSX in his possession throughout the game, and can collect or buy ROM cartridges for it; these can be combined to produce various special effects.
[edit] Gameplay
Initially the protagonist is only equipped with a whip, and has a small amount of vitality. Items in the game help advance the plot, many of which do not grant you any abilities, but open up a new area or allow another item to be taken. Many of the items however do grant the protagonist abilities, some of which are required to access new areas of the game.
Most non-boss in the game will not cause a lot of damage to the protagonist, however there are very few ways to restore your life, and in many cases getting hit will cause you to fall down requiring you to restart your current objective. An item in the game is available early on that allows you to teleport back to the start to save and restore you life in addition to teleporting to various way points. The general strategy of the game is to explore and solve as many puzzles as possible before getting low on life and teleport back when you don't want to risk death.
[edit] Weapons
Weapons are divided into primary weapons and sub weapons.
[edit] Primary
- Whip: The whip first hits directly above the protagonist, and then in front. The whip has two upgrades in the game.
- Knife: A fast weapon that is more powerful then your initial whip and can hit enemies on the ground, but lacks range.
- Key Sword: A ritual sword that strikes in front.
- Axe: A slow and powerful weapon that hits above, in front, and on the ground.
- Cutlass: A fast and powerful sword that hits in front, below and on the ground.
[edit] Secondary
- Shuriken: A weak projectile that can be thrown in front.
- Kunai: A projectile that is shot downward and follows the floor.
- Spear: A projectile that is shot downward and goes though many obstacles.
- Flare: A projectile that is shot upwards and goes though many obstacles.
- Bomb: A powerful weapon that is thrown and explodes (and if you aren't careful can hurt you).
- Hand Gun: A very powerful weapon that is shot in front.
- Shield/Buckler: Nullifies some projectile attacks, you can move while wielding this. There are two upgrades for the Buckler that block more projectiles.
- Scanner: Not a weapon, but uses the sub weapon slot, allows you to examine where you are standing.
[edit] Trivia
- There are over 400 play screens, over 50 music tracks, 9 primary bosses and many more sub bosses.
- Through a complex series of events, a super-secret Hell area can be entered, which is far more difficult than any other locale in the game.
[edit] External links
- Official home page (down, only music and site data available)
- English Translation (also provides the game download)
- Game Walkthough (a little out of date and in Japenese)
- Entry at Home of the Underdogs
- English Cartridge and Item Listing
