La-Mulana (Remake)

 PC
La-Mulana (Remake) Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 75 Ratings

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  • Summary: Will you fall prey to deadly traps or unravel the secrets of LA-MULANA?

    LA-MULANA is an "Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game" in which you search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the "Secret Treasure of Life" - which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of    Will you fall prey to deadly traps or unravel the secrets of LA-MULANA?

    LA-MULANA is an "Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game" in which you search inside ancient ruins, seeking out the "Secret Treasure of Life" - which sleeps in the sprawling ruins of "LA-MULANA" and is said to be the beginning of all civilization.

    Apart from the plethora of traps lying in wait to stop intruders, there are also monsters on the prowl, protecting the ruins.

    Head for the innermost depths of the ruins while solving a variety of mysteries, fending off monsters, and disarming traps.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Everyeye.it
    Jul 29, 2012
    90
    La Mulana is a gem of pure gameplay, based on exploration and old-school action. It may not appeal to everyone, for its formula and for its challenging difficulty, but those looking for a solid action adventure in 2D gloriousness should look no further.
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Nov 15, 2012
    84
    An extremely well thought-out metroidvania. While its fiendishly obscure puzzles are a source of endless frustration, hardcore fans of the genre are in for a treat. For others it may border on the unbeatable, so best prepare well! [Nov 2012]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. 4Players.de
    Nov 9, 2012
    83
    Behind the dusty retro-facade hides an arduous adventure that calls for brains as much as for sleight of hand.
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Destructoid
    Aug 2, 2012
    80
    Beyond the seemingly insurmountable wall of challenge, La-Mulana is a brilliant title that exceeds in just about every category. Art, music, breadth of content, game length -- La-Mulana gets the highest marks. But there's simply no denying that the difficulty, as fair as Nigoro purports it to be, is a major deterrent.
  5. Hardcore Gamer
    Nov 6, 2012
    80
    What makes La Mulana work is the way all its elements come together. It's never about straight combat, or platforming, or even puzzle solving, but rather a combination of the three at all times.
  6. games(TM)
    Sep 17, 2012
    80
    There's a lot to admire in La-Mulana. After struggling to hit Western shores in its WiiWare incarnation for years, it's a treat to finally be able to play it. Actually, it's not a treat. It's a nightmare. But if the success of Dark Souls has proven anything, it's that there's a world of people out there who just want to be punished.
  7. Digital Spy
    Apr 29, 2013
    60
    La-Mulana won't appeal to the more casual players. Instead, it's for those who are masochistic with a fondness for 'Metroidvania' games - but even then, a high level of patience is required to get the most enjoyment out of this indie title.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 10 out of 25
  1. Lemezakosugi
    Mar 3, 2022
    10
    Play la-mulana now! Now!! NOW!!! MOTHER NEEDS YOUR HELP TO UNSOLVE THE STRANGE MYSTERIES OF THE RUINS AND SER HER BACK TO THE SKIES also....Play la-mulana now! Now!! NOW!!! MOTHER NEEDS YOUR HELP TO UNSOLVE THE STRANGE MYSTERIES OF THE RUINS AND SER HER BACK TO THE SKIES also.... Mulberuk IS the BEST npc in any videogame… Expand
  2. Envirobear2000
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    An amazing game. People who think this has bad controls are crazy. It just has a characteristic jump, is all. The unique jump is used forAn amazing game. People who think this has bad controls are crazy. It just has a characteristic jump, is all. The unique jump is used for puzzles and is very easy once you get used to it. Just like Castlevania's and Super Metroid's (and Ghosts 'n' Goblins') slightly awkward jump, it really does not diminish from gameplay - it just makes it different.

    Everything about this game is amazingly designed. Great controls, great music, great graphics, and most of all, the puzzles. This game has an amazing sense of explorations, paralleled by none (except maybe Super Metroid) and it has a very unique style of environmental puzzle solving.

    I really don't want to waffle on too much at the moment, but suffice to say I think this is probably one of the pinnacles of game design as it currently exists. Must play. Requires a bit of patience, sure, but truly a must play.    … Expand
  4. Melopahn
    Nov 5, 2012
    10
    As others have said this game is Hard. Any person who is used to the typical hand holding game of today's age will be unable to handle thisAs others have said this game is Hard. Any person who is used to the typical hand holding game of today's age will be unable to handle this game. The puzzle clues are cryptic and the user will have to learn a new culture and language very slowly as they divulge deeper into the depths of the ancient ruins. The difficulty is capable of being made even more brutal through an optional hard mode for the truly masochistic. It has been many years since I played a game as challenging, engaging, and rewarding as this game. Easily my favorite game of this decade.… Expand
  5. violentine
    Apr 19, 2013
    8
    La-Mulana is indeed a very hardcore platformer. Puzzles are hard and some of them might never open up for you without the help of walkthroughsLa-Mulana is indeed a very hardcore platformer. Puzzles are hard and some of them might never open up for you without the help of walkthroughs and youtube videos. But that's ok, because La-Mulana wants to be cruel. The game begins in a village where you get a laptop to receive tips from an old man. That's where the "handholding" ends. You may go towards which ever direction you desire and die there. Because you will die like in roguelike games again and again. There are traps, different enemies, poisonous water, certain room conditions that refrain you from using your whip for example. These add to the old Megaman factor that if you take a hit you will be sent flying backwards and may fall off a cliff getting yourself into even more trouble. The controls feel a bit stiff in the beginning but you will get used to them pretty quickly and understand it when the level layout presents you why jumping works as it does. If you enjoy platformer games like Mario and other easy going and simple games you should avoid this. La-Mulana is more like a Super Meatboy with bosses, equipment, very hard puzzles and riddles, and you have to save often to avoid losing all your progress in case of dying. It's also worth to note that I think it could be completely ok for not-so-hc players to enjoy this masochistic adventure by using the fore-mentioned walkthroughs and play it just for the brilliant sights, music and story. I give this game an 8 because it's probably just too much for the faint-of-heart. You're warned.… Expand
  6. HSuke
    May 12, 2018
    3
    This is like the Dark Souls 1 of puzzle Metroidvanias, but even more difficult and annoying. There is no hand-holding, and everything'sThis is like the Dark Souls 1 of puzzle Metroidvanias, but even more difficult and annoying. There is no hand-holding, and everything's purposely made to be as frustrating as possible. While it is somewhat rewarding if you do beat the game, you'll probably never get there without a guide or an infinite amount of patience, which kind of defeats the purpose of the game.

    If you do choose to start the game, be prepared for the following:

    Horrible controls no air-control
    A confusing lack of instructions on how to operate basic items
    Extremely repetitive music
    Bad port that struggles on that fastest computers
    Bad hit boxes
    Extremely frustrating gameplay    … Expand
  7. Christos_
    Jan 21, 2014
    2
    This is not a good game.
    I bought it because it seems like spelunky and because of its high meta score,
    but I regret it. Difficult and    This is not a good game.
    I bought it because it seems like spelunky and because of its high meta score,
    but I regret it.
    Difficult and boring.
    Not recommended.    … Expand
  8. Spazer
    Mar 28, 2016
    0
    A game totally wasted by such a horrible gameplay, I mean jump inertia is terrible. This is unacceptable for this genre. This is a joke, aA game totally wasted by such a horrible gameplay, I mean jump inertia is terrible. This is unacceptable for this genre. This is a joke, a real joke.
    No gameplay= no intesrest at all !
    Don't waste your money...    … Expand

See all 25 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2012

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