Some indie games it takes us a while to get to. Guacamelee! is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but despite its critical acclaim we’ve only just played it. Oops.
From Canadian indie team DrinkBox Studios (also responsible for Nobody Saves the World in 2022), this Metroidvania action platformer is a lot of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Huzzah to that!
Mexico Galore in Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
The original Guacamelee! launched in 2013, but we played the upgraded Super Turbo Championship Edition that came out in 2014.
And you, too, can play this! It’s out on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It’s very bloody good, too!
There’s the Mexican theme, of course, complete with national folklore. Particularly with alebrijes (the brightly coloured Mexican folk art sculptures you’ll have seen around) and nods to Day of the Dead.
And this is a hybrid genre game, being a Metroidvania and beat ’em up.
The plot is set in the small village of Pueblucho. There on Dia de los Muertos, your character Juan Aguacate heads into town to celebrate. But there he finds evil bastard Carlos Calaca. This baddie attacks the village and kidnaps the president’s daughter!
Juan is killed, but is resurrected from the land of the dead with his mighty man mask that makes him super strong.
That means it’s time to smash and bash his way to Calaca and save the day. Here’s how it all plays out.
The Metroidvania elements are very clear and uncluttered, with a specific nod to Nintendo’s legendary Super Metroid (1994) in the form of Chozo Statues.
After some of the overcomplicated AAA games we’ve played recently, just getting back to a bare bones video game has been a blessing.
Guacamelee! is beautiful, straightforward yet challenging, and charming.
It’s so much fun. If you’re new to this genre it’s a great starting point, as the gameplay moves at a lively pace between beat ’em up arena action to accessible platforming.
The game offers about six hours of gameplay, so doesn’t overstay its welcome. And the music (see below) powers you along.
It’s not an ultra-difficult hardcore time of it. The focus is more on accessibility, with fun gameplay that engages and immerses the player.
And there’s no denying the extra charm comes from the wonderful artistic vision from Drinbox Studios. Not just with the colourful graphics, but the way the witty dialogue boxes draw you in and create a fun experience for all.
Guacamelee!’s Glorious Soundtrack
There’s no denying Guacamelee! boasts one very distinctive soundtrack, which was courtesy of musicians Rom Di Prisco and Peter Chapman.
It’s all Mexican inspired, with elements of grupera (a popular Mexican genre) with lively, upbeat tracks to the tune of rancheras, corridos, cumbias, and boleros.
It’s bloody good. Very uplifting at times, but melodic and relaxed.
You do just want to dance along to this stuff (go ahead). 💃🕺🏽
The big shakeup comes in the form of electronic music, which rears itself fairly consistently. So there’s a dance element to the whole thing that makes you want to shake your maracas.
It all complements the game magnificently, setting the mood to just enjoy yourself with this one. There’s fun to be had here and Guacamelee! delivers on every level.
