Good platform games don’t come along very often, especially on the same scale of LA-Mulana EX for PSVita. It provides a large, expansive world that is teeming with enemies, secrets, and traps, that are just waiting to be discovered by any gamer willing to take on the challenge. But most importantly, you can’t just start playing and expect to get anywhere. In fact, LA-Mulana is very meticulous about its platforming, and it expects the player to follow a set of ‘rules’ for the experience to be successful.
Since the adventure begins at a small encampment, it’s important to visit the tent located on the highest platform. You’re greeted by an elder tribesman that explains your family history, including your father’s recent adventure. By visiting this NPC, you are saving yourself a lot of trouble. He unlocks the initial entrance that leads to LA-Mulana, and also provides a ‘brick’ that can be used on the first puzzle that you will encounter. Additionally, you are given a piece of ‘software’ for your laptop to receive emails and to collect data on enemies you kill (i.e. a Monster Bestiary).
Oddly enough, LA-Mulana’s gameplay relies on this ‘laptop’ system throughout the entire game. The ‘software’ (or Monster Bestiary) consumes system resources when activated, and a Memory bar indicates how many resources are left to run additional tasks. The Computer Software menu – along with your inventory and email messages – can be accessed by pressing the Select Button. The menu system can be easily navigated by using the PSVita’s shoulder buttons. This may sound complicated for a platformer, but in reality it’s not. It adds to the game’s complexity, as your progress further into LA-Mulana’s ruins.
The gameplay is of your standard platform variety, as you run and jump through enormous levels that contain monsters, traps and deep chasms. The in-game puzzles are relatively simple; most require ‘blocks’ that must be placed on floor switches to open locked doors or treasure chests containing ‘loot’. The biggest challenge are the monsters, which tend to vary in difficulty. For example: snakes move rather slow, but they will lunge at the player when approached. Eagles and other birds will remain stationary until you reach their respective platforms, but will dive-bomb the moment you approach.
The controls respond without hesitation, as you rapidly press the Square button to attack and X button to jump. Moreover, the game supports both the analog stick and directional pad for gamers that may prefer one control method over the other. While it’s strictly a personal preference, I found that the directional pad provided the best experience while playing the game.
Graphically, La-Mulana EX looks exceptionally sharp on the PSVita’s small screen. The 2D graphics contain vibrant colors that just dance across the screen, especially during the larger than life boss encounters. Plus, the classic 2D animation from the original remake has remained intact.
Thanks to developer Pygmy Studio, PSVita gamers can now experience a version of Nigoro’s classic platformer on the go. The Bestiary system – along with Pygmy’s efforts to re-balance the game – has translated into the most ‘definitive’ version of La-Mulana to date, making it a must-have for any PSVita gamer.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: PSVita (Available on PSN)
Developer: Pygmy Studio/Nigoro
Publisher: Rising Star Games
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: $19.99
La-Mulana EX’s Official Website:
http://www.risingstargames.com/us/games/playstation-vita/la-mulana/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The 2D graphics look incredible on the PSVita'. | |
| Sound | |
| A charming soundtrack plays throughout the adventure. | |
| Gameplay | |
| LA-Mulana's gameplay is rock-solid, providing countless hours of platforming. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| LA-Mulana EX is a must-have for any PSVita gamer. | |
