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La-Mulana

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2013

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Quick resume

LA-MULANA is an “Archaeological Ruin Exploration Action Game,” bringing the classic appeal of adventure with the punishing difficulty of retro-inspired gaming. 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.

Global score

80/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle

Pros

  • Deep and rewarding puzzle design
  • Vast non-linear exploration
  • Immersive ancient ruin atmosphere
  • Challenging boss fights
  • Excellent soundtrack and pixel art

Cons

  • Very high difficulty and obtuse puzzles
  • Punishing platforming and controls
  • Requires extensive note-taking
  • Some puzzles require external guides
  • Can be frustrating and inaccessible

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have total freedom to explore the vast ruins non-linearly and choose their own path and puzzle-solving approach."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game demands high skill in puzzle solving, exploration, and platforming, with challenging bosses and cryptic clues."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal progress and puzzle solving without competitive elements or player comparison."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players invest long hours and become deeply engaged despite frustration, showing strong attachment."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely a single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players create their own notes, maps, and solutions to puzzles, requiring creative thinking and personal record-keeping."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; purely individual challenge."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players immerse themselves in a mysterious ancient world to escape reality through exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and love for challenging exploration and puzzles."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "The game encourages extensive experimentation with items, clues, and environment to solve complex puzzles."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around discovering new areas, secrets, and piecing together clues across a huge map."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through personal puzzle-solving style and note-taking."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a fictional ancient ruin with mythological references and an imaginative story."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solitary experience."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on learning, deciphering clues, and developing problem-solving skills."

  • Health
    -4

    "Promotes sedentary play with long sessions and intense mental effort; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and focus due to difficulty and complexity."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player only."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate items, weapons, and software upgrades to advance through the ruins."

  • Relaxation
    -4

    "Gameplay is tense, punishing, and often frustrating rather than relaxing or flow-inducing."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable retro pixel art and music provide sensory stimulation, though not overwhelming."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; individual focus."

  • Story
    4

    "Deep, cryptic narrative revealed through exploration and puzzle solving, rewarding player engagement."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires extensive planning, logical reasoning, and puzzle-solving strategies."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tense moments from traps, boss fights, and exploration create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "Long playtime and rich content provide strong value for time and money invested."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat against enemies and bosses is present but not the main focus; violence is stylized and limited."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must avoid death traps and manage health carefully to survive and progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026