GUACAMELEE : Review

After giving us the very nice Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack! last year Drinkbox proves its commitment to the PS Vita, unsheathing (already) a new crazy platformer: Guacamelee. Finished aliens viscous room for tacos and tequila shots (in moderation) in this new generation self proclaimed "Metroidvania brawler" as saying that Drinkbox do not attack anything this time. But under his foufous and nonchalant air, Guacamelee actually conceals an adventure with some wonderful cojones. If Señor!

"LIVIN 'LA VIDA LOCA!"

With a second almost palpable degree Guacamelee tells the funny story of Juan, a young muchacho rather any who embarks on the heels of the demonic Calaca after the guy has captured the daughter of El Presidente. As obvious, Drinkbox us therefore helping the damsel in distress to launch a delirious adventure that does not pray to reveal a gallery of eccentric characters: a witch slightly neurotic, a rooster teacher or catch a goat / old sage rather milk soup. Yes, it goes a bit in all directions and the dialogue is often the opportunity to drive the point of the ridiculous and absurd.

And the atmosphere is obviously completely loca perfectly supported by an explosive artistic direction with a rather simplistic geometric graphic style enhanced by a range of flashy colors to perfection. It's beautiful, fluid, consistent, striking. In short, it is difficult not to fall in love with this ultra colorful and whose designs are more subtle clad in a few big names in video game references.


"METROIDOS Y CASTLEVAÑA"

Even if the hero Guacamelee is far from unstoppable charisma of Alucard or Samus Aran - it is even a transparent hair, unfortunately - he finds himself immersed in any case a game system actually largely inspired adventures these two legends. We discover a world of one piece, built in clusters around the small town of Santa Luchita which acts as hub. But of course, access to all areas of the game, you will first discover the different powers that lie at the heart of Juan temples heavily guarded. Walls too high or blocks of color blocking his way, such as Juan will have to overcome obstacles in learning throughout its journey powerful new attacks (hook up, down or sideways), a classic double jump (called here "jump kid") or turn into chicken (best power ever, obviously).

Of course, all of these capabilities are so many surprises that motivate them to advance in the adventure as they will discover some secret passages where we may identify for money (useful to pay for upgrades Juan) or bonus stamina and health (divided into fragments to collect hearts like Zelda). But these physical powers, Juan also eventually gain the ability to change size and switch with a click of the Dead to the world, a parallel universe with only subtle differences with reality in mind A Link to the Past, Soul Reaver or the most recent Outland.


"VAMOS A LA GAMEPLAYA!"

Operated timidly at first, it can eventually become the basis of some particularly devious passages in which we must learn to switch between realities with a devilish timing, while assaying its jumps to the millimeter. For the excellent level design of Guacamelee is a great place to phases of platforms including the difficulty slowly grows over our progress in the game to finish with a final dungeon, a real highlight of the adventure points. But despite this sadistic trend, as Drinkbox never becomes frustrating for both. The respawn system is particularly merciful here and if these passages require patience and dexterity to the point of seriously up our blood pressure, it never gets to the point of wanting to throw the console across the room.

In contrast, there is a little less inclined to keep calm before some fights. For Guacamelee does not lie to its initial promise and present alongside these passages platforms worthy of a good dose of good beat'em all big fights. Again, the difficulty is increasing and our range of shots is enriched according to our findings in the temples of the game, dodge, projection, devastating combos, special moves ... all the ingredients are there. The fighting then eventually require a good command, especially the enemies patterns varied enough to also end up having fun playing with the two-dimensional or hide behind shields only sensitive to some of your powers.


DIRTY SANCHEZ

Sometimes, unfortunately, we could also find themselves overwhelmed and lost in a confused mixed hair where it becomes difficult to understand what happens to us. The few boss of the game will also test our agility so that our patience, but in the end, victory in Guacamelee takes so rewarding that they easily apologize some small wanderings flavor. This is a heady feeling masochistic that many modern video games seem to have forgotten to wake up with us now ... With an excellent mix of gameplay, so book Drinkbox rhythmic adventure that knows the difficulty go crescendo. So it is with a slight regret that we see come the end after a half-dozen big hours - depending on your control and your curiosity about the few perks to offer. But ten small euros - which are sufficient to provide cross buy the game on Vita and PlayStation 3 with a bonus gentillet coop mode, but not necessary - let's face it would be inappropriate to play foodies!