Guacamelee

Guacamelee (PC, PS3, Vita)

Story: (0/1)
Non existing. your girl is kidnapped and you try to save her.

Setting: (4/5)
The setting is very unusual for a video game. I'll even call it unique even, because I can't think even of one similar game.
The theme for the whole game is Mexican boxing. yup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucha_libre
This gives the game very *special* tune. some might not like it, but everyone have to agree that it's unique. and that is good.
more on this in the graphics section.


Gameplay
The best way to describe the game is a Metroidvania-ish action platformer.
You're a luchadore and you use your wrestling moves both for the combat and platforming.
For example you get your double jump only very far into the game. till then you'll have to use your fist uppercut in mid-air to extend your jump just a bit farther to get to that platform.
lets talk about each elements separately.

Platforming: (5/5)
Challenging, yet not meatboy-crazy. very well made and manages to stay fresh.
are you taking notes *other games*? this how platforming should be done!
the fact that your fighting moves are used for platforming adds nice touch to the whole thing.

Combat: (4/6)
Solid. as you would expect from a wrestling game, throwing plays a big role in the combat differencing it from other 2D brawl-ish games.

Exploration: (4/5)
Lots of hidden secrets and areas you can access only after learning specific wrestling move. traditional Metroidvania style.
in one word, entertaining.
point takes off because if you skip all the secrets, the game will become much more linear. I'm pretty sure there is a set order in which you have to get all the upgrades. unlike in Metroid.


Graphics: (2/3), polarization -2
As I said before. this game was made to give that colourful Mexican tune and the graphics is very important for this task.
they create really unique atmosphere with it.. unique..
I'll cut to the chase. some will really hate this graphic. I just mentally tagged it a unusual and went on with it but some might have problem to stomach it. specially in the beginning before they see how well it completes the game.
here are some pictures to demonstrate it:
(CG)
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/104/8/f/guacamelee_fan_art_by_cuervoman-d61sexg.png
(Gameplay)
http://media.edge-online.com/wp-content/uploads/edgeonline/2013/04/Guacamelee3.jpg
http://media.psu.com/media/articles/image/guacamelee_screen_1.jpg
http://s.pro-gmedia.com/videogamer/media/images/ps3/guacamelee/screens/guacamelee_18.jpg
(Announcement screen - before every boss fight)
http://s.pro-gmedia.com/videogamer/media/images/ps3/guacamelee/screens/guacamelee_17.jpg


Replayability: (2/2)
Metroidvania exploration. two endings. unlocked difficulty. also the ability to play the whole things co-op.
the least feature is specially neat by my opinion.


Final Score: 7.5, polarization +0.5, -1.
recommended for those who want a good platformer or metroidvania. not recommended to those who can't stomach the graphics or the theme.