Guacamelee! Gold Edition

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 292 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 199 out of 292
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 292
  3. Negative: 34 out of 292

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  1. AllenSpellwave
    Aug 8, 2013
    9
    The game is really fun. Just got it and played for an hour. It totally got me hooked. As a metrovania style lover, the game basically has everything I need: challenging platforming, check; non-linear level, check; tons of unlock, check; backtracking value, check.
    The combat can be a little stiff at the beginning. But after learning more moves and getting used to the control, it's a lot of    The game is really fun. Just got it and played for an hour. It totally got me hooked. As a metrovania style lover, the game basically has everything I need: challenging platforming, check; non-linear level, check; tons of unlock, check; backtracking value, check.
    The combat can be a little stiff at the beginning. But after learning more moves and getting used to the control, it's a lot of fun tossing bad guys around.
    Plus, the art design and music is pretty unique. As a 2D game, it's pretty enough. The lack of voice acting is a little disappointing though. The characters may do some pretty hilarious things while talking. But players have to stare on the subtitle for the whole time.
    Overall Guacamelee really worth my money. I suggest to buy it in the first week. You got 10 percent discount and another game from the studio as bonus. Absolutely increase the value.    … Expand
  2. Rexen
    Aug 27, 2013
    8
    Great game. Great music. Great graphics. Great gameplay and powerup-level design. If you are good at Metroid or Super Metroid, you should play this game.
    But DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME WITHOUT A GAMEPAD.
  3. Pixelatre
    Jun 17, 2017
    6
    OK, this game is hard. The first boss fight (X 'tabay or however you spell it) is not too hard once you learn the patterns. The second fight (flame face) was too easy and I first-attempted it. There are various sections of the game with gruelling horrible platforming sections that do not require much skill but patience. They are a cheap shot at making the game harder. You will findOK, this game is hard. The first boss fight (X 'tabay or however you spell it) is not too hard once you learn the patterns. The second fight (flame face) was too easy and I first-attempted it. There are various sections of the game with gruelling horrible platforming sections that do not require much skill but patience. They are a cheap shot at making the game harder. You will find yourself clutching various buttons on your controller (or keyboard) at once, then messing up and pressing the wrong buttons. Breathe deep during these sections to reduce the risk of a panic attack... Once you finally beat these sections you feel rewarded... for about 30 seconds, then you are faced with another horrible section (ugghhhhhhhh). The third boss (Jaguar Javier) is SO FREEEKIN HARD. The game goes from -meh kinda medium difficulty- to -HAHAHA ALL THAT WAS JUST A TROLL NOW WE ARE GONNA GIVE YOU A BOSS WHICH YOU WILL ONLY GET 2 HITS ON BEFORE YOU DIE- diffuculty. All his attacks are fire so you cannot dodge them. He constantly gives himself shields which you neede to press some kind of combination which you are so likely to mess up, then he gets a hit on you. The annoying part is that you have a delay from being hit to getting back up again (which means as soon as you get back up again he sends you back down.

    OK, enough of the cons. Aside from what I just mentioned the game is preeeeety cool. The open maps are fun to explore and the metroidvanian exploration, backtracking, opening new areas and exploring them is all a blast. Also the art style is cartoony and cool. I like it. Let's talk about the core of the game: the combat. It is polished and satisfying to whack skeletons and throw them aginst the roof, reducing them to a mere pile of bones. The El infierno stage of the game adds an extra challenge for completionists to unlock all of the characters. The storyline is not the strongest point of the game, it is a cliche story of an ordinary guy who becomes a superhero to save the world from monsters, except this time, it's set in Mexico. ¡Oh si! Burritos! The Soundtrack is catchy and fun, and the game is an (sorta) good time (apart from what i mentioned before...)

    By the way, don't try to play this with a keyboard, you will spend half an hour just re-mapping the atrocious controls, only to make them a tiny bit less atrocious.

    Verdict: This game is cool, but only get it if you are a fan of rock hard difficult games. If you are a fan of super metroid, try this game out. After all, it is metroidvania. For me however, what i hope to see in the future is an easy mode. Thank you for your time reading this long review.    … Expand
  4. Tashy497
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    Love it! Shadow Complex meets Super Meat Boy. Illustrations and Colors are perfect, might be the best looking 2D game in a long time. If you find the combat or bosses in this game difficult, perhaps you need to train more at the 2D gym with the rooster.. which I did... then I dominated. Like SMB, there's going to be some Extra levels (outside of the game story) that will make you loseLove it! Shadow Complex meets Super Meat Boy. Illustrations and Colors are perfect, might be the best looking 2D game in a long time. If you find the combat or bosses in this game difficult, perhaps you need to train more at the 2D gym with the rooster.. which I did... then I dominated. Like SMB, there's going to be some Extra levels (outside of the game story) that will make you lose your mind. The only thing that sorta' pissed me off were the precise timing of moves (for extra levels) that don't necessarily work perfectly with an analog controller, but with repetition is doable.… Expand
  5. Kvasi
    May 13, 2014
    5
    Seriously annoying jumping challenges combined with phase switching. Very similar to the new Giana Sisters. It wasn't funny then and this is equally boring. To bad that they mess up an otherwise ok game with crap like that.
  6. SlyguyTheCritic
    Sep 30, 2013
    9
    Guacamelee! Gold Edition, is arguably the best of the many modern metroidvania games released recently. While other modern metroidvanias tend to favour combat and RPG elements, Guacamelee instead focuses on providing satisfying, yet interesting and puzzle-like combat, along with many thought-provoking platforming puzzle sections. It's clear that Drinkbox know their game mechanics, and mostGuacamelee! Gold Edition, is arguably the best of the many modern metroidvania games released recently. While other modern metroidvanias tend to favour combat and RPG elements, Guacamelee instead focuses on providing satisfying, yet interesting and puzzle-like combat, along with many thought-provoking platforming puzzle sections. It's clear that Drinkbox know their game mechanics, and most puzzles and combat scenarios are perfectly designed around use of the many game mechanics, an example of one being dimension switching, a mechanic which is used to great effect throughout the game. If Guacamelee does have flaws, though, it has to come with the obnoxious internet memes, the length of the game (clocks in at, like, 7 hours), and the fact that opinions on the game are easily subjective.… Expand
  7. GarryRyder
    Sep 12, 2013
    9
    Guacemelee is a very well made and gamed 2d platform. The game is very amazing. The graphics for a 2d platform standard are good. The levels are challenging and fun. Nothing more to say. A good game anyways.
  8. OHIC
    Jul 20, 2014
    8
    A great platformer and, like Rayman Legends, another one that achieves the feeling of being a living cartoon. You guide your Luchador (a man at first, but you quickly get the option to swap your protagonist for a female Luchadora) on a quest to rescue the president's daughter. It's one huge interconnected map of 2.5D environments, branching via the doors at right angles to the plane ofA great platformer and, like Rayman Legends, another one that achieves the feeling of being a living cartoon. You guide your Luchador (a man at first, but you quickly get the option to swap your protagonist for a female Luchadora) on a quest to rescue the president's daughter. It's one huge interconnected map of 2.5D environments, branching via the doors at right angles to the plane of play.

    It's got a delightful aesthetic, and I can't think of any other game that looks quite like it. There's a lot of humour, and it's a cheerful and colourful game whose very darkest moments are several shades lighter than Scooby Doo.

    I should warn you that it's quite challenging. Customers who are used to easy games, or struggle with accurate timing, could have trouble here. Then again, maybe Guacamelee will train you and turn you into a seasoned platforming expert!

    If I had to choose between recommending this or Rayman Legends (the two best platform games of 2013) then without question I would pick Rayman Legends, but you should certainly play Guacamelee too.    … Expand
  9. goodterling
    Aug 25, 2013
    5
    Game starts out nicely, but eventually reveals some frustrating flaws. It demands absolute precision from the player, but is pretty sloppy with its own hit boxes and timings. Boss characters are given massive amounts of invulnerability frames, which aren't indicated in any way, that you're forced to learn by trial and error. Conversely, you can be damaged at any time, even duringGame starts out nicely, but eventually reveals some frustrating flaws. It demands absolute precision from the player, but is pretty sloppy with its own hit boxes and timings. Boss characters are given massive amounts of invulnerability frames, which aren't indicated in any way, that you're forced to learn by trial and error. Conversely, you can be damaged at any time, even during special moves when your character is just a blur, which is maddeningly counter intuitive. Many people are reporting they never get past the final boss, which leaves little incentive for me to play the final quarter of the game. This is a punishing game for 15 year-olds who have the time to play it as obsessively as it demands. I used to have that sort of patience, but now I realized games are supposed to be...fun. On the plus side, it has amazing style and a great sense of exploration. Really unique stuff. But with all these rave reviews, I thought someone really needed to chime in with a reality check.… Expand
  10. kdamica
    Sep 14, 2013
    6
    Guacamelee is a well-made game that gets boring quickly. Despite gaining new abilities frequently, combat feels repetitive. Mandatory dialog is frequent and sometimes funny, but also got old quick. I bought the game because I love metroidvanias, but it feels more like a fighting game. There is a lot to like here, but it just didn't hold together for me.
  11. shadowstitch
    Feb 24, 2014
    1
    The graphics are great, the art style is original, and the music is pretty good. Provided you're using a gamepad, the game is fluid and responsive. The writing is funny and the dialogue is clever.

    However, all of this is a smokescreen. By the time you get to the endgame, the difficulty cranks up to hateful levels, unfairly changing established rules and making mandatory level segments    The graphics are great, the art style is original, and the music is pretty good. Provided you're using a gamepad, the game is fluid and responsive. The writing is funny and the dialogue is clever.

    However, all of this is a smokescreen. By the time you get to the endgame, the difficulty cranks up to hateful levels, unfairly changing established rules and making mandatory level segments near impossible for the average gamer. Any "professional reviewer" who gave this game high marks obviously didn't make it past the first hour of gameplay, when things were still fairly manageable.

    You could charitably call this a Metroidvania-style game, but the big difference is that those titles' designers knew how to properly scale difficulty. I got so frustrated with Guacamelee that I simply deleted the game entirely without finishing it. My only regret is wasting a few hours of my life to get that far in the first place -- thankfully I didn't pay actual money for it.    … Expand
  12. jtola3
    Jul 20, 2014
    0
    Rating "Guacamelee! Gold edition" a 0 because of the cheap final boss. The game was being good until then, which feels so much more disappointing.
  13. stn665
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Funny and entertaining game from the seas of humor and great gameplay, plus amazing sound and music makes this game even more special atmosphere and gives players to immerse themselves in a funny world. Definitely 10 out of 10 points to the measure of indie games. Verdict-great!… Expand
  14. klaymen1984
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    Amazing platformer with a very polished atmosphere. The learning curve is well balanced, however, the game becomes pretty hard at the end. Personally, I think that in the past few years Guacamelee! is the best in its category. You should not miss it!
  15. Timeraider
    Aug 11, 2013
    10
    Timeraider's Review Time:
    Dust
    2d sideview platformer/massive fighting Gamplay: 9/10 Graphics: 8.5/10 Performance: 8.5/10 Problems/bugs/glitches: 8/10 Storyline: 9/10 Emotional attachment/ general immersion: 10/10 General score: 9/10 Additional comments: I am usually not the guy to play sideview fighters, especially chaotic ones. However this game it deserves everything.    Timeraider's Review Time:
    Dust
    2d sideview platformer/massive fighting

    Gamplay: 9/10
    Graphics: 8.5/10
    Performance: 8.5/10
    Problems/bugs/glitches: 8/10
    Storyline: 9/10
    Emotional attachment/ general immersion: 10/10

    General score: 9/10

    Additional comments:
    I am usually not the guy to play sideview fighters, especially chaotic ones. However this game it deserves everything. The graphics are great and fit the gameplay.. not to detailed and slightly cartoony, while maintaining the resolution and graphical advancements found in the newer games.
    The gameplay is great it has nice performance on even weak PC's and the game just feels very smooth. Pressing 30 buttons per second will happen, but it wont show even the slightest microstutter on the screen.. its all fluid and smooth.
    The storyline is very immersive (ive heard people actually pinked away a tear and i myself felt touched at some moments to so far) and the game keeps you in a tight lock im known for never finishing games, which is a trait alot of gamers suffer from. However since ive started playng this game im stuck to the screen and will certainly finish this (will be my third pc game ive ever finished in the last 8 years (others were Trine 2 and.. Star Wars Battlefront 2 i believe)...

    This was my short recommendation. If you want a full review.. sorry but i dont do those.    … Expand
  16. Slipper
    Sep 1, 2013
    6
    The game looks fun. Average side scrolling. Music is nice, graphic is good, story is ok. Playing with keyboard is little hard. To much keys to press. Controller is highly recommended. Price is ok. Nothing more to add.
  17. Underpants158
    Jan 22, 2014
    8
    It's a good action platforming game. Lots of charisma. Not laugh out loud funny but the mood of the game and of the characters are humorous. HOWEVER, it is extremely difficult. The platforming is the most difficult parts. I can't play this game for extended periods of time without getting frustrated. In fact, I am not even sure I am enjoying myself because the platforming levels can be soIt's a good action platforming game. Lots of charisma. Not laugh out loud funny but the mood of the game and of the characters are humorous. HOWEVER, it is extremely difficult. The platforming is the most difficult parts. I can't play this game for extended periods of time without getting frustrated. In fact, I am not even sure I am enjoying myself because the platforming levels can be so difficult. But with that being said I recognize that this is a good game and if you want that challenge then this is the game for you.… Expand
  18. praxisseizure
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    Guacamelee combines a huge swath of the best game mechanics ever devised, stuffs them into a barbacoa burrito and will punch off your head with such velocity that the blood will rocket from your neck and propel your lifeless body all the way to Phoenix.

    No really, it's Cartoon Sushi of the best of everything. Metroid, Zelda, Earthworm Jim, Castlevania, Smash Bro's, Portal, Gunstar    Guacamelee combines a huge swath of the best game mechanics ever devised, stuffs them into a barbacoa burrito and will punch off your head with such velocity that the blood will rocket from your neck and propel your lifeless body all the way to Phoenix.

    No really, it's Cartoon Sushi of the best of everything. Metroid, Zelda, Earthworm Jim, Castlevania, Smash Bro's, Portal, Gunstar Heroes and countless more inspiring titles; there are so many great classics represented here in the most genius subtle tamale pie bake of all their fine elements, I'm left speechless. Yet, it's completely fresh and unique and adds to that cadre with its own twists. It's unbelievably addictive and so much deeper than I ever would've guessed.
    Quick list of amazing traits.

    Art Gorgeous. Samauri Jack meets Nacho Libre. You have to simply experience it. The visual cues are perfect.

    GamePlay Breakneck and satisfying. I can't say more without spoiling it. Attention to detail is thicker than molasses. It takes some skill but jaw dropping things will result.

    Story Classic. Few games can pull off this simple story, hit a grand slam and do it with style to spare. Imagine Zelda Mario Portal Earthworm Jim Okami all smashed together.

    Sound You want 5.1 surround. Crank it. Bring Tequila.

    Control The depth, speed and responsiveness are so well done the only problem I found was remembering how much beat unmerciful you have at your disposal. Definitely my favorite aspect.

    Overall Great wholesome, scream-at-your-screen-in-ecstatic-frustration-because-you-were-so-friggen-close FUN.

    This would've been an instant 90's classic giving the likes Sonic and Crash a run for their money.

    Also, co-op, though I haven't had a chance to experience how insane that must be.
    The only con I have found is it leaves you wanting more. However, replay-ability, yup it's got that. I would wager a bet this would be a smash at parties w/ co-op.

    There are a lot of good side-scrollers coming out these days. This is one of the best.
    Absolute 10/10    … Expand
  19. hellhoundpro
    Aug 25, 2013
    0
    Do not buy this game if you are looking to have fun. The story is atrocious. The graphics are cute but nothing special. The music is god awful throughout the entire game. The controls ARE TERRIBLE if you are looking to play without a controller dont even touch.
  20. Cheeseman
    Feb 1, 2014
    10
    Guacamelee represents all that is good in indie games. It has excellent references, looks phenomenal, and has one of the funnest game play models I've seen in an indie game since Castle Crashers.

    Definitely worth the play. I've had more fun with this than I've had with some of the recent AAA titles that have been released in recent years.
  21. ultraviper
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    One of the few good 2d Metroid-style games available on PC, although it's melee-based (if you couldn't tell by the title) instead of shooting.

    Good: Combat is fun with all the combos you can pull off. Game is full of humor and video game references. Bad: Has some really frustrating jumping puzzles where the game seems to turn from Metroid into Super Meat Boy. Certain bosses are    One of the few good 2d Metroid-style games available on PC, although it's melee-based (if you couldn't tell by the title) instead of shooting.

    Good: Combat is fun with all the combos you can pull off. Game is full of humor and video game references.

    Bad: Has some really frustrating jumping puzzles where the game seems to turn from Metroid into Super Meat Boy. Certain bosses are really tough in comparison to the rest of the game's difficulty.    … Expand
  22. Djinni
    Mar 20, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing. The music and art style are both captivating. They work together well to create an unforgettable and unique experience.

    The platforming at many stages is downright genius in that it will not only make you think, but often allow you to piece together a platforming solution on the fly. It is an intense experience that is not hindered by difficulty. It's corny and    This game is amazing. The music and art style are both captivating. They work together well to create an unforgettable and unique experience.

    The platforming at many stages is downright genius in that it will not only make you think, but often allow you to piece together a platforming solution on the fly. It is an intense experience that is not hindered by difficulty.

    It's corny and humorous at times, which gives the game a personality all it's own. The game is downright charming.

    This game also does not forget its roots and knows it's fan-base. It has plenty of Easter eggs that pertain to it's inspirations, which will only add more flavor and appeal to those that like this kind of game.

    A must have for anyone who likes fun.    … Expand
  23. Pugilism
    May 16, 2014
    10
    This is the best game of it's general type i have played in ages.

    It's good mix between fast paced combat and clever platforming challenges. Combat: This is the real heart of the game. Your move set is a little like Captain Falcon from Super Smash Brothers, and you get to have a lot of fun knocking enemies into the air, setting up the best combos, interrupts, dodges, etc. It gets a    This is the best game of it's general type i have played in ages.

    It's good mix between fast paced combat and clever platforming challenges.

    Combat:
    This is the real heart of the game. Your move set is a little like Captain Falcon from Super Smash Brothers, and you get to have a lot of fun knocking enemies into the air, setting up the best combos, interrupts, dodges, etc. It gets a little frantic and can be frustrating in parts because you can't just mash through, you have to pay attention to enemy attacks and work proactively. The difficulty does get quite high, especially if you are playing hard mode and going through some of the optional content. There are many 'arenas' as part of the regular gameplay where you walk into a room and the walls close and you have to fight through several waves of enemies to progress. These increase steadily in difficulty, and later ones you will probably die at least once to learn the tricks you need to progress. However, it is pretty fair about death: you only have to restart the waves.

    Platforming:
    Really standout, you have a pretty intuitive and familiar set of abilities that you can use platforming, but many of the puzzles are very clever, especially some of the challenging optional content. The platforming elements reminded me very much of Metroid Zero Mission, especially some of the optional parts. The difficulty for each section can get quite high, but is never insurmountable especially since there is very little punishment for failure (usually just restarting the section you are on).

    There are cute retro game references, the music is really pretty fun, and I grew to really like the graphics (I wasn't really into the subject matter and it won me over). It is probably a little racist (I was mildly offended by some of the Mexican stereotypes) and really quite sexist (you are saving a damsel in distress, the main female villain's motivation is that she is jealous and short tempered) but it didn't really hamper my enjoyment of the game. The plot is secondary to the amazing gameplay, it's just a shame.

    This is still the 2d game I have enjoyed the most in at least a decade, it's also the first steam game I got every achievement for. Even after having a perfect hard mode file, I still come back to play it because I find it so enjoyable.    … Expand
  24. mckw
    May 17, 2014
    5
    The first thing you notice about this game is it's charming art style and charming theme, but that all soon gets buried under repetitive, shallow combat and controls that fight you. It is linear as linear can be, the side quests are a joke as you really aren't convinced to do them at all. The main story was honestly really dull as well and seldom keeps you interested enough to actuallyThe first thing you notice about this game is it's charming art style and charming theme, but that all soon gets buried under repetitive, shallow combat and controls that fight you. It is linear as linear can be, the side quests are a joke as you really aren't convinced to do them at all. The main story was honestly really dull as well and seldom keeps you interested enough to actually play it further. I hated the controls, and what is supposed to be the meat of the game, which was the combat, was done poorly. I think this game is an opportunity missed, and it's a damn shame.… Expand
  25. Basem101
    Sep 23, 2013
    9
    such a great game i enjoyed this game so much great gameplay great music and great graphics it is actually perfect i played it without the Gamepad and i didn't encounter any problems a great classic game
  26. baodongsun
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guacamelee isn’t only pretty to look at, it’s also a hell of a lot of fun to play. Its Metroidvania inspiration is strong, and yet it does so much to help it stand apart, not the least of which by providing us with a deceivingly deep combat system and a two-world polarity system that simply makes the experience more dynamic.… Expand
  27. anointedshroud
    Sep 8, 2013
    9
    An absolutely amazing Metroidvania platformer. It has extremely rewarding and challenging platforming elements, a really innovative beat-em-up combat style, and a really interesting integration of combat abilities with platforming challenges and Metroidvania-style locks. Also the music, art, and luchador theme are hilarious and wonderful. I loved this game.
  28. Chaychan
    Nov 11, 2016
    8
    Oynaması inanılmaz zevkli ve gayet tatlı zorlukta bir oyun olmus diyebilirm. Oyunun kombo hareketleri var ve bunları oyunda ilerledikce ogreniyorsunuz ve her seferinde diğer eski ogrendiklerinizle birlestirerek bulmacaları gecmeye calısıyorsunuz. Aslında bulmaca derken kastettigim, uygun hareketleri sıra yapıp, yok ordan gec yok buradan ısınlan, suraya atla buraya tutun tarzında hafifOynaması inanılmaz zevkli ve gayet tatlı zorlukta bir oyun olmus diyebilirm. Oyunun kombo hareketleri var ve bunları oyunda ilerledikce ogreniyorsunuz ve her seferinde diğer eski ogrendiklerinizle birlestirerek bulmacaları gecmeye calısıyorsunuz. Aslında bulmaca derken kastettigim, uygun hareketleri sıra yapıp, yok ordan gec yok buradan ısınlan, suraya atla buraya tutun tarzında hafif zorluktalar bu tarz oyun oynamamıs bir kisinin bile cozebilecegi duzeydeler.

    Bu atlama zıplama tarzındaki komboları o kadar eglence ve baglayıcı ki, yani bazen 3-5 yerde cok zorlanmanıza ragmen, bu yaratıcı ve guzel kombolarla oyuna baglanıyorsunuz. Oyunun son "Boss"unu belki 30-45 dk da kestim ama gene hic sıkılmadım devamlı denedim ve basardım. Bu arada "split screen" ozelligi ile bir bilgisayarda 2 kisi aynı anda oynayabiliyorsunuz arkadasınızla eglenebilrsiniz.

    Oyunu gonul rahatlıgıyla alabilirsiniz ozellikle indirimde yakalarsanız kesin kacırmayın. Arastırdım ve en dusuk ise 4.5 lira oldugunu buldum sizlerle paylasıyorum. Simdiden iyi eglenceler.

    Ozetle (+) ve (-)'leri;
    + Oyundaki kombolar veya hareketler inanılmaz eglenceli
    + 2 kisi "split screen" ozelligi yani bir bilgisayar monitorunde 2 kisi oynama ozelligi mevcut
    + İndirimde % 100 alınır

    - Bazı yerler cok zor
    - Bazı atlamalı zıplamalı yerler insanı sıkmıyor ama asırı yoruyor    … Expand
  29. ZaD-
    Apr 11, 2015
    0
    I kill the first boss, I get rewards and the stuff, the game sends me automatically back to the hub and I decide to stop here for this time. I was surprised the next launch that I had to do the whole **** again, what kind of game does not autosave after the end of a boss ?! 0/10 would not play again.
  30. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    7
    Guacamelee is a love letter to the Metroidvania genre, in the form of a super-powered romp through the world of Mexican folklore. You are Juan Aguacate, a destitute agave farmer who finds his village under attack by the undead army of Carlos Calaca. The love of his life, who happens to be the daughter of el presidente, has been kidnapped. What is Juan to do? Why, acquire a magic lucha maskGuacamelee is a love letter to the Metroidvania genre, in the form of a super-powered romp through the world of Mexican folklore. You are Juan Aguacate, a destitute agave farmer who finds his village under attack by the undead army of Carlos Calaca. The love of his life, who happens to be the daughter of el presidente, has been kidnapped. What is Juan to do? Why, acquire a magic lucha mask and go on a non-linear platforming adventure, get powerups from "choozo" statues, power-slam bad guys, find secrets and navigate rather tricky jumping puzzles, of course. Guacamelee oozes style from beginning to end, with a colorful palette, excellent music and a well-used light/dark world mechanic, requiring the player to frequently switch Juan between the living world and the Mexican land of the dead via portals, often in mid-jump. But the game is inconsistent in difficulty. The combat is generally managable and the boss fights are quite simply awesome, but some of the jumping puzzles are incredibly frustrating. In addition, to reach the game's golden ending, it is neccessary to obtain a number of secret items, some of which are located at the end of some fiendishly difficult challenge rooms, many of which, like the trick jump room with its accursed disappearing platforms, I was unable to complete, and this left a bad taste in my mouth. The final boss is also quite difficult, requiring you to demonstrate a mastery over all the abilities you have learned over the course of the game, but when I had finished, I was very satisfied despite not getting the best ending. I would recommend the game to any fans of Metroidvania, but with caution- it is not a forgiving experience.… Expand
  31. Karlsefniy
    Jul 21, 2022
    8
    Music, art style, weird but funny story make Guacamelee! entirely fun to play.
  32. TitaniumDragon
    Jun 24, 2020
    7
    Guacamelee is a very stylish 2D metroidvania. Juan the (very muscly) agave farmer has his girlfriend kidnapped by Calaca, a skeleton from the world of the dead. After being summarily dispatched by the sombrero-wearing skeleton, Juan finds himself in the world of the dead. There he gets a mask that allows him to return to the world of the living as a luchador (Mexican wrestler) and fightGuacamelee is a very stylish 2D metroidvania. Juan the (very muscly) agave farmer has his girlfriend kidnapped by Calaca, a skeleton from the world of the dead. After being summarily dispatched by the sombrero-wearing skeleton, Juan finds himself in the world of the dead. There he gets a mask that allows him to return to the world of the living as a luchador (Mexican wrestler) and fight back against Calaca and his henchmen.

    This game is steeped in Mexican tropes and terrible food-based puns. Almost everything in the game is a pun, and the whole thing is wrapped in a very irreverent air. There are silly little screens that pop up before boss fights to announce who is fighting who, the character(s) make silly poses when they get new powers, your helpful wise old man guide is a goat, and one of your important upgrade powers is the ability to turn into a chicken.

    Yes, it is a rather silly game.

    Overall, the core gameplay is pretty straightforward for a Metroidvania – you have your basic set of attacks, a little trio of punches and kicks, and over the course of the game you gain six additional combat maneuvers, the ability to wall jump, double jump, the ability to turn into a chicken, and the ability to swap between the world of the living and the world of the dead. (And, if you complete an optional sidequest, the ability to fly in chicken form at the very end of the game)

    Sometimes enemies are surrounded by a colored aura which protects them from harm, and if you want to hurt them, you have to use the proper move on them. You have to use your abilities to break some colored stones to access new areas, as well as some secrets. And of course, you use your new movement powers (including a couple of combat maneuvers) to access new areas over the course of the game.

    It’s all pretty standard fare, and honestly, the game isn’t particularly innovative in any way mechanically. Honestly, the enemies aren’t particularly remarkable either; there’s not a huge number of them, and not a great variety in them, either.

    Fortunately, the game is pretty short, so before it would become tedious, it’s all over, and you’ve beaten it. Just going through the game would take you five or six hours, and 100%ing it takes about nine – and the game would outstay its welcome if it was any longer than that, so that’s a good thing.

    The whole game is just… done competently. It’s nothing particularly remarkable, but the style of the game works quite well, the game is silly enough without trying too hard to be lulzy, the game looks good visually, the overall core gameplay is solid enough, and it avoids the trap of being overly long.

    If there is a flaw to this game, it is that it doesn’t really wow the audience in any way – if you’ve played Metroidvanias, you’ve basically played this game, and there are certainly better ones than this. But on the other hand, this is well-paced and a nicely sized experience, and it is probably above average overall within the genre – it doesn’t do anything remarkable, but what is there is done well.

    In the end, I give it a thumbs up. It’s worth playing if you like Metroidvanias, and it’s small enough that it ends before you’re tired of it.    … Expand
  33. Rolento
    Jun 27, 2014
    8
    PROS:
    +A solid and original theming, Wrestler versus Mexican folklore
    +A very fun game: Castlevania with wrestling combos +Combos are actually challenging to pull off +Puzzle segments are very well made +Good atmosphere, music and characters CONS: -Replayability could be made a tad better: there's basically just a couple of side quests that I personally didn't even care for that    PROS:
    +A solid and original theming, Wrestler versus Mexican folklore
    +A very fun game: Castlevania with wrestling combos
    +Combos are actually challenging to pull off
    +Puzzle segments are very well made
    +Good atmosphere, music and characters

    CONS:
    -Replayability could be made a tad better: there's basically just a couple of side quests that I personally didn't even care for that much, and looking for the pieces of mask to unlock the alternate ending which doesn't take a lot of time given that you know the locations
    -Those stupid. References. EVERYWHERE. PLEASE STOP IT WITH THIS TREND, IT ISN'T FUNNY AND IT'S BASICALLY FISHING FOR THE APPROVAL OF IMMATURE PEOPLE AND WITHOUT EFFORT EVEN    … Expand
  34. Radiant999
    Aug 18, 2013
    10
    Great game, even though it's a bit short, and doesn't offer much replay value, apart from a "hard difficulty" mode.
    But if you're looking for a metroidvania game, starring a Mexican wrestler with great music (Rom Di Prisco) and atmosphere, look no further.
    Combat is fun, challenging but never unfair, controls are decent and the level design keeps it interesting till the end, with    Great game, even though it's a bit short, and doesn't offer much replay value, apart from a "hard difficulty" mode.
    But if you're looking for a metroidvania game, starring a Mexican wrestler with great music (Rom Di Prisco) and atmosphere, look no further.
    Combat is fun, challenging but never unfair, controls are decent and the level design keeps it interesting till the end, with increasingly difficult puzzles and platforming.    … Expand
  35. carnivorCactae
    Jan 3, 2016
    9
    Challenging but not unfair gameplay, exploration, funny story, lovely animations, absolute wonderfull soundtrack, really nice graphics that fit the style with a love to detail,
    coop-mode
    huge-ass boss-fights fair save-points upgradable move-list cool coustumes (with stats!) backtracking with value, and funny dialogue. Some "meme" and forced in internet-humor is kinda out of    Challenging but not unfair gameplay, exploration, funny story, lovely animations, absolute wonderfull soundtrack, really nice graphics that fit the style with a love to detail,
    coop-mode
    huge-ass boss-fights
    fair save-points
    upgradable move-list
    cool coustumes (with stats!)
    backtracking with value,
    and funny dialogue.

    Some "meme" and forced in internet-humor is kinda out of place, others fit in very great.    … Expand
  36. DogRocket23
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    Guacamelee is simply the best platformer I've played in quite a while. The graphics, sounds, and soundtrack are spot on for the world. Generally I'm not a huge platromer but I found this one immensely fun in all the classic sort of ways. The bosses were just challenging enough with being a pain and the combat is very satisfying with good feedback to the user. The only thing that wouldGuacamelee is simply the best platformer I've played in quite a while. The graphics, sounds, and soundtrack are spot on for the world. Generally I'm not a huge platromer but I found this one immensely fun in all the classic sort of ways. The bosses were just challenging enough with being a pain and the combat is very satisfying with good feedback to the user. The only thing that would have been nice for the PC version would have been re-bindable keys for those who don't own controllers, cause if you don't... you might end up hating this game.… Expand
  37. psylife
    May 13, 2016
    7
    The harmonious blend of platforming and fighting mechanics is absolutely brilliant and unique. Special combos and abilities are expertly introduced and keep the experience fresh and enticing throughout ; These amphibious game-play mechanics means that most of the special moves and combos used in combat articulate with the platforming elements to form an ultra-fluid action experience ;The harmonious blend of platforming and fighting mechanics is absolutely brilliant and unique. Special combos and abilities are expertly introduced and keep the experience fresh and enticing throughout ; These amphibious game-play mechanics means that most of the special moves and combos used in combat articulate with the platforming elements to form an ultra-fluid action experience ; Brilliant. The controls are ultra-responsive and are a joy to interact with. The pacing is superb and the levels are both, clever, challenging and action packed. The audio-visual presentation is both lovely and immersive. Simply put, this is one of the most ingenious and brilliant platforming experience to grace this medium.… Expand
  38. dyspeptic
    Feb 18, 2014
    7
    Played: Feb 2014
    Pros:
    + Very comfortable controls that allow you to move intuitively (with controller) + Interesting visual style Cons: - Feels very short - Some enemies get very stale by the end - Story starts promising and ends nonsensical This game bills itself as a “metroidvania” type platformer, and let’s face it: it pretty much is. Some areas are inaccessible until the    Played: Feb 2014
    Pros:
    + Very comfortable controls that allow you to move intuitively (with controller)
    + Interesting visual style
    Cons:
    - Feels very short
    - Some enemies get very stale by the end
    - Story starts promising and ends nonsensical

    This game bills itself as a “metroidvania” type platformer, and let’s face it: it pretty much is. Some areas are inaccessible until the correct special movement is unlocked, but ultimately there aren’t that many special moves, so many areas are open to you right from the start. You play as a luchador, so there won’t be any weapons to find, either; the few additional moves you can get in the game are all grapples (a move you can complete when smallish enemies have taken enough damage). The low number of moves contributes to the short feel of the game (probably about 8 hours for the first play-though), but man are they satisfying! Throwing a damaged enemy through a whole crowd of others and sending them flying like bowling pins should bring a grin to anybody who picks up this game.

    On the other hand, there are only a few enemy types, and late-game difficulty increase consists largely of forcing you to take on more of them and introducing some unblockable types (read: fire-based attacks). As you get good, you’ll find that you can destroy many enemie types in 1-2 seconds, which is good, because otherwise you’d get really bored fighting the same 8-10 monsters.

    The story starts out feeling epic, but pretty quickly you find you’re actually just rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser again. The boss minions of the main enemy have very crudely sketched reasons for working with him, nor is it ever clear just why your girlfriend was abducted in the first place. Furthermore, the devil is introduced as a character, then plays essentially zero role. Why introduce a pointless character you might ask? Maybe because the developers just wanted to… in any case this is not a game you should play because it “features elements of hispanic culture”-you won’t pick up any traditional lore at all.

    Overall, the game is pretty darn good, and very memorable in some parts. You may find that you’ll get replay out of it if you go in for additional modes unlocked at the end of a run, but I’d try to get it for less than $10 if possible.    … Expand
  39. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    6
    Aunque visualmente y como concepto es muy interesante, hay momento que es demasiado rígido y parece que constantemente estás en situaciones de botoneo que disminuye la fluidez aparente.
  40. ThePCGamer101
    Jun 24, 2015
    8
    Guacamelee! Gold Edition is an absolute joy to play. With its great Mexican atmosphere, great story, great animation and great and smooth combat, Drinkbox Studios made a great Mexican game with great melee combat!

    Guacamelee has some of the best atmosphere environment/scenery I have ever seen, with its transition from the living world, to the living of the dead like in Mexican    Guacamelee! Gold Edition is an absolute joy to play. With its great Mexican atmosphere, great story, great animation and great and smooth combat, Drinkbox Studios made a great Mexican game with great melee combat!

    Guacamelee has some of the best atmosphere environment/scenery I have ever seen, with its transition from the living world, to the living of the dead like in Mexican tradition, to its great Mexican music, it really made me happy how much the atmosphere was put together well! The story is great and really made me happy seeing the comedy written in the story, as well as the great cultural references and game references like Castle Crashers and the troll face, it really made me smile and laugh

    The animation reminds me of the classical Disney and DreamWorks animations like Aladdin (from Walt Disney Animation) and The Road To El Dorado (from DreamWorks SKG) and many other great classical animations. The combat is smooth and very satisfying, reminds me like I am playing Dust: An Elysian Tale which also has great and smooth combat

    The only thing I was not really happy with is that the game is best played with an XBOX controller which I don't have and the controls especially on the keyboard are really awkward at first, but after getting used to them you will easily play through with the game, plus I did not enjoy the shift in difficulty, first the game is fun and enjoyable, next it is frustrating and you have to keep on retrying which kind of put me off, also I was dissapointed that as I heard the Main Storyline is really short (round about 6 hours) which I was surprised, but if you do finish all of the side quests the game should finish between 13-15 hours

    BUT with all of its greatness and some problems, you HAVE to, not should, you HAVE to get this game, sadly there is no Multiplayer Co-op but only offers Local Co-op

    Oh! Also, after 2 hours or so into the game... you get to play a chicken! OMG NEXT-GEN!!!
    What's next!?! Moving fish!?!    … Expand
  41. youlouz
    May 4, 2015
    6
    This game is fun, but gets boring and repetitive

    PROS
    -Neat Graphics
    -Plenty to explore
    -Fun combat

    CONS
    -Weak story
    -Gets repetitive
    -Levels are very long
  42. thomaswasalone
    Nov 30, 2014
    9
    It's a pretty good game. But it is a little short and the camera is very stressful. The controllers are also good with X box 360 controller not rec pc
  43. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 11, 2020
    9
    Very fun challenge with a regular learning curve and challenge levels. The story is fun, and there are a lot of humorous parts that make the game a satisfying experience.
  44. NightGeisha
    Jan 2, 2019
    7
    Guacamelee! Its Guacamelee! A 2D action-platformer game inspired on Mexican traditions and folklore.
    The game is full of action, adventure, puzzles and more. It can become a challenge for those who like me do not use a driver, which is recommended right from the start.
    Graphically the game is very colorful and "cartoonish". The game also has a very interesting and fun soundtrack at    Guacamelee! Its Guacamelee! A 2D action-platformer game inspired on Mexican traditions and folklore.
    The game is full of action, adventure, puzzles and more. It can become a challenge for those who like me do not use a driver, which is recommended right from the start.

    Graphically the game is very colorful and "cartoonish". The game also has a very interesting and fun soundtrack at good old mexican mariachi style.

    Very fun experience that I fully recommend. Here is small YouTube vide with the first minutes of the gameplay if you wanna check it out: https://youtu.be/NK-auTVPnuM    … Expand
  45. hileger
    Oct 15, 2022
    8
    ТОп Холлоуория на свиче заезжает на ура нелинейность сюжета и плюс и минус второй раз че то не тянет играть
  46. desokami
    Jan 19, 2021
    0
    A very bad game. The developers make the whole game easy and only at certain stages does the game become incredibly difficult. And this difficulty lies in the constant jerking off of the same episode, because the developers gave a very narrow range of errors. You spend hours to work it out and any pleasure from the plot, from the design, from the mechanics dies. There remains onlyA very bad game. The developers make the whole game easy and only at certain stages does the game become incredibly difficult. And this difficulty lies in the constant jerking off of the same episode, because the developers gave a very narrow range of errors. You spend hours to work it out and any pleasure from the plot, from the design, from the mechanics dies. There remains only disappointment and reluctance after the passage will ever return to this game.… Expand
  47. apokalipto
    Aug 19, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  48. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Fun and unique metroidvania with unque style and flair. lacks a lot of the backtracking with new abilities, is generally more linear, but still tons of fun.
  49. ZombieDush
    Jun 17, 2023
    8
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Worth Playing
    Jan 30, 2014
    98
    It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but the amount of care and polish that went into this title is readily apparent.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer UK
    Nov 6, 2013
    80
    A delight. [Dec 2013, p.95]
  3. GameOver.gr
    Oct 3, 2013
    85
    The PC edition of Guacamelee comes with all the extra content that has come out since its initial release and with all of that lovely, Mexican craziness.
    Read full review
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