La-Mulana 2

La-Mulana 2 is the long-awaited sequel to La-Mulana, an archaeological ruin-exploration action game that ties sprawling ruins, baffling mysteries, countless items and fearsome enemies into a Metroidvania built around puzzle-solving. You play Lumisa Kosugi, daughter of the first game's hero, investigating why monsters have suddenly begun pouring out of the ruins.

That search leads her to the other La-Mulana, the ruins called Eg-Lana. You explore a huge underground spanning many field maps, work through riddles using the stone tablets and messages you uncover, and bring down the giant Guardians blocking the path to the deepest depths. As in the original, there is no tutorial and no chatty sidekick: a seasoned explorer is expected to find the truth alone.

How you tackle the cave system is up to you, with cryptic monument text, shifting backgrounds, strange sounds, enemy strength and hidden traps all serving as clues. Newcomers can expect 20 to 30 hours, and the non-linear design adds replay value. The game offers seven main weapons and more than ten sub-weapons, over 60 items, more than 20 apps for the Mobile Super X3 tablet, widescreen support, and a reference book covering over 200 monsters and characters, all in detailed dot-rendered art.