Incredible Indies: Guacamelee

The first reason I even noticed "Guacamelee" was it's name.  How witty to take a beloved Mexican dip and combine it with a fun gaming term.  Just to forewarn you there is little actual guacamole in the game.  If you were hoping for some sort of weird cooking and punching combo then I am sorry to disappoint you.  "Guacamelee " is a platformer set in a traditional Mexican folktale and it's a really fun game.

In "Guacamelee" you play as Juan, an agave farmer and secretly a luchador (wrestler).  Juan is called upon to use his secret wrestling abilities when El Presidente's daughter is kidnapped.  In the process of attempting to rescue her Juan is killed and finds himself in the land of the dead.  In the land of the dead he meets another mysterious luchador named Tostada.  Tostada gives Juan a special mask that gives him special powers and allows him to return to the land of the living.

Juan--Agave farmer and luchador.

As you progress through the levels you unlock special wrestling moves from an odd goat/man character.  The wrestling moves are fun to execute and spice up the regular punching/kicking aspect of the game.  You also receive bonus points based on the number of punches/kicks/wrestling move combos you are able to string together.  This is a valuable skill because after you complete the game there are challenge levels that require you to string together as many attack combos as you can.  One other unique part of "Guacamelee" is the ability to switch between the land of the living and the dead.  Some obstacles exist in only one plane of existence and require you to switch between them in order to progress.

"Guacamelee" was originally released on PS3 and then later was adapted to a PC game.  One note for PC gamers to keep in mind is that you should probably use a wireless XBox controller to play it.  I managed to finish it using a mouse/keyboard combo, but it was difficult.  Some of the key combos get a little insane and would be much easier with a controller.  There is also the option to play co-op with a friend.  The soundtrack for the game is very catchy and fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys game music.

Buy "Guacamelee" and explore your secret desire to be a Mexican wrestler.  Or just enjoy a unique indie game.  Either one.