Mulaka is a paid adventure game from Lienzo. This indie action game lets you play as a member of the Tarahumara, Indigenous people from north Mexico historically renowned for their speed and endurance for running long distances. More specifically, you’re a shaman of the tribe, or a Sukuruame, tasked with fighting corruption that is slowly creeping through your lands.

With immersive graphics, an authentic soundtrack, and a premise filled with culture and myth, Mulaka deserves more recognition. In terms of unique art styles and mythology, it’s on par with OKAMI or Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

Run like the wind

The first thing to love about Mulaka has to be its commitment to detail and authenticity. In terms of graphics, it uses 3D low-poly designs whose range of colors captures the deserts, the skies, and the landscape of the Sierra Tarahumara—the people’s ancestral lands. This aesthetic is complemented by an original soundtrack proudly made using traditional instruments. Songs from the game are even available on streaming platforms.

For gameplay, it does pretty well for an indie title. Smooth animation lets you do various actions without any issue. You can run around, solve puzzles, and perform platforming in a 3D environment. Additionally, the game features hand-to-hand combat with monsters inspired by the Tarahumara mythology. The same lore will also inspire the different powers and abilities you have. Transform into a bird or harness superhuman strength in this game.

However, there are still a few aspects of the game that don't sit well with other players. For example, most of the cool things mentioned above are available after a third of the game. This leaves the early game suffering from slow pacing. Additionally, its combat system is made difficult by the extended potion animation, leaving you vulnerable as you complete your health restoration.

Protect the Sierra Tarahumara

Mulaka achieves a number of objectives with its release. First, it provides a platform for video game representation by creating a game that focuses on them in terms of story, visuals, and music. Next is, despite being made by an indie studio, the resulting product remains immersive and mostly playable. There might be small aspects that affect the pacing of the game, but it’s still fun and enjoyable.