However, copying the successful Netflix model means that not everything can stay on Game Pass forever. Fewer games have gone than come, but they will continue to go. This month, another batch of games are leaving the service by December 15. Destiny 2’s paid content and Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair are two highlights, but one that Game Pass subscribers should not miss is Guacamelee 2. This metroidvania title came to the service with its predecessor a while ago, and on December 15 it is set to follow it off the service. Action-platformer enthusiasts should not miss this excellent title from Drinkbox Studios and should make the best of the time that Guacamelee 2 is this accessible.
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The Guacamelee Games are Excellent Metroidvanias
The Guacamelee franchise consists of a pair of action-platformer metroidvanias that take a lot of cues from the abilities found in Metroid. The two games are heavily inspired by traditional Mexican culture and folklore and have a gorgeously colorful art style to back it up. That interesting aesthetic is backed by a spirit world mechanic, which players eventually gain the ability to switch between on the fly. The one issue that players take with the games’ aesthetic, as well as their writing, is a very strong reliance on referential humor. A lot of memes and pop culture references are found in the background and in dialogue, which may turn off some. If one can make it past those, however, a great action game awaits.
Guacamelee’s luchador action permeates its being and is one of the series’ strongest aspects. As well as a variety of slams, dashes, and abilities while transformed into a chicken, players have access to grappling. Combat may be simple, but grabbing a skeletal enemy and sending them hurtling into their comrades is always satisfying. Repetition can feel like a problem outside of the cool boss fights, so players looking for a satisfying level of challenge may want to bump up the difficulty a bit. Still, with another player around, combat can still be a chaotic and fun distraction from platforming and exploration.
Guacamelee 2 is the Perfect Evolution to Guacamelee
That brings up one of the first big improvements Guacamelee 2 has over its predecessor: four-player co-op. While the first game just supported one or two players, the sequel allows for up to four to play as a wide variety of characters from Guacamelee’s Mexiverse, and deck them out in silly costumes in the process. It’s only offline, unfortunately, but there are screen-sharing options available to some. The rest may be thankful for the lack of chaos, as while Guacamelee 2’s combat has seen a few tweaks and fun expansions, it’s platforming now comes even further into focus. Guacamelee 2’s late platforming sections can be brutal, especially if one goes for a high completion. Still, that gives players something to work towards.
Ultimately, Guacamelee 2 can be described as Guacamelee 1, but more. It has more characters, more players, more enemies, more abilities, more platforming challenges, more alternate worlds, and more intermingling references and Mexican culture. Those worried about missing anything from the first game can safely start with this one, as the experiences are similar. Xbox Game Pass subscribers should not miss the chance to experience this excellent metroidvania, especially if they can bring some friends along for the ride.
Guacamelee 2 is out now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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