Parents' Guide to

Guacamelee

Guacamelee Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Fun, challenging game breathes life into Land of the Dead.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

age 6+

Fun and inspirational

This game might have some "high yay" punch and kick combat going on but it's really beautifully crafted and has my kid inquiring about other culture and languages. My kids been playing it for over a year now and still enjoys its challenges.

What's It About?

GUACAMELEE is an action platformer starring Juan Aguacate, an agave farmer who stumbles upon a Legendary Luchador mask. Donning the mask helps Juan find the strength and courage to become a hero and confront Carlos Calaca, who has kidnapped El Presidente's daughter (before he sacrifices her in order to merge the World of the Living with the World of the Dead). As Juan travels through a mystical and mysterious Mexican world as a Luchador, he uses his powerful fists to lay waste to enemies, avoid obstacles, and navigate tricky terrain. Juan will also unlock hidden wrestling techniques like the Rooster Uppercut and Dimension Swap to open new areas and secrets. The game also features drop-in, drop-out two-player local co-operative (co-op) play.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This adventure game is fun, challenging, and gorgeous. With a story and graphics inspired by Mexican folklore, this 2D platformer has you climbing mountains, navigating through dangerous caves and caverns, and hopping along tree-tops -- plus you'll be able to swap between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead. You'll master attack moves and combos and unlock new ones along the way as you unravel more of the story, accessing new locations and characters. The game is also funny, with humorous dialogue, references to pop culture, and plenty of chickens that play a key role (no spoilers, don't worry). Two-player co-op is a blast, should you have a friend or family member beside you.

While Guacamelee's hand-to-hand combat and platforming gameplay is challenging, you're never really punished for missing a ledge (as you'll magically appear again), which is good for more novice gamers. Should you lose a life, you'll start over at a nearby checkpoint. Aside from being a little repetitive and short, there isn't much to complain about with Guacamelee -- especially give its $15 sticker price. If you're a fan of action platformers, Mexican culture, and wrestling, you'll love this charming and memorable indie game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in games. Should parents be concerned about the focus on brawling or wrestling-like moves, or is it fine because this is cartoonish, exaggerated, and stylized combat?

  • Talk about the cultural elements shown in Guacamelee. Did you know about Luchadores or the Mexican folklore surrounding the land of the living and the dead? Does this game make you want to learn more about these things?

Game Details

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