I ca n’t get over how cunning the little seal is .
Maui ’s story is often shadow by Disney ’s Moana because people get Disney febrility and blank out that many Disney fictional character have their own mythology . Play on Worlds offers a novel take on Maui ’s floor with their upcoming secret plan , Maui the Shapeshifter .
unveil during the Future Games Show at Gamescom on August 21 , 2024 , this 2D mitt - draw Metroidvania invites players to feel the full-bodied folklore of Polynesian mythology in a way that diverges from the Disney depiction .
Maui is far more than the fun - loving demigod portrayed by Disney in Moana and Disney Dreamlight Valley . He ’s not here to help youupgrade your axe . Maui is a culture hero — someone who changes the world through innovation or discovery — who is love for his trickster ways and legendary feats , like slowing down the Sun or sportfishing islands from the ocean ’s profundity . Maui the Shapeshifter by period of play on Worlds turn over into these taradiddle , offering a deeper exploration of Maui ’s character as a young , yet hefty , figure .
Here , Maui is n’t the burly man we consider on silver screen , but a teen on the verge of matureness , pilot the challenges of his world — a narration that feels almost like a coming - of - age story , if demigod have come - of - age stories … ?
About Maui the Shapeshifter
For those unfamiliar , Metroidvania is a subgenre of action - adventure games that emphasise geographic expedition , teaser - resolution , and gaining abilities that unlock new domain of the game . Maui the Shapeshifterpresents musician with an open - world mathematical function set on a vibrant Polynesian island . The game ’s sprawling biomes , ranging from jungles to volcanoes , are all hand - drawn , creating a visually stunning world with plenty of secrets to uncover .
One of the game ’s amazing features is the ability to transform into various animals , each with unique power that are substantive for overtake obstacles and foe . Want to sailplane through the sky ? Shapeshift into a Hoary Bat . Need to break through the worldly concern ? Guess you ’re bellyflopping as a cachet . These transformation enrich the gameplay and tie back to Maui ’s mythological control of shapeshifting .
Players will be capable to wield Maui ’s iconic wizardly Pisces sweetener . It ’s not just for combat ; the hook will let musician enjoy some environmental manipulation and practice it for mystifier - solving ! As players progress , they can elevate the hook ’s stats , relieve oneself it even more utile in their quest to protect the island ’s wildlife from the corrupting influence of Cemyk , a malefic force from another populace .
Screenshot via Future Games Show @GAMESCON & Play On Worlds
Maui the Shapeshifter seems to be a tribute to Polynesian mythology , presenting Maui in a brightness that ’s both rightful to his roots and modern in its carrying out . It ’s a game that invites players to rediscover a legend , not through the lens of Western life but through the immersive and interactional macrocosm of a meticulously crafted Metroidvania .
Set to secrete onSteam , Maui the Shapeshifter is a must - play for fans of the genre and anyone interested in experiencing a different side of Maui ’s legend .
Want to say about other Metroidvania games at Pro Game Guides ? jibe outConstance is a colourful Metroidvania that will make the eternal Silksong hold back easierandThe Animal Well soundtrack is minimalist electronic terror toasted to perfection .
Screenshot via Future Games Show @GAMESCON & Play On Worlds
