Sit down, Moana. A Hawaiian mythology-inspired Metroidvania brings Maui into the world of gaming

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for delving deep into the rich tapestry of video game mythology, I find myself captivated by the upcoming release of Maui the Shapeshifter. Having grown up with Disney’s Moana and subsequently developing an affection for the Polynesian demigod, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is so much more to Maui’s story than what Disney portrays.


Maui’s story is often overshadowed by Disney’s Moana because people get Disney fever and forget that many Disney characters have their own mythology. Play on Worlds offers a refreshing take on Maui’s story with their upcoming game, Maui the Shapeshifter.

At the Future Games Show held during Gamescom on August 21, 2024, a 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania was showcased, offering players an exploration of Polynesian folklore that departs from the traditional Disney representation.

Maui is far more than the fun-loving demigod portrayed by Disney in Moana and Disney Dreamlight Valley. He’s not here to help you upgrade your axe. Maui is a culture hero — someone who changes the world through invention or discovery — who is known for his trickster ways and legendary feats, like slowing down the Sun or fishing islands from the ocean’s depths. Maui the Shapeshifter by Play on Worlds delves into these tales, offering a deeper exploration of Maui’s character as a youthful, yet powerful, figure.

In this context, Maui is not the muscular adult portrayed in films, but rather a teenager on the verge of maturity, dealing with the complexities of his world. This tale bears an uncanny resemblance to a coming-of-age story, if such a narrative could exist for demigods…

About Maui the Shapeshifter

Sit down, Moana. A Hawaiian mythology-inspired Metroidvania brings Maui into the world of gaming

If you’re new to the term, Metroidvania refers to an action-adventure subgenre characterized by extensive exploration, puzzle-solving, and acquiring skills that open up previously inaccessible parts of the game. Maui the Shapeshifter offers players a vast, open-world map centered around a lively Polynesian island. The game’s diverse landscapes, such as jungles and volcanoes, are meticulously hand-drawn, resulting in a visually captivating world full of hidden treasures to discover.

One standout aspect of this game is its captivating feature that allows you to morph into diverse creatures, each boasting unique skills crucial for tackling challenges and adversaries. Fancy flying high? Then become the agile Hoary Bat. If you’re aiming to dig through the ground, well, it seems like you’ll be flopping on your belly as a seal. These metamorphoses significantly enhance gameplay and echo Maui’s legendary skill in shape-shifting from mythology.

Sit down, Moana. A Hawaiian mythology-inspired Metroidvania brings Maui into the world of gaming

Players will have the ability to utilize Maui’s famous magical fish hook. This isn’t just for fighting; the hook will also allow players to interact with their surroundings and solve puzzles! As players advance, they can enhance the hook’s abilities, making it increasingly valuable in their mission to preserve the island’s creatures from the harmful influence of Cemyk, a wicked entity from another realm.

Maui the Shapeshifter appears to be an homage to Polynesian folklore, showcasing Maui in a manner that remains faithful to his origins while also offering a fresh, creative spin. This game encourages players to reacquaint themselves with a timeless tale not via Western cartoon aesthetics but through the captivating and interactive environment of a skillfully designed Metroidvania game.

Prepared for launch on Steam, “Maui the Shapeshifter” promises an engaging playthrough for enthusiasts of this genre and those eager to delve into an alternative perspective of Maui’s legendary tale.

If you’re interested in exploring more Metroidvania games, why not take a look at Constance over at GamerTop? This vibrant game will help pass the time until Silksong is released, and the music from The Animal Well is an exquisite blend of minimalist electronic sounds.

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2024-08-22 01:21