Aztaka

Aztaka is a 2D side-scrolling action role-playing video game for the Microsoft Windows and OS X developed by Canadian independent game developer Citérémis.[2] The game is set in the Aztec period, with characters and story being re-interpretations of Aztec mythology and pre-Hispanic Mexican culture. It puts the player in the role of an Aztec warrior named "Huitzilo" who must gather seven phonographs to save his civilization from its angry gods.

Aztaka
Developer(s)Citérémis
Publisher(s)Citérémis
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows & OS X
ReleaseMay 7, 2009[1]
Genre(s)Action role-playing game, Metroidvania
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay
Game screenshot

The gameplay is reminiscent of an old-school action role-playing game. The player climbs, crawls and jumps his way around a level to explore it and find new items. Experience points are gained for every enemy killed, and they are spent to upgrade the character's attributes and special skills.[3] There is also an inventory screen where discovered items can be equipped and where merchandise bought from merchants (like potions) can be used.[4]

The game is controlled with the WASD keys (makes Huitzilo move and jump) and the mouse (to attack or grab items).[5] Doing this allows the player to modify parts of the game world, as well as unlock a variety of doorways or pick-up previously unattainable items.[6] As the player progresses in the game, he gains containers that allows him to store on-screen energy particles for later use. The mouse is also used to cast spells, both offensive and defensive, by selecting them from the bottom-screen magic inventory and then clicking at on-screen targets in succession to launch them.[7]

Artwork throughout the game reflects historical Mesoamerica, with square-shaped pyramids, stone temples, mystic engravings, dense jungles, and barren mountaintops. The game's musical score features vocals, flute, cello, organ, and drums.

History

The game was released as DRM-free digital self-distribution on the developer's website and on Direct2Drive in May 2009.[1] Later in 2009 the game also launched on Steam.[8] In 2011, Citérémis offered a "Developer's Edition" for a limited period of time (7 to 31 January 2011).[9] This edition included the source code of the game, as well as the Art book and soundtrack.[10]

Reception

The game was received by press and game news websites overall good to mixed.[11][12] It was mentioned in an article about indie game development in Italian magazine The Games Machine.[13]

References
  1. "Aztaka Release Date". Citeremis. May 7, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-02-17. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  2. Otten, Rick (September 30, 2013). "Metroidvania: Game Design 101". IGN Benelux. Retrieved July 13, 2016. Ook in het Westen hebben Metroidvania-fans echter niet stilgestaan. Zo was Aztaka bijvoorbeeld een erg interessant spelletje...
  3. Clark, Adam (September 10, 2009). "Indie Game Round-Up [Sept 2009 Edition]". Game Tunnel. Archived from the original on 2010-03-16. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  4. Arsene, Adrian (February 17, 2010). "Aztaka - The Untold Aztec Story". Softpedia. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  5. Stone, David (June 23, 2009). "Aztaka Review". Gamezebo. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  6. Pride, Franklin (March 22, 2013). "Aztaka". Inside Mac Games. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  7. Ting, Andrew (January 16, 2011). "Aztaka: brilliant game, poor marketing?". Gamasutra. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  8. "AZTAKA, A NEW SIDE-SCROLLING RPG, RELEASED ON STEAM". IGN. November 5, 2009. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  9. "CITEREMIS RELEASES AZTAKA DEVELOPER'S EDITION". Citeremis. January 10, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2019. The idea was simple: craft a 2D side-scrolling game for the people who loved the old-school genre. The budget: $235,000 borrowed from friends and family who trusted them.
  10. "Developer's Edition launched to spearhead quest for profitability". Gamershell. January 10, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  11. Voloshin, Kirill (July 30, 2009). "Aztaka". Igromania. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  12. "Test : Aztaka". Jeuxvideo.com. June 19, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  13. Turrini, Roberto (May 10, 2013). "The Games Machine 284". Web Archive. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
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