Play on Worlds revealed Maui the Shapeshifter today during the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2024. This new Metroidvania puts a new spin on the genre, with the main character, Master Maui, able to shapeshift into different animals. The title itself is heavily inspired by Polynesian mythology, featuring all sorts of characters and references.
The trailer shows the main character, Maui, facing off against all sorts of enemies. The hand-drawn art style provides a vast, colorful palette that’s sure to catch eyes. Maui has his iconic hook, which is used to manipulate the environment, create new paths, and even solve puzzles as you traverse through the island. This weapon is upgradable, so you can increase Maui’s strength, range, and more. As for Maui’s main ability, shapeshifting, you will use this to save the wildlife of a Polynesian Island when the Cemyk, an otherworldly corrupt force, attacks. Spirit Aumakua will assist Maui in transforming into animals, which Maui can use to glide, climb, slide, and more.
This metroidvania promises to provide multiple rich and diverse biomes, with all sorts of island scenery available to discover. This of course includes volcanoes, jungles, beaches, and even Menehune Village, a mythological place of importance. NPCs are scattered across the map and ready to assist you in your quest.
Carlos Martin, Founder of Play on Worlds, said the following about this announcement: “After spending so much time in the chilly realm of Ebenezer and the Invisible World, we wanted to create a colorful experience in a different environment while staying true to our love for Metroidvanias. With Maui the Shapeshifter, we hope Metroidvania fans will follow us onto the island and take on a whole new adventure.”
Maui the Shapeshifter will launch on PC via Steam. You can follow the official Twitter account for future announcements.
