Get ready to dive into Maui the Shapeshifter, a stunning 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania from Play on Worlds, the studio behind *Ebenezer and the Invisible World*. During the Future Games Show at Gamescom, the game’s first trailer was unveiled, showcasing the adventures of the legendary Polynesian demigod Maui.
In Maui the Shapeshifter, you’ll harness the demigod’s mythical shapeshifting abilities to protect the wildlife of a Polynesian island from the corrupting influence of Cemyk, a sinister being from another world. With the aid of spirit Aumakua, Maui can transform into various majestic animals, using these forms to overcome obstacles and challenges scattered across an enchanted island rich with secrets.
Take flight as a Hoary Bat to reach towering heights, defend yourself as a Green Sea Turtle while sliding down hills and blocking projectiles, or soar across vast distances as a Kamehameha Butterfly. Each transformation offers unique abilities, allowing you to creatively tackle the mutated wildlife introduced by Cemyk.
Wield Maui’s iconic magical fish hook to interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and carve out new paths on the island. As you progress, you can upgrade the hook to boost its strength, range, and other attributes. Venture across land and sea to find new and rare powers, customizable through a robust slot system.
Explore a sprawling Metroidvania world featuring diverse biomes like lush jungles, fiery volcanoes, towering mountains, serene beaches, and the mystical Menehune village. Beyond the physical world lies a hidden spiritual realm waiting to be uncovered. Along the way, you’ll meet NPCs—some helpful, others less so—adding depth to your island adventure, all brought to life with vibrant hand-drawn art.
“After immersing ourselves in the chilly world of Ebenezer and the Invisible World, we wanted to create something vibrant and colorful while staying true to our passion for Metroidvanias,” said Carlos Martin, Founder of Play on Worlds. “With Maui the Shapeshifter, we hope to invite Metroidvania fans to join us on a new, thrilling adventure.”
Maui the Shapeshifter will be available on PC via Steam. For more information, visit the game’s official website, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit, and look for #MauitheShapeshifter on social media.