Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (2014)

by Christopher April 12, 2024

written by Christopher April 12, 2024 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Adventure, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Indie, Platform
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Developers: Drinkbox Studios
Publishers: Activision, Drinkbox Studios

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition: A Loco Extravaganza

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (STCE) is the definitive version of the acclaimed Metroidvania platformer, Guacamelee! Gold Edition. Released in 2014, STCE adds a wealth of new content and enhancements to the original game, including two huge new levels, an explosive new “Intenso” power mode, 4-player local co-op support, and more.

A Luchador’s Journey

Guacamelee! STCE follows the story of Juan Aguacate, a simple farmer who is transformed into a powerful luchador after being bitten by a magical chicken. Juan must use his newfound abilities to defeat the evil Carlos Calaca and save the Mexiverse from his undead hordes.

Enhanced Combat and Abilities

STCE introduces a number of new combat mechanics and abilities to the Guacamelee! formula. The new “Intenso” power mode allows Juan to unleash a flurry of powerful attacks, while the new “Pollo Shot” ability lets him launch explosive chickens at his enemies. Juan can also now use his grappling hook to pull himself up to new heights and cross large gaps.

New Levels and Challenges

STCE adds two huge new levels to the Guacamelee! experience: “El Infierno” and “El Cielo.” El Infierno is a fiery underworld filled with lava pits and demonic enemies, while El Cielo is a heavenly realm with floating islands and angelic foes. Both levels are packed with new challenges and secrets to discover.

Co-Op Mayhem

One of the most exciting new features in STCE is the addition of 4-player local co-op support. Players can team up to take on the game’s challenges together, or they can compete against each other in a variety of competitive modes.

Gorgeous Art and Animation

Guacamelee! STCE’s visuals are simply stunning. The game’s hand-drawn art style is full of vibrant colors and intricate details, and the animation is fluid and expressive. The game’s world is a joy to explore, and the character designs are top-notch.

A Must-Play for Metroidvania Fans

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is an essential purchase for fans of Metroidvania platformers. The game’s tight controls, challenging levels, and charming characters make it one of the best games in the genre. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan, STCE is a must-play.

Additional Features

In addition to the new content and enhancements mentioned above, STCE also includes a number of other features, such as:

A new soundtrack with over 30 new tracks
A new “Boss Rush” mode
A new “Challenge Room” mode
A new “Time Attack” mode
A new “Art Gallery” mode

Critical Reception

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its tight controls, challenging levels, charming characters, and gorgeous visuals. Many reviewers called it the definitive version of Guacamelee! and one of the best Metroidvania platformers ever made.

Accolades

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition won a number of awards, including:

“Best Platformer” at the 2014 Golden Joystick Awards
“Best Independent Game” at the 2014 SXSW Gaming Awards
“Game of the Year” at the 2014 Canadian Video Game Awards

Conclusion

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is a masterpiece of Metroidvania platforming. The game’s tight controls, challenging levels, charming characters, and gorgeous visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan, STCE is a game that you won’t want to miss.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.