I wasn’t really quite sure what to expect from Murals. Announced during Gamescom, it is the new game from Dlala, most well known for their work on Disney Illusion Island and the 2020 reboot of Battletoads. Given their history, I knew I was in for a visual treat, but much else remained a mystery to me. Murals is a 2D isometric action game where you traverse several worlds that are twisted versions of classic fairytales. Each world has its own unique visual flair and animation-style, which makes for a dynamic palette. The main characters can attack, dodge, and perform special attacks based on their equipment.

Looking at the game in action, the immediate comparison is something like Hades. Though I am glad to report that Murals is not lifting the roguelike elements from its inspiration. This is a narrative driven game with some light puzzle elements, and I think that’s a wise decision. As you fight through waves of enemies, it is clear that the team is playing with different types of level design to keep you on your toes. One area saw the protagonist fighting off enemies on the outside of the borders, meaning you’d have to rely on ranged attacks. Add on top of that ‘Magic Dave’s Apothec-eerie’ where you can buy enhancements and improvements for your attacks, and you still have some versatility and strategy to play around with. One example was an item that had a chance of freezing enemies in place, which the developer used on their heavy axe attack. It’s definitely not a deep system where you will be able to calculate percentages, but that’s fine.

This game is for those who want a fun narrative and visual experience. From that point of view, Dlala is delivering on all fronts. The voice acting was great, adding a lot of charm to the cast of eccentric characters, such as a mermaid with a terrible voice and your sidekick, a 2D-hand-drawn character that brings some nice wit. Murals is shaping up to be a colorful adventure, and I’m curious to see how its progression develops over time.