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Press release:
SAN FRANCISCO – August 21, 2024.
The San Francisco-based (the US) indie games developer Play on Worlds (“Ebenezer and the Invisible World”) are today very happy and excited to announce that their Polynesian mythology-inspired 2D Metroidvania “Maui the Shapeshifter“, is now in development for PC.

Master Maui’s legendary shapeshifting powers to save the wildlife of a Polynesian island from the corrupt force of Cemyk, a nefarious creature from another world. Transform into majestic animals with the help of spirit Aumakua and wield Maui’s magic fish hook while exploring a naturally enchanted island brimming with secrets, challenges, and obstacles.

Shapeshift into a Hoary Bat to reach new heights, slide down hills while blocking dangerous projectiles as a Green Sea Turtle, or glide across great distances as a Kamehameha Butterfly. Creatively channel the power of incredible animals to drive out the mutated wildlife introduced to the island by Cemyk.

Unleash Maui’s iconic hook to manipulate the environment, solve puzzles, and create new paths across the island. Upgrade the fish hook to enhance strength, range, and other stats. Scour land and ocean to discover new and rare equipable powers through a robust slot system.

Traverse a sprawling Metroidvania map with rich and diverse biomes, including jungles, volcanoes, mountains, beaches, and even the legendary Menehune village. Go beyond the natural realm, where a hidden spiritual world awaits. Interact with NPCs across the island–some eager to help, others…not so much.

*Explore and uncover the secrets of the awe-inspiring island paradise all rendered in breathtaking hand-drawn art teeming with vibrant hues.

“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,” said Carlos Martin, Founder of Play on Worlds.

“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 be available on PC via Steam. For more information, visit the game’s official website, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and search for #MauitheShapeshifter on social media.

About Play on Worlds
Play on Worlds is a video game company that produces high-quality indie budget games committed to excellence in gameplay and deep universes. The team’s first commercial release was Ebenezer and the Invisible World, a supernatural, fantasy adventure based on Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol. Their follow-up game, Maui the Shapeshifter, continues the team’s passion for high-quality 2D Metroidvanias.