Aztec and Mayan mythology has inspired a wide range of video games, bringing the rich cultural history of these ancient civilizations to life. This will again be seen in the upcoming Ecumene Aztec in 2025. Developed by indie studio Giantscraft, it’s a survival action RPG that immerses players in the role of an Aztec warrior during the Spanish invasion of Central America in the 16th century.
Drawing clear inspiration from early Assassin’s Creed titles, the game promises an exciting blend of stealth, action, and survival elements. Players can climb structures, eliminate enemies stealthily, and craft traps while navigating lush jungles and ancient temples.
Ecumene Aztec introduces three distinct character classes: Jaguar, Snake, and Eagle, each with unique abilities and skill trees. Players will have opportunities to perform sacrifices to appease the gods and enhance their characters, adding a layer of cultural authenticity to the story. The game is scheduled for release early next year.
Great Games Inspired by Mayan and Aztec Mythology
Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which was released in 2018, is a standout when it comes to Mayan and Aztec mythology in video games. The developers worked closely with historians to blend cultural accuracy with fiction. Indeed, the city’s design, architecture, and districts are inspired by historical concepts, creating a world that feels grounded in real, ancient civilizations while serving the needs of the game’s adventurous storyline. In this Lara Croft outing, we delve into Mesoamerican lore, blending Aztec, Mayan, and Incan mythologies with gripping mystery in the lost city of Paititi.
In the indie scene, 2017’s Aztez offers a side-scrolling beat ’em up set in the Valley of Mexico during the 15th century, utilizing a unique grayscale art style with red accents for blood. The game blends intense combat with strategy elements and a strong cultural atmosphere. More recently, 2021’s Aztech Forgotten Gods takes a more futuristic approach, re-imagining Aztec mythology with a sci-fi twist, where players control Achtili, a young woman granted flight by an ancient artifact.
Elsewhere, in iGaming, Gonzo’s Quest has been ranked amongst the best real money online slots of 2024. The game by NetEnt offers players an exciting Aztec/Mayan-themed adventure with cascading reels and immersive graphics. It has been popular since its release in 2010 alongside other slots influenced by ancient civilizations such as Divine Fortune and Medusa Megaways, which take their cues from Greek mythology.
There are even board games such as Mexica and Aztlan, as well as Space Aztecs, which blends mythology with an alien invasion, that have taken their inspiration from Mesoamerican cultures. Furthermore, free online games playable on desktops and mobile devices, such as GameFlare’s Aztec Adventure and Silver Games’ Aztec God, continue this trend.
Ecumene Aztec Will Maintain Our Curiosity of Mesoamerican Cultures
The influence of Aztec and Mayan mythology continues to thrive in gaming, with titles like Ecumene Aztec offering players a rich, immersive experience rooted in ancient history. From RPGs to online slots, these games provide unique opportunities to explore Mesoamerican cultures, ensuring that the mythology of the Aztecs and Mayans remains a captivating theme for gamers worldwide.
