Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about tacos and mariachi—it’s also a great time to spotlight games that honour Mexican culture, history, and creativity. From colourful worlds inspired by Day of the Dead traditions to action-packed brawlers that draw from Aztec mythology, these games go beyond surface-level representation. They celebrate language, folklore, architecture, and even food in ways that feel thoughtful and vibrant.
Whether you’re in the mood for indie passion projects or AAA titles with a Mexican twist, this list rounds up five games worth checking out. Some were made by Mexican developers. Others shine a light on Mexico’s influence through setting, style, or story. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo through gaming, these picks are a great place to start.
5. El Chavo Kart
You don’t need deep lore or ancient temples to celebrate Mexican culture—sometimes, a go-kart and a barrel will do. El Chavo Kart brings the cast of El Chavo del Ocho, one of Mexico’s most iconic TV shows, into a lighthearted racing game. It’s a familiar formula: power-ups, themed tracks, and over-the-top antics. But the charm comes from its connection to a beloved piece of Mexican media.
The game features characters like Quico, Don Ramón, and La Chilindrina, all voiced in Spanish, with settings based on the show’s neighbourhood and beyond. It’s not groundbreaking, but for fans of El Chavo, it’s a nostalgic tribute with just enough fun to make it worth a spin.
Developed by Mexican studio Slang, El Chavo Kart is a reminder that culture doesn’t always need epic scale to leave a mark. Sometimes, it’s about seeing something familiar on screen—and laughing along the way.
4. Aztech: Forgotten Gods
Aztech: Forgotten Gods trades ancient temples for towering steel and neon, but its heart still beats with cultural pride. Developed by Mexican studio Lienzo, this action-adventure game reimagines Aztec mythology in a futuristic city untouched by European colonization. Instead of swords and shields, you’re wielding massive tech-powered gauntlets to battle colossal gods across sprawling arenas.
You play as Achtli, a young woman uncovering her family’s past while trying to save her city. The story weaves in spiritual themes, cosmic forces, and plenty of nods to ancient legends—just through a sci-fi lens. The combat is fast, the traversal is floaty, and the art style boldly blends Mesoamerican influence with sleek, angular tech.
It’s not as polished as bigger-budget titles, but Aztech stands out for its ambition and cultural roots. Like Mulaka, it reflects a studio making the games they want to see—authentic, proud, and unafraid to try something different.
3. Grim Fandango Remastered
Grim Fandango doesn’t just reference Mexican culture—it builds an entire afterlife around it. Set in the Land of the Dead, the game blends Día de los Muertos traditions with film noir storytelling. You play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent for souls, helping the dead find peace—or a first-class ticket to the Ninth Underworld.
The world is filled with marigolds, skeletons in suits, Aztec-inspired architecture, and humor that lands somewhere between witty and bizarre. It’s not a Mexican-developed game, but its respect for the culture shows in the visual style, soundtrack, and worldbuilding. It’s one of the earliest examples of a mainstream game using Mexican folklore as a foundation instead of window dressing.
The remastered version brings cleaner visuals and modern controls while keeping the original spirit intact. If you’ve never played it, this is a great excuse. If you have, you know it still holds up—bones and all.
2. Mulaka
Mulaka takes you into the myths and landscapes of northern Mexico, guided by the stories of the Tarahumara people. Developed by Chihuahua-based studio Lienzo, it’s one of the few games that directly explores indigenous Mexican culture with care and purpose.
You play as a Sukurúame, a Tarahumara shaman, fighting corrupted creatures and solving environmental puzzles drawn from traditional beliefs. The combat is simple but satisfying, and the game introduces you to gods, legends, and spirits most of us have never heard of before. It also includes real-language narration, making the experience feel rooted and personal.
What stands out most is its intent. Mulaka doesn’t just borrow cultural imagery—it’s built around it. The developers even partnered with local historians and indigenous leaders to get it right. That care shows, making it more than just an indie action game—it’s cultural preservation through gameplay.
1. Guacamelee! + Guacamelee! 2
If there’s one series that celebrates Mexican culture with style, humour, and nonstop action, it’s Guacamelee! and Guacamelee! 2. Both games follow Juan Aguacate, an agave farmer-turned-luchador, as he suplexes skeletons across a world inspired by Mexican folklore, Día de los Muertos, and classic Metroidvania design.
The art is bold and colourful, with towns, temples, and boss fights filled with cultural references and tongue-in-cheek nods to internet memes. Combat is fast and satisfying—think uppercuts, frog slams, and chicken transformations. But underneath the chaos, there’s real care in how the games highlight family, tradition, and heritage.
Developed by Canadian studio DrinkBox, the team worked closely with Mexican artists and consultants to ground their over-the-top world in something meaningful. The result is funny, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time jumping into the Mexiverse or a return trip, Guacamelee is the perfect way to wrap up this Cinco de Mayo list.
More Than Just Fun: A Tribute to Mexican Culture
These five games do more than entertain—they shine a light on Mexican stories, settings, and creativity in ways that feel personal and memorable. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering something new, each of them offers a unique way to honour Mexican culture through gaming.
Did we miss one of your favourites? Let us know what you’re playing this Cinco de Mayo and why it matters to you.
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