The long-awaited video game Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards finally has a release date. The game will be available for purchase on PC and Nintendo Switch on May 26. Other platforms will follow this summer, including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Based on the cult comic-book series of the same name, Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards was created by actress Paula Garcés (TV’s On My Block) and Digiart Interactive founder Antonio Hernández in response to the underrepresentation of Latinas and women in the entertainment industry.
“Aluna has long been a passion project between Antonio and I,” said Garcés in a statement. “It’s a role that means a lot to me as Aluna is more than just a ‘female superhero’. She’s strong, and nurturing, and badass, and conflicted. It’s a really juicy role! And the fact that she’s playable means that we all get to share that role together!”
The comic book and the new game follows the title character Aluna, an Inca demigod and warrior who is the daughter of a Spanish conquistador and the South American nature goddess known as Pachamama. In the story, Aluna goes on a quest during the 16th century fighting off mythological beasts and gods to restore an amulet that her mother gave her and reach her true destiny.
“Aluna is more than a game to us, but rather a cultural icon,” said Hernández in a statement. “We’re only now starting to see women and people of color starring in superhero series, which is great, but none have focused on the plight of Inca culture. This is our heritage! And what a thrilling heritage it is! Latin culture is vibrant, and beautiful, and exciting, and it’s time we got a chance to share it with the rest of the world!”