You are Maia, a trusted forest guardian, a speaker to all birds and most importantly a fighter. What will you do to save your people from being ravaged by the deadly Grey Death toxin created by a tyrannical mutant otherwise known as your father? Guardian Maia is a 3rd person action-adventure game set in 2750 where the world of science fiction and traditional Indigenous Māori culture collide. Play as Maia and embark on a treacherous quest across New Zealand’s unforgiving South Island in a bid to find three hidden kete (baskets) which are the key to saving your people. Fight ruthless warriors, mutated creatures and androids who run rampant as you uncover your family’s secretive past. Guardian Maia is developed by Metia Interactive, a Māori led team of developers based in Auckland, New Zealand. Immerse In A Captivating StoryA culturally resonant and universal narrative which captures the human need to discover who we are and how we can reach our greatest potential. Guardian Maia is based on the traditional Māori genealogical story of Tāne (God of the Forest), his ascension through the twelve heavens to retrieve the baskets of knowledge for humankind and his vengeful brother Whiro’s (God of Darkness) rabid attempts to stop him. In collaboration with Māori cultural consultants, Guardian Maia has been developed to authentically represent Māori history, tikanga (customs), carving and costuming. Uncover Your Family’s Dramatic PastGuardian Maia is a heroic tale of good versus evil intertwined with deep rooted family conflicts. Befriend a memorable cast of characters including smart mouthed AI and Māori deities who’ll help you untangle your family’s dark secrets. Reconcile with your estranged father so you can forge a hopeful future for you and your people. Venture Through Thrilling LandsAn environmentally diverse world where darkness has shrouded the land and its people for centuries, experience New Zealand as you’ve never seen it before. Call on the help of Māori deities who’ll guide you through peaceful South Island forests where moa and kiwi birds run free, to the high-tech cityscape of Tahuna’s Regeneration Hub and snow capped mountain ranges blanketed by the thick mist of the Grey Death toxin. Wield Authentic WeaponsCrunchy combat is designed to mirror the brutality of mau rakau (traditional Māori martial arts). When up against overwhelming odds, your best form of defence is your short ranged mere (greenstone club) or long ranged taiaha (staff). But when in doubt, stealth will be your best friend. Think strategically and sneak through decrepit buildings and lush forests to avoid or ambush merciless enemies standing in your way. Leverage cosmetic and combat focused weapon upgrades to protect your people and fight like the mighty guardian you are. Travel Across TahunaRun, climb and swim across Guardian Maia’s endlessly challenging environments. Use your strong athletic exploration skills to travel across the unlimited vertical traversal pathways across the region. Gain the trust of wild moa and the giant hokioi bird to access fast travel options. Make Your Choices MatterEvery choice has its consequences. Your choices will determine how your quest unfolds, your mana (prestige, social standing) and how others perceive you. Will you save a helpless Grey Skin from an environmental trap and gain respect from their community? Or will a simple decision you make leave a loved one dead? Make every choice count but beware of those who’ll take advantage of your kindness. Mature Content DescriptionPlayers will use weapons such as mere and taiaha to defend themselves from mutated creatures, tama tu warriors and androids. Players will also be able to engage in stealth combat which includes violent chokeholds. Combat sequences and melee attacks include blood and gore.