March 2001.
Riddle of the Sphinx™ review by: Rumplestiltskin on H2H.com
Ever wanted to take a trip to Egypt but couldn’t afford it? Well, here’s a game that will let you take one at an affordable price along with an experience that you will never forget. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones as you search the Great Pyramid in search of clues to help you solve the answer to a riddle that everyone has been dying to know. One that will change the way we understand Egyptians forever as we know it!
Riddle of the Sphinx, (or ROTS for short) is a standard adventure game similar to Myst but in complete 1st person format. Now, for all you ‘anti-MYSTites’ out there let me tell you that despite your possible dislike of Myst, Riddle of the Sphinx is a game that has much more exploring and interesting stuff to do than what Myst generally offered. The environments are what pull you through the enticing world of ROTS and the game is rich. So, with that said, I have to add that in playing this game it felt very much like I was Indiana Jones trying to solve a riddle and exploring Egypt. It’s the kind of thing Indiana Jones would do. And because the story doesn’t tell you who your character is it’s all the better for you to use your imagination…and pretend you’re Indiana Jones! Haven’t I said Indiana Jones enough already? (yes, you have…eesh. -Ed.)
The Graphics do the job well and you really do feel like you’re exploring Egypt and the Sphinx. The environments are believeable–especially considering how much research Jeff and Karen Tobler have put into the game (which you no doubt read in our interview with Jeff here). Yes, that’s right. It’s a game made solely by 2 people which makes the game even more amazing. And as an aside, i know i’d often find myself thinking how some locales were insanely spooky, making me wonder, “How did the Egyptians live like this or even work in similar conditions?”.(well you work here Rumpy, you should know. -Ed.) Actually, there are many things in ROTS that may make you question how the Egyptians have lived and if we’ve ever truly had an accurate impression of them historically. It’s all very fascinating.
Down to the gameplay though. As I said, there’s lots of exploration in the game, and I do mean lots, because this ‘riddle’ isn’t a simple one. The puzzles are all logical. None of that illogical stuff like putting some cat hairs and tape together to form a mustache. The interface is also pretty straightforward.
However, the music is wonderful. It fits the mood of the environments and it’s what you’d expect from visiting exotic locales. The music also stands out on it’s own as a sort of ‘Egyptian New Age’. Does that make any sense? In any case, It’s stuff that is worth making a soundtrack cd out of. So please, next game, have a soundtrack cd included 🙂
Overall, after finishing this game I was left with wanting more. I didn’t want to leave and if you’re an Egyptian buff to any extent, this game is certainly worth a look.
