Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Imagic
- Publishers: Imagic
Riddle of the Sphinx: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt
Released in 1982 for the Atari 2600, Riddle of the Sphinx is an action-adventure game that takes you on a journey through the deserts and pyramids of ancient Egypt. You play as the pharaoh’s son, who must lift a curse that has been placed on the land.
To do so, you must collect treasure from ancient pyramids and temples, while avoiding poisonous scorpions, violent thieves, and the evil god Anubis. You must also manage your thirst by finding oases scattered throughout the desert.
Along the way, you will encounter the good goddess Thetis and friendly traders who will help you on your quest. But beware, for the riddle of the Sphinx is not easy to solve.
Gameplay
Riddle of the Sphinx is played from a top-down perspective. You control the pharaoh’s son as he walks through the desert, enters pyramids and temples, and battles enemies.
The game is divided into four levels, each with its own unique challenges. In the first level, you must collect four golden keys to open the door to the next level. In the second level, you must collect four silver keys to open the door to the next level. In the third level, you must collect four bronze keys to open the door to the next level. In the fourth and final level, you must solve the riddle of the Sphinx to lift the curse on Egypt.
Enemies
There are a variety of enemies that you will encounter in Riddle of the Sphinx. These include:
- Scorpions: Scorpions are poisonous and can kill you with a single sting.
- Thieves: Thieves will steal your collected treasure.
- Anubis: Anubis is the evil god of the dead. He is invincible and will kill you on contact.
Items
There are a variety of items that you can collect in Riddle of the Sphinx. These include:
- Treasure: Treasure can be used to purchase items from traders.
- Keys: Keys are used to open doors to the next level.
- Water: Water is used to quench your thirst.
- Food: Food is used to restore your health.
- Weapons: Weapons can be used to defeat enemies.
Traders
There are a variety of traders that you will encounter in Riddle of the Sphinx. These traders will sell you items in exchange for treasure.
The Goddess Thetis
The goddess Thetis is a good goddess who will help you on your quest. She can give you items, restore your health, and protect you from enemies.
The Riddle of the Sphinx
The riddle of the Sphinx is the final challenge that you must face in order to lift the curse on Egypt. The riddle is:
What has a head and a tail, but no body?
The answer to the riddle is a coin. Once you have solved the riddle, you can place the coin in the Sphinx’s mouth to lift the curse.
Legacy
Riddle of the Sphinx is a classic Atari 2600 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding adventure game that will test your wits and reflexes.
Tips for Playing Riddle of the Sphinx
Here are a few tips for playing Riddle of the Sphinx:
- Be careful of scorpions and thieves. Scorpions can kill you with a single sting, and thieves will steal your collected treasure.
- Manage your thirst carefully. You will need to find oases to quench your thirst, or you will die.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from Thetis. Thetis can give you items, restore your health, and protect you from enemies.
- Take your time and explore the levels thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets to be found in Riddle of the Sphinx.
- Don’t give up! The riddle of the Sphinx is difficult, but it is possible to solve.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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