Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Riddle of the Sphinx places you in the sandals of the Pharaoh’s Son, tasking you with lifting the curse of Anubis by navigating the shifting dunes and discovering the secrets of ancient Egypt. The core mechanics combine exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management in a seamless desert traversal. From the moment you sling your first rock at a scorpion to the final riddle before the Temple of Ra, the game keeps your wits sharp and your instincts alert.

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The trade system and resource gathering add layers of strategic depth. You’ll barter with wandering nomads for essential supplies like water, weapons, and healing herbs. Digging for buried treasure not only fills your coffers but can also reveal hidden pathways and secret relics. Each decision—whether to spend your scarce water at an oasis, invest in a powerful amulet, or save it for a dire emergency—carries weight and can alter your path to the temple.

Combat encounters are simple yet engaging. Armed only with a sling and a handful of rocks, you must time your shots carefully to fend off scorpions, thieves, and the occasional supernatural guardian. The challenge scales gradually, ensuring that even new adventurers can enjoy the journey without feeling overwhelmed. Strategic retreats and clever use of terrain make each skirmish memorable rather than repetitive.

Perhaps the most compelling gameplay element is the system of offerings and divine interventions. Visiting temples dedicated to various gods allows you to make offerings in exchange for blessings, healing, or crucial hints. Choosing the right combination of items at the Temple of Ra is the ultimate puzzle—success restores Egypt’s glory, while failure drains your inner strength and forces you to retrace your steps. This mechanic adds real stakes to every encounter and keeps you invested until the very end.

Graphics

Although Riddle of the Sphinx is not a modern graphical powerhouse, its colorful, hand-drawn landscapes and character portraits capture the essence of ancient Egypt with surprising charm. The desert sands, palm oases, and temple facades are rendered in warm, inviting hues that evoke a sense of antiquity and mystique. Animations are simple but expressive, bringing scorpions and nomads to life with minimal frames.

The user interface is clean and intuitive. A resource bar discreetly displays your water, health, and inventory, while contextual icons appear when interacting with treasures or temple altars. Menus are laid out logically, making trading, saving, and equipment management straightforward even for players new to adventure hybrids. The map system, though basic, effectively tracks your progress across the desert’s vast expanse.

Cutscenes and story interludes are presented as richly illustrated slides accompanied by atmospheric music. While they lack voice acting, the evocative narration and sound cues—echoing winds, distant chants, and the clang of a sling—immerse you in the Pharaoh’s quest. Overall, the graphics and audio work in harmony to create a believable world that feels both magical and perilous.

Story

At its heart, Riddle of the Sphinx is a legendary tale of redemption and divine challenge. As the Pharaoh’s Son, your burden is more than a personal quest—it’s the fate of an entire civilization. The narrative unfolds organically through encounters with nomads, offerings at regional temples, and cryptic messages inscribed on desert tombs. Each discovery deepens your connection to the gods and drives the story forward.

The game’s pacing balances action and reflection. You’ll race through open dunes to escape a sandstorm one moment, then pore over inscriptions in a shadowy temple the next. Recurring visits to Isis’s sanctuary provide moments of solace and guidance, framing the Prince’s growth from a brash youth into a wise leader. These interactions ground the larger mythic stakes in human emotion and divine relationships.

The climax—solving the Sphinx’s riddle at the Temple of Ra—offers a satisfying culmination of the game’s themes. The choices you’ve made regarding offerings, alliances, and resource use all converge in this final test. The open-ended nature of the riddle challenge means multiple endings are possible, encouraging replayability and thoughtful experimentation. Story enthusiasts will appreciate how narrative and gameplay intertwine to deliver a memorable legend.

Overall Experience

Riddle of the Sphinx delivers a richly layered adventure that combines exploration, resource strategy, and mythic storytelling. Its unique blend of trading, puzzle-solving, and combat presents challenges that feel both manageable for casual players and rewarding for seasoned adventurers. The game’s emphasis on decision-making ensures that every playthrough carries personal significance.

While its graphics may feel dated compared to contemporary titles, the art direction and sound design work together to evoke an authentic ancient Egyptian atmosphere. The intuitive interface and clear objectives keep frustration at bay, allowing you to focus on the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of unraveling each puzzle. The variety of locations—from dusty trade routes to ornate temple chambers—keeps the experience fresh throughout.

Ultimately, Riddle of the Sphinx shines as a thoughtful, engaging journey steeped in mythology. Whether you’re drawn to its narrative depth, its strategic gameplay loops, or its puzzle-driven finale, the game offers lasting appeal and replay value. For players seeking an adventure that tests both mind and mettle, this title remains a compelling voyage into the heart of an ancient curse.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10