Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pharaoh’s Tomb delivers classic 2D platforming that feels both familiar and fresh. You guide Nevada Smith through increasingly treacherous pyramid chambers, leaping over bottomless pits, dodging falling spikes, and evading mummies and bats. Each level challenges you to locate a set number of keys or hidden treasures before you can descend deeper into the tomb.

The spear-throwing mechanic adds strategic depth to the action. Nevada begins with only a handful of spears, so you must decide whether to eliminate approaching bats or conserve ammo for larger threats. Pickup spears and bonus lives are scattered throughout levels, rewarding careful exploration and risk-taking.

Enemy patterns are predictable yet punishing, demanding precise timing and spatial awareness. The mysterious gusts of wind present on select stages further complicate navigation, often blowing you closer to hazards or off narrow ledges. Thanks to the built-in save feature at the start of each level, you can tackle these challenges without fear of losing hours of progress.

Graphics

Pharaoh’s Tomb employs a charming pixel-art style reminiscent of early ’90s shareware titles. Each level features richly colored tile sets that evoke the sun-baked walls of an ancient pyramid. The environmental details—etched hieroglyphs, crumbling pillars, and flickering torches—contribute to an immersive atmosphere despite the game’s modest resolution.

The proprietary FAST (Fluid Animation Software Technology) engine ensures smooth sprite movement even on vintage hardware. Nevada’s running and jumping animations are surprisingly fluid, while enemy motion remains clear and responsive. You can see precisely when a mummy stretches out to grab you or when a bat swoops down, giving you a fair shot at reacting in time.

However, the bounding box system for collision detection can feel unforgiving. Since enemies and hazards occupy rectangular zones, you must mentally visualize these invisible boxes to avoid unexpected hits. Once accustomed to these limitations, though, players will appreciate the consistency and precision it brings to the platforming experience.

Story

Pharaoh’s Tomb’s narrative is delightfully straightforward: Nevada Smith, a hardworking research assistant, finally seizes his moment by stealing a priceless map from his overbearing professor. What follows is a race through a long-lost Egyptian tomb, with the promise of fame and fortune driving each leap and spear throw.

While the plot mainly serves as a gateway into the game’s challenges, it provides ample motivation for exploration. The thrill of outfoxing your academic rival is palpable as you push deeper into the pyramid’s heart. Occasional scrolls and hidden chambers hint at backstory, teasing secrets about the original tomb builder and Nevada’s ultimate destiny.

The lack of spoken dialogue or cinematic cutscenes is typical for the era, but the sparse storytelling leaves room for your imagination. As you progress through four distinct volumes—from “Raiders of the Lost Tomb” to “Nevada’s Revenge!”—you’ll sense a growing tension and the specter of supernatural forces guarding the pharaoh’s treasures.

Overall Experience

Pharaoh’s Tomb offers a blend of nostalgic platforming and old-school challenge that will appeal to retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The first volume is available as shareware, giving players a generous taste of the full experience before committing to the complete four-volume set.

The game’s difficulty curve is well-paced: early levels serve as a tutorial in disguise, while later stages ramp up the peril with complex trap sequences and relentless enemy patterns. Saving at the start of each level strikes a fair balance between risk and reward, ensuring that frustration never overwhelms the fun.

Overall, Pharaoh’s Tomb stands as a testament to designer George Broussard’s knack for tight gameplay and atmospheric presentation. If you’re searching for a platformer that challenges your reflexes, rewards exploration, and exudes vintage charm, this expedition into the depths of an Egyptian pyramid is well worth undertaking.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10