Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Mummy Returns offers a surprisingly varied gameplay experience that departs from the more expansive console adaptations. At its core, the game is a side-scrolling platformer that challenges players to navigate treacherous environments, leap over pitfalls, and outrun a relentless wall of water. These water-escape stages capture the frantic energy of the film’s climactic chase, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes to avoid both natural hazards and the cult’s minions.

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Interspersed with the side-scroll levels are one-on-one sword‐fighting sequences in which the player squares off against individual foes. These duels require a blend of offense and defense—you must time your strikes carefully to break through an enemy’s guard and parry incoming blows, or risk losing precious health. The pacing of these encounters offers a nice break from the constant forward motion of the platforming sections, adding a more tactical flavor to the action.

For a surprising twist, there’s even a first-person shooting stage that pays homage to arcade classics like Lethal Enforcers. Here you assume the perspective of your chosen hero, blasting undead cultists that pop up in the distance. While brief, this sequence feels fresh against the backdrop of 2D scrolling, giving the game a welcome arcade-shooter detour before plunging you back into dangerous tombs.

Character selection further spices up replayability: Rick O’Connell, Evelyn O’Connell, and Ardeth Bay each come with unique strengths, weaknesses, and level variations. For instance, Rick’s escape stages might feature heavier traps but more firepower, whereas Evelyn must rely on agility to dodge hazards. A built-in password system lets players resume at key stages, making The Mummy Returns accessible for shorter play sessions without losing progress.

Graphics

Graphically, The Mummy Returns leans into detailed sprite work and atmospheric backdrops to recreate the film’s exotic locales. From the dusty catacombs of ancient Egypt to the stormy bayou, each stage is distinguished by a cohesive color palette and layered parallax scrolling that imparts depth. While the hardware limits the color range, careful shading and textured tiles help bring environments to life.

Character animations are serviceable if somewhat stiff—a slight drawback when compared to higher-budget console versions. Rick’s sword swings and Evelyn’s agile flips are recognizable, though they lack the fluidity of their cinematic counterparts. Still, the designers compensate with dramatic poses and expressive idle frames, ensuring each hero feels distinct on screen.

Enemy designs also draw inspiration from the movie’s visual motifs: reanimated mummies emerge from sarcophagi, cultists brandish curved swords, and the ultimate boss encased in bandages strikes an imposing silhouette. Occasional cutscene stills or text-panel interludes anchor the action in the film’s narrative, providing visual reminders of Brendan Fraser’s and Rachel Weisz’s performances even when the hardware can’t fully replicate them.

Story

The narrative of The Mummy Returns sticks closely to the primary beats of the 2001 film: Imhotep’s resurrection, the quest for the Bracelet of Anubis, and the battle to save Evelyn from an eternal curse. However, due to the game’s stage-based structure, the storytelling is delivered in succinct bursts rather than a continuous cinematic experience. Key plot points appear as brief text screens or voice-over snippets, offering enough context without slowing the gameplay.

Each chapter unfolds as a self-contained mission: infiltrate a tomb, outrun a supernatural flood, duel a high-ranking cult member, or navigate a rope-bridge sequence high above the Valley of the Kings. While this format allows for diverse challenges, it can feel episodic—those seeking a deep, character-driven narrative may find the transitions abrupt. Nevertheless, fans of the movie will appreciate the faithful inclusion of iconic moments, from the blimp escape to the final confrontation.

The choice of protagonist also subtly influences the story’s framing. Playing as Rick positions you squarely in the action, while selecting Evelyn occasionally adjusts dialogue to emphasize her intellect and bravery. Ardeth Bay’s levels spotlight stealth and guile, reflecting his Saharan background. Though the overall story remains the same, these variations add just enough flavor to encourage multiple playthroughs for completionists.

Overall Experience

The Mummy Returns is a solid portable interpretation of the blockbuster film, delivering bite-sized thrills across eleven distinct stages. Its blend of side-scrolling platforming, sword duels, and first-person shooting keeps gameplay fresh, while the password feature makes it easy to jump in and out without losing momentum. For fans of the movie or retro action-adventure titles, this title offers a nostalgic dose of cinematic spectacle in a compact form.

That said, the game’s difficulty spikes can feel relentless, especially in water-escape segments where one mistimed jump sends you back to the last checkpoint. Controls are generally responsive, but occasional input lag or imprecise hitboxes may cause frustration. Patience and practice are rewarded, though newcomers to classic platformers should be prepared for a learning curve.

Ultimately, The Mummy Returns stands out for its variety of gameplay modes and faithful nods to the source material. It may not boast cutting-edge graphics or an expansive open world, but its tight level design and character-driven choices make it a worthwhile pick for action-adventure aficionados and movie buffs alike. Whether you’re brandishing a sword in single combat or gunning down undead cultists in first-person, this game captures enough of the film’s high-energy charm to warrant a look.

Retro Replay Score

5.1/10