Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ankh: Battle of the Gods continues the series’ tradition of point-and-click adventure mechanics, putting you firmly in control of Assil with nothing more than your mouse. You’ll wander through detailed environments, clicking on hotspots to examine clues and interact with quirky characters. The addition of a toggleable hotspot indicator is a welcome quality-of-life upgrade, ensuring that even the most obscure puzzle element doesn’t stay hidden for long.

Across your journey you’ll collect a variety of inventory items, from mundane trinkets to mystical artifacts tied to the titular Ankh. Combining these objects in creative ways is essential to progress; some puzzles require lateral thinking, while others lean on knowledge of Egyptian mythology. When you’re truly stumped, the built-in hint system nudges you in the right direction without spoiling the entire solution.

One of the highlights is the ability to switch control to Thara in certain sequences. Her unique skill set—unlike Assil, she’s not limited by phobias like water—opens up multi-character puzzles that add fresh twists to the gameplay. Whether you’re sneaking through Seth’s deadly traps or outwitting casino guards in Luxor, each chapter offers its own set of brain-teasing challenges.

Graphics

Visually, Battle of the Gods builds on the cartoon-inspired 3D style of its predecessors, combining vibrant color palettes with smooth character animations. Environments like the bazaar in Cairo or the neon-lit Casino of Luxor feel alive, populated by animated vendors, tourists, and the occasional talking cat. Even minor background details are rendered with care—flickering torches, drifting sand dunes, and ornate hieroglyphics lend authenticity to each setting.

Character models benefit from expressive facial animations and fluid motion. Assil’s exaggerated gestures and Thara’s determined stride are both entertaining and functional, as their body language often hints at subtle puzzle solutions. Cutscenes are seamlessly integrated into gameplay, using dynamic camera angles to emphasize dramatic moments—especially when the Ancient God inside the Ankh delivers ominous proclamations.

On the technical side, the game runs smoothly on contemporary systems, with load times that barely register. While graphics aren’t aiming for photo-realism, the stylized aesthetic remains consistent throughout, ensuring that no location feels tacked on or half-finished. For fans of colorful, animated adventures, Battle of the Gods hits the mark.

Story

Picking up right after Ankh: Heart of Osiris, the narrative thrusts Assil back into divine intrigue. Despite finally winning Thara’s heart and returning the heart of Osiris, our hapless hero fails to heed the Ankh’s warnings. Now, every thousand years a tournament among gods decides who rules Egypt—and this time the merciless Seth is competing for supremacy.

The plot unfolds with a delightful blend of humor and mythological drama. Dialogue is peppered with witty one-liners, self-aware jokes, and playful banter between Assil, Thara, and the ethereal voice of the Ankh’s god. Longtime series fans will appreciate recurring characters and callbacks to earlier adventures, while newcomers will find the story accessible thanks to succinct recaps.

Despite its lighthearted tone, the stakes feel meaningful. The looming tournament adds urgency to your quest, and the game cleverly balances comedic interludes—such as bartering with eccentric gamblers—with moments of genuine tension when facing Seth’s minions. By the time the final confrontation arrives, you’ll be fully invested in Assil’s fate and the future of Egypt.

Overall Experience

Ankh: Battle of the Gods delivers a polished, engaging experience for fans of classic point-and-click adventures. It strikes a satisfying balance between challenging puzzles and a breezy, humorous narrative. The dual-character gameplay, hint system, and hotspot indicator all demonstrate thoughtful improvements over earlier titles in the series.

Whether you’re exploring bustling marketplaces, chiseling your way through temple ruins, or placing high-stakes bets under Luxor’s flashing lights, the game maintains a steady pace that keeps you invested from start to finish. Voice acting is competent and often amusing, while the soundtrack combines Middle Eastern motifs with jaunty tunes that reinforce the game’s playful spirit.

For anyone seeking an adventure filled with Egyptian mythology, clever puzzle design, and memorable characters, Ankh: Battle of the Gods stands as a strong entry in the genre. It’s accessible enough for casual players yet deep enough to satisfy veteran puzzle-solvers, making it a worthwhile purchase for a wide spectrum of gamers.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10