Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ankh: Heart of Osiris continues the tradition of classic point-and-click adventures, placing you firmly in control of Assil as he navigates a rich, cartoon-styled Egypt. Using only your mouse, you explore intricately designed environments, click on objects to collect items, and engage characters in witty multiple-choice dialogues. The intuitive interface makes puzzle-solving straightforward, though some challenges demand careful observation and creative thinking.

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The puzzle design in Heart of Osiris strikes a fine balance between logic and humor. You’ll combine seemingly unrelated items, decode riddles, and manipulate the environment in ways that often produce laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoyed the original Ankh’s brainteasers, you’ll find this sequel’s puzzles both familiar and refreshingly diverse, with new mechanics introduced as you venture into nighttime Cairo and beyond.

A notable twist in this installment is the chance to play as the Pharaoh himself partway through the story. This dual-protagonist structure adds variety to gameplay, offering fresh objectives and a different perspective on the unfolding crisis. Whether you’re guiding Assil through bustling streets or stepping into royal sandals, the game keeps you engaged with ever-evolving challenges.

Graphics

Visually, Ankh: Heart of Osiris embraces a vibrant, cartoon-inspired art direction that brings ancient Egypt to life with exaggerated colors and expressive character designs. The environments—from the dimly lit alleyways of Cairo at night to the majestic halls of the palace—are rendered with careful attention to detail, making exploration a pleasure. Small animations, such as flickering torches and animated market stalls, further enrich each scene.

The character models stand out for their expressive faces and fluid movements. Assil’s comedic reactions, Thara’s graceful animations, and the Pharaoh’s imperious poses all contribute to the game’s charm. While the visuals may not push the boundaries of cutting-edge graphics engines, the warm palette and lively cartoon style effectively support the game’s lighthearted tone.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on modern systems with minimal load times between scenes. The user interface remains unobtrusive, allowing the artwork to shine without clutter. Whether you’re replaying classic areas or discovering new locales, the consistent graphical quality helps maintain immersion throughout your journey.

Story

Picking up right after the events of the original Ankh, Heart of Osiris drops you into a compelling narrative twist: Assil has awoken in a side-street outside the palace, without the precious ankh and with his beloved Thara missing. This sudden setback sets the stage for a tale of betrayal, intrigue, and redemption. As Osiris himself seeks to reclaim the ankh and the Pharaoh’s daughter lusts after Assil, the stakes have never been higher.

The writing shines through its blend of humor and genuine tension. Dialogue is peppered with witty quips and playful banter, yet the underlying urgency to recover the ankh and rescue Thara keeps the story grounded. New characters, from cunning merchants to formidable temple guards, bring fresh dynamics to the narrative, while familiar faces from the first game offer nostalgic callbacks.

One of the sequel’s strengths is its pacing. The plot unfolds at a measured pace, alternating between lighthearted exploration and moments of real peril. With twists that reveal hidden motives and surprising alliances, you’ll find yourself invested in Assil’s personal journey and the broader fate of Egypt. The optional side quests and hidden dialogues also reward players who take the time to thoroughly investigate each environment.

Overall Experience

Ankh: Heart of Osiris delivers a polished adventure that old-school fans and newcomers alike can appreciate. Its smooth controls, clever puzzles, and charming graphics combine to create a cohesive, enjoyable package. The addition of nighttime settings and dual protagonists adds variety, ensuring the gameplay never feels stagnant.

While the difficulty curve can be uneven—some puzzles may require revisiting earlier areas or thinking outside the box—the game provides enough hints and logical solutions to prevent frustrating roadblocks. The humor and vibrant world design keep the tone light, even when the story delves into darker themes of loss and redemption.

For those seeking a thoughtful point-and-click experience with strong storytelling and memorable characters, Heart of Osiris is a worthy sequel. Its blend of engaging gameplay, polished visuals, and an entertaining narrative makes it an appealing choice for players looking to lose themselves in a fantastical version of ancient Egypt.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10