Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy delivers a classic action-adventure formula that expertly blends platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. As Sphinx, you dash across crumbling pyramids and snake-infested tombs using a combination of agile leaps and mystical powers. His arsenal includes throwing blades, boomerang-like scarabs, and spells that stun foes or reveal hidden platforms. Each new ability opens doors to previously unreachable areas, encouraging exploration and backtracking in a Metroidvania-inspired design.

Switching to the Mummy introduces a contrasting playstyle focused on stealth and environmental manipulation. Unlike the nimble Sphinx, the Mummy cannot fight directly—he must use shadows, levers, and ancient mechanisms to progress. This dual-character dynamic keeps gameplay fresh from one level to the next, as you learn to approach challenges either head-on or with cunning subterfuge. Unlocking new moves for both heroes feels rewarding and balanced.

The game spans five diverse worlds, ranging from sun-drenched desert ruins to cursed underground cities. Each realm features unique enemies, traps, and puzzles, ensuring that combat and traversal never grow stale. Boss fights punctuate the journey, testing both your mastery of Sphinx’s powers and the Mummy’s puzzle-solving finesse. Collectible crowns, hidden relics, and secret passages add depth, appealing to completionists and casual players alike.

Graphics

Visually, Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy embraces a whimsical yet authentic Egyptian aesthetic. The character models are richly detailed, with Sphinx’s golden armor gleaming under torchlight and the Mummy’s tattered wrappings trailing behind him in fluid animation. Enemy designs range from skeletal guardians to giant scarab beetles, each rendered with vivid colors and distinct silhouettes that make them easy to identify during fast-paced encounters.

Environment art stands out for its atmospheric lighting and architectural variety. Sunbeams filter through collapsing roofs, casting dynamic shadows in tomb chambers, while underground catacombs glow with bioluminescent fungus. Textures on stone walls and hieroglyphic carvings are impressively crisp for its era, giving each level a lived-in feel. Transitions between indoor and outdoor areas are seamless, maintaining immersion as you pursue the stolen crowns across Egypt.

Although the game dates back several console generations, it holds up thanks to its stylized presentation. On modern hardware, resolution scaling smooths out jagged edges without sacrificing the richness of its color palette. Subtle particle effects, like swirling sandstorms in desert stages and flickering magical glyphs during boss encounters, add polish and highlight the supernatural elements of the story.

Story

The narrative kicks off with Sphinx tasked to recover Egypt’s stolen mystical crowns—powerful artifacts that keep the land in balance. These crowns, once belonging to pharaohs of legend, have been scattered across treacherous realms by unknown dark forces. Sphinx’s mission is far more than a simple retrieval: as each crown is reclaimed, he uncovers hints of a conspiracy that reaches to the heart of the gods themselves.

Unexpectedly, the game introduces an unlikely ally: the Cursed Mummy, once a loyal high priest condemned for defying divine edicts. Bound by ancient magic, he cannot use weapons but possesses knowledge of long-lost passages and traps. Their partnership grows throughout the adventure, evolving from mutual suspicion to genuine camaraderie. Dialogue is lighthearted and sprinkled with witty banter, providing relief between the more intense puzzles and boss battles.

Subplots delve into Egyptian mythology, revealing the origins of the crowns and the identities of the shadowy antagonists. Journals and wall inscriptions deepen the lore, rewarding players who take the time to explore every hidden chamber. By the final act, the stakes escalate from recovering relics to confronting a fallen god intent on reshaping the world—culminating in a satisfying climax that ties personal growth and mythic destiny together.

Overall Experience

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy offers a well-rounded adventure that balances action, exploration, and storytelling. The dual-character mechanic keeps gameplay varied, ensuring neither combat nor puzzle segments overstay their welcome. While some platforming sections can be challenging, generous checkpointing and the ability to revisit levels for missed secrets mitigate frustration.

Replay value is high thanks to hidden collectibles, optional challenges, and the allure of mastering every ability. Players who enjoy uncovering every secret will find themselves backtracking with newfound powers, unlocking shortcuts and secret areas previously inaccessible. A cooperative split-screen mode lets two players control Sphinx and the Mummy simultaneously, adding a social dimension to the adventure.

Ultimately, this title is a must-play for fans of myth-inspired platformers and those who appreciate a strong narrative wrapped around tight gameplay. Its timeless art style, engaging character interplay, and varied level design combine into an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly inventive. For anyone seeking a memorable journey through the mysteries of ancient Egypt, Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy stands as a worthy quest.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10