Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Mummy’s gameplay strikes a balance between action-packed combat sequences and exploration-driven puzzles. As Rick O’Connell, players navigate treacherous tombs, ancient ruins, and bustling desert landscapes, all while facing waves of undead mummies, scarab swarms, and guardian statues. Combat relies on a combination of melee strikes, firearm usage, and environmental interactions. Swing your sword to parry attacks, reload your pistol swiftly to down approaching mini-mummies, and topple pillars to crush groups of enemies. This blend of hand-to-hand and ranged engagement keeps fights dynamic, though some encounters can feel repetitive over time.

Puzzles are woven intricately into the level design, drawing on the lore of Egyptian mythology and the supernatural forces at play. Players will decipher hieroglyphic inscriptions, align ancient obelisks to open hidden chambers, and manipulate water levels to access new areas. These brain-teasers often require backtracking and revisiting previously explored rooms once certain items are obtained, encouraging a sense of discovery. While most puzzles are well signposted with subtle visual cues, a few challenge sections can frustrate players who prefer more straightforward progression.

Movement and controls feel responsive, with fluid character animations enhancing the sense of immersion. Rick’s parkour-like vaults over obstacles and ledge grabs evoke the thrill of Indiana Jones–style exploration. At times, however, camera angles during tight corridors or multi-level arenas can hinder spatial awareness, leading to unintended falls or ambushes by hidden foes. The game also features a stamina system: sprint too long and Rick will momentarily slow down, forcing strategic retreats during combat and exploration.

Another highlight is the inclusion of timed sequences, where reading from the ancient Book of the Dead triggers a race against time to escape collapsing tombs or fleeing from supernatural sandstorms that swallow the landscape. These moments ramp up tension and break the rhythm of standard encounters, though they can feel punishing on higher difficulty settings. Overall, The Mummy offers a solid mix of action and brains, though mastery of its control quirks is key to fully enjoying the experience.

Graphics

The Mummy utilizes a robust graphics engine to bring 1930s Egypt and its cursed artifacts to life. Sun-bleached deserts shimmer under a scorching sun, while the interiors of tombs are bathed in flickering torchlight, casting dynamic shadows that heighten the sense of mystery. Sand swirling through wind-swept alleys and drifting into hidden chambers creates an atmospheric aesthetic that’s especially impressive on modern hardware. The game’s art direction leans heavily into warm earth tones, punctuated by the eerie glow of glowing hieroglyphs and burning pyres.

Character models—particularly those of Rick O’Connell, Evelyn Carnahan, and Imhotep—are crafted with considerable detail. Textures on desert robes and leather belts show subtle weathering, and facial animations effectively convey fear, determination, and shock during pivotal cutscenes. However, NPC crowds in marketplaces can appear a bit repetitive, with some citizens sharing identical models and animations, detracting from the realism of populated areas. Enemy designs are where the game truly shines: scarabs scuttle in creepy clusters, skeletal warriors clatter with unsettling articulation, and the titular mummy drips with decayed malevolence.

Environmental effects like sandstorms, collapsing pillars, and cascading debris add visual spectacle to critical moments. Water reflections in underground pools and flickers of torchlight on wet stone surfaces are rendered convincingly. Particle effects during magical rituals—sparkling glyphs rising from altars, clouds of dust swirling around unleashing spirits—elevate the game’s supernatural aspects. Frame rates remain stable on most platforms, though extremely chaotic battles with dozens of enemies can introduce minor dips, especially on older consoles.

Overall, The Mummy’s graphical fidelity immerses players in a richly detailed world that honors its cinematic roots. While minor texture pop-in and occasional clipping issues can occur, the overall presentation remains polished. Fans of adventure games and period pieces will appreciate the dedication to era-appropriate visual cues and the game’s evocative supernatural embellishments.

Story

Based on the blockbuster movie of the same name, The Mummy follows the misadventures of treasure hunter Rick O’Connell. During an expedition in Egypt, Rick inadvertently reads from the ancient Book of the Dead, unleashing the high priest Imhotep from his centuries-long slumber. With Egypt teetering on the brink of supernatural annihilation, players must guide Rick through perilous ruins and haunted tombs to rectify his mistake before time runs out and the sands of Egypt swallow civilization.

The game’s narrative closely mirrors key moments from the film while expanding on the mythology with new side quests and character interactions. Loyal companions like Evelyn Carnahan and her brother Jonathan make memorable cameos, offering witty banter and vital puzzle hints. Voice acting from the main cast captures the spirit of the movie, although lip-syncing occasionally falls out of sync during dialogue-heavy scenes. Original side missions—such as recovering a stolen relic for a Bedouin chieftain or deciphering a cursed statue’s prophecy—add depth to the main storyline, making players feel they’re part of an expansive ancient world.

Pacing is one of the narrative’s strengths: cinematic cutscenes are spaced evenly between gameplay segments, creating a smooth flow that keeps tension high. Imhotep himself emerges as an imposing villain, his image gradually revealed through shadowy glimpses and ominous chants. The story branches slightly based on choices made during key encounters—whether to save a stranded archaeologist or secure an artifact first—offering minor variations in dialogue and loot rewards. While these branching paths don’t lead to radically different endings, they encourage at least one replay to see how small decisions play out.

Although fans of the movie will appreciate recognizable set pieces and famous lines, newcomers may find certain references obscure. A brief in-game glossary provides background on Egyptian gods, hieroglyphic symbols, and key characters, helping contextualize events for players less versed in the film series. Ultimately, The Mummy delivers an engaging narrative that respects its source material while offering fresh twists to keep both new and returning adventurers invested.

Overall Experience

The Mummy video game successfully captures the thrill of the movie’s high-stakes adventure, blending action, puzzles, and rich storytelling into a cohesive package. Its world-building—from sun-drenched deserts to claustrophobic crypts—immerses players in an authentic 1930s Egypt threatened by supernatural forces. While minor technical hiccups in camera control and NPC diversity exist, they seldom detract from the core experience of battling mummies and racing against time.

Replay value is bolstered by collectible artifacts hidden throughout the game’s sprawling levels, new dialogue options unlocked through branching decision points, and a post–story arena mode that challenges players to survive endless waves of undead. Fans of action-adventure titles and Egyptian lore will find plenty to savor, though those seeking pure, linear storytelling may note a few pacing slowdowns amid puzzle segments.

Accessibility options, including adjustable difficulty, aim-assist for ranged weapons, and hint overlays for puzzles, ensure that both casual gamers and hardcore adventurers can tailor the challenge to their liking. A cooperative multiplayer mode lets a second player join as Evelyn Carnahan, sharing the load during combat and puzzle-solving—a welcome addition that enhances the social aspect of the journey.

In summary, The Mummy delivers a memorable adventure that honors its cinematic roots while offering enough original content to stand on its own. With engaging gameplay mechanics, atmospheric graphics, and a story that balances familiar beats and surprising detours, this title is a solid pick for anyone eager to wield the Book of the Dead and face off against the ancient undead.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10