Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

From the moment you take control of Anubis, the warrior of the sand, the core gameplay loop centers around a mix of straightforward platforming and hack-and-slash combat. Armed with the Scepter of Ra and the explosive Kanopic bombs of fury, the player navigates nine distinct levels, dispatching hordes of mummies, scarabs, and other undead threats. Combat feels serviceable thanks to a basic lock-on targeting system for ranged energy blasts, complemented by a more visceral close-quarters staff swing.

Platform puzzles form a significant component of each stage, as you search for eight mystical pyramids that unlock the portal forward. These puzzles range from simple jump-and-levers sequences to timing-based platform hops over pits of lava and collapsing stone. While the challenge rarely spikes, level layouts often require backtracking and careful exploration to ensure you’ve found every pyramid before advancing.

Controls, however, can feel a bit unwieldy at times. The lock-on mechanism occasionally struggles in crowded arenas, and Anubis’s movement can seem slightly floaty when navigating narrow ledges. Camera angles, though generally serviceable, sometimes obscure key platforms or sudden enemy spawn points, leading to unexpected falls or unfair hits.

Despite these hiccups, the arsenal of weapons—especially the sight of Kanopic bombs detonating in swirling sandstorms—adds a layer of strategy. Deciding when to engage multiple foes head-on or when to lob a bomb from a distance keeps combat varied enough to sustain interest across all nine levels.

Graphics

Anubis II embraces its Egyptian setting with a dusty, sun-bleached color palette. Desert dunes, crumbling temples, and flickering torches help establish a consistent atmosphere of ancient mystery. Texture work is basic by modern standards, but the game’s thematic commitment gives environments a distinctive feel that fans of mythic Egypt will appreciate.

Character models and animations are serviceable but undeniably low-poly; Anubis himself moves with a deliberate stiffness, and many enemies adopt repetitive attack patterns that highlight the game’s budget roots. That said, the visual design of bosses—such as giant scarab beetles or winged pharaoh spirits—offers occasional flashes of imaginative flair.

Special effects for magic and bomb explosions are rudimentary but effective. Energy balls glow with a simple sheen, and the resulting explosions kick up clouded sand particles that linger in the air just long enough to accentuate each blow. Dynamic lighting is minimal, though torchlight and portal glows occasionally cast appealing highlights across stone walls.

Performance remains stable on supported platforms, with few noticeable frame drops even in the most crowded scenes. Resolution and detail levels are clearly tuned for older hardware, so players accustomed to modern high-definition titles may find the visuals rough around the edges—but within the context of a budget action-adventure, Anubis II’s graphics achieve a respectable consistency.

Story

At its core, Anubis II is driven by a straightforward mythic narrative: the evil spirit Mumm’hotep has plunged Egypt into eternal darkness, and only the warrior of the sand can lift the curse. The premise taps into classic adventure tropes, setting the stage for a heroic quest through tombs, temples, and cursed battlegrounds.

Story progression relies heavily on brief cutscenes and text interludes between levels. These segments provide essential context—introducing the threat, revealing the divine scepter’s origins, and outlining Anubis’s divine commission—but they lack depth or character development. Dialogue is serviceable but sometimes delivered with a flat, detached vocal performance.

While there are hints of hidden lore around each level—glyphs on walls, cryptic statues, and environmental storytelling—these details never coalesce into a truly engaging narrative tapestry. Players seeking intricate plot twists or deep character arcs may find the story lean, but for those who prefer action over exposition, the simple “darkness vs. light” framework is adequate.

Ultimately, the tale of Anubis’s journey feels more like a backdrop for the gameplay rather than the driving force. It succeeds in providing motivation and flavor, but rarely commands your full attention beyond the promise of the next portal gateway or boss encounter.

Overall Experience

Anubis II delivers a modest, pick-up-and-play action-adventure that never overreaches its budgetary ambitions. Its core strengths lie in a consistent Egyptian aesthetic, accessible combat mixed with light puzzle-solving, and a steady pace that moves players from one sand-blasted ruin to the next.

Replay value is modest: once you’ve located all pyramids and unlocked each portal, there’s little incentive to revisit levels unless you’re aiming to master collectibles or speed-run through the stages. The game also lacks branching paths or alternate endings, reinforcing its linear structure.

Casual gamers, younger players, or fans of mythology on a tight budget will find enough charm here to warrant a look, especially if they appreciate straightforward platformers without heavy difficulty spikes. Hardcore action-adventure enthusiasts seeking deep mechanics or polished presentation, however, may find the experience rudimentary.

In summary, Anubis II is a budget-minded title with a clear identity and simplistic design. Its occasional control quirks and dated visuals are balanced by a compellingly cohesive theme and lightweight gameplay. If you’re drawn to desert tombs, magical staffs, and the promise of saving Egypt from eternal darkness, Anubis II offers a brief, thematic excursion into mythic adventure.

Retro Replay Score

3.6/10