Incredible graphics, moody atmosphere and a cool storyline are the highlights of this enjoyable 1st person Egyptian adventure, but it's slow pacing, square by square movement and low difficulty level may turn off diehard adventurers.
Graphics: 4.5
Sound: 3.5
Control: 3.5
Fun Factor: 3.5
Challenge: BEG.
Price: ?
CD-ROM
Available January
Fantasy RPG
1 Player
6 levels
1st Person perspective
Forward scrolling
RAM save game backup( up to 5 games)
Seal of the Pharaoh takes you deep into an ominous pyramid in search of your father. Can you make it against the evil Wizard and his vile minions?
Pharaoh's Art
Seal of the Pharaoh takes place completely within the confines of a mysterious pyramid and it's dark, foreboding halls look remarkable. The incredibly realistic 3D graphics are almost enough to make you think you've gone to Egypt, with the dusty stone walls and floors, spacious rooms and erie lighting used through the game. The 3D rendering process used to make the monsters gives them a realistic look and almost life-like motions, making them fun to watch and battle.
Heiroglyphic Design
Seal of the Pharaoh's control is very simple- one button is for using readied items and another calls up the items menu. Control is responsive, but, unlike most new RPG adventures, Seal scrolls one square at a time, which leads to a slow pace. Also, you can't walk backwards. SOTP's game system makes the game hardest at the beginning, then progressively easier, since each new encounter results in invisible experience points which make you stronger. Monsters almost always reappear in the same spot where you first encountered them and the bosses are extremely easy to beat- hardly more challenging then the lesser monsters, because the game hands out so many magic potions.
Biting Adventure
The deeper you go, the more the mystery and atmosphere of the pyramid thickens. You'll fight bizarre monsters at nearly every turn, find magical treasure, deadly traps and puzzles. There's even a techno level with smooth metallic walls and moving floors. Also, there are creatures to guide you along- some for a price, others for more mysterious reasons.
The Writing on the Wall
There aren't many RPGs for the 3DO and Seal of the Pharaoh is enjoyable, but the game's slow pacing and low difficulty level may turn many gamers off. Graphics and character voices are great, but the music is pathetic- you'll want to supply your own tunes. The ending sequence, while okay, didn't tie up the plot lines that kept developing through the game. Overall, you'll probably want to try this one before you buy.
