Many films and TV shows have been based on Egyptian Mythology, well now it is the Xbox’s turn. Sphinx is set in an entirely original universe, loosely based on Ancient Egypt. When I mean loosely, I mean loosely. The fact that not one character is human might give it away, but the names of your allies and enemies will seem familiar due to the popular films of The Mummy & Stargate. As Sphinx and Mummy, you must embark on a quest to secure the throne and restore peace to the land.

This isn’t your usual platform / adventure game. For starters you, as the player, get to control not one, but two characters, hence the title of this game but before you think it, no…it is not a buddy game, as the story switches between the two characters and eventually the stories intermingle with each other. As Sphinx, you must battle your way thru intermingle with each other. As Sphinx, you must battle your way thru the many locations using whatever weapons are available from the basic rock (found at the beginning of the game) to the earned blowpipe found much later on in the game. Along the way, Sphinx learns new moves and his abilities are enhanced using the many artefacts found or won. The Mummy is a totally different character. The Mummy was once a young prince when you first meet him but was betrayed by his brother and embalmed to make way for his brother to take control of the land. As the Mummy, you will use stealth and puzzle solving to accomplish your goals. Sounds straightforward, but of course this is a game and anything is possible. The Mummy cannot die as it is already dead, so using its invincibility, your character will be set alight, electrified and even flattened to aide his quest.

Graphics & Control:

The graphics and animation are superbly done with the scenery drawn to match the Egyptian theme. There is no fog in the distance but a clear view of the horizon. There are five huge worlds to explore, each one as diverse and rich as the previous and with over 150 characters to interact with. The controls are simple enough and are of the common law nowadays associated with 3rd person games. The inclusion of inverting the horizontal as well as the vertical is a welcome relief. Read This Carefully – The Camera works just fine and doesn’t hinder the game at all.

Sound:

This is where the game is let down. There are no voice-overs. No vocals at all except for the occasional moan and groan. You have got to read everything that is being said. It’s a shame but the rest of the sounds and atmospheric music is good and sets the tone and pace quite well.

Longevity:

With such a huge plot and many, many puzzles to solve, this game should take an experience gamer quite some time to finish if they don’t deviate from the main story. Yep….there are plenty of sub games, as well as a chance to collect all of the unusual monsters in the game. This collection is not vital to finishing the game but could prolong the life if the player decides to complete it.

Round Up:

Overall, the game is quite slow to start but once you get going, you will want to stick with it, to see what happens next. A massive game, which goes beyond a rental for a couple of nights, so you might have to just, purchase the game to finish it.

Pros:

• It’s Massive
  
• Varied Gameplay
  
• Excellent animation
  

  Cons:
  

  • No Voice-overs
    
  • Too slow at start.