As Sphinx, players will be treated to a more traditional adventure game which combines many aspects of games like
Tomb Raider, with those of
Zelda. As the young demi-god, players will learn numerous tricks and moves to help them conquer the game's many traps and monsters. Sword combos are incredibly easy to pull off, as are many of the moves Sphinx will learn over the course of the game. Sphinx is also armed with a blowpipe that can be loaded with several different dart types, such as fire, acid and bouncing. Not only will the pipe prove to be an invaluable combat resource, but it also plays a major part in many of the game's head-scratching puzzles. And believe me, some of the puzzles in the game are extremely clever, and will take a while to figure out.
One of the more interesting aspects of Sphinx is the dynamics between the two characters. Whereas Sphinx's quest is rather typical for an adventure game, that of the mummy is incredibly unique. This section of the demo was easily one of my favorites, and judging from the reaction of some of other editors, they were pleased as well. Before beginning to understand the mummy's side of the quest, you have to realize that as a mummy, he's already dead. The way this plays into the entire scenario is very interesting and one of the more creative modes of gameplay I've seen in a game, especially in terms of problem solving. The puzzles in this section ranged from having to light yourself on fire in order to light a torch, to literally flattening yourself so you can fit through a thin space between bars. I could go on, but frankly -- some of the more far out methods just have to be seen to be believed.
