When I first heard of this game I immediately assumed it was another generic game, trying to start a new franchise in the already over crowded world of platformers. How wrong I was. After a few minutes researching the game, I found myself looking at a game that could actually become something special. Here's why…

The most obvious thing about it is the graphics. Rather than go for the in vogue cell shading, or the attitude many companies go for and just not really bother too much, they have made a real effort. The results are some detailed character models, textured surfaces and an interesting game environment. Basically, the game oozes visual character. There are neat touches all over the place, from Egyptian patterns on the walls to crazy paving on the ground. It follows a strict pattern with everything in the game, and the Egyptian feel is great. And the cut scenes? Well, the best this side of Resident Evil, really atmospheric, full of incidental detail and of course, with a comedic touch. The only problem is frame rate. Several US reviews have touched on this as being a problem, with the occasional stutter and even an even rarer short freeze. However, no-one has suggested it is more than a minor problem, and occurs very rarely.

It also sees you controlling both the in game characters, Sphinx, a demi-god, and Mummy. They each give you access to different areas and skills. For example Mummy is invulnerable, so an area surrounded by flames or sharp blades can still be accessed. Sphinx on the other hand gives you more standard platform adventure action. The mix of the two styles, one more puzzle based, and the other platform based should mix it up a bit, so neither becomes tedious. The characters learn and develop skills as the game progresses, such as a shield or the double jump for Sphinx. Again this adds more to the game play, as it means you are constantly learning, and honing your skills. Gameplay is given another nice feel by a Pokemon inspired touch you get later in the game. You can capture and hold two monsters in your inventory for use in battle.

The in game music keeps up the Egyptian theme, and is again very atmospheric. How ever it is quite repetitive. The sfx are great, and are in keeping with the rest of the game. For once I am not going to criticise the voice acting, but that is purely because it is kept to a minimum. Where there is voice acting it isn't too bad though.

The story line, as ever in this style of games, is the old classic: collect x amount of important artefacts, and then dish out punishment to the scatterer of said artefacts. But, just to be fair to the game, you can have a summary anyway, so here goes. Mummy is the mummy of Tutankhamen. He got cursed by the games bad guy, who also happens to be with Mummy's girl friend, to reanimate him. So now he needs to find the jars with his organs in. Sphinx comes into this, as he is fighting against evil, and the bad gods. Apparently the wrong god, Set, is in charge and is being destructive, so Sphinx and Mummy go after him once they have got all the organs. No game would be complete without a trainer/mentor character, and in this case it's Horus, the friendly god.

While I think the story line is as clichéd as buying flowers on Valentines Day i am very much so looking forward to this game. It looks very impressive and the gameplay seems interesting and varied. Early impressions from US reviews are very favourable, with almost all recommending it whole heartedly. And based on what I have seen, heard and read I have no option but to follow their lead. Get this game!