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Review of Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge on Nintendo DS

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Oct 2007
Cover image of Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge on DS
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 10 Oct 2007
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: MumboJumbo
Publisher: MumboJumbo

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge, where you can finally realize your dreams of becoming the ultimate Egyptian gem-slinger! Not only do you get to unleash your inner pharaoh, but you're also challenged to eliminate magical spheres faster than you can say 'Tutankhamun.' Is this puzzler a royal gem or does it belong in the pyramid's trash heap? Let's dig deep and find out!

Gameplay

The gameplay of Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge revolves around shooting magical spheres from your trusty scarab (yes, it's a beetle, don't judge). Your goal? Eliminate clusters of three or more like-colored spheres. Think of it as a colorful, action-packed game of whack-a-mole but with a lot more sass and a lot fewer moles. You control the scarab across the bottom of the screen, aiming carefully like a sniper at a very special crystal infection. As the magical spheres parade down towards your pyramid (which is unlike actual pyramids as it totally doesn't have Netflix), your reflexes and quick-thinking skills are put to the test. You can quickly become overwhelmed as the spheres flow like an unholy river, and like an ancient Egyptian being confronted by a raging river god, you're faced with climbing pressure. If even one sphere reaches your pyramid, you lose a life. Talk about high stakes? Your credibility is on the line depending on how fast your aim is! The true skill comes in the form of 'chain reactions.' When you pop one cluster, nearby spheres may join the popsicle party-leading to massive explosive annihilation and subsequently turning you into an ecstatic gamer, high-fiving the air like you just scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Completing levels grants you titles, and if you're up for an extra challenge, you can take your skills to the 'Challenge of Horus', a difficulty that separates the mere mortals from the godlike beings. If you can tackle that, you are officially the Uber-pharaoh, and maybe you should consider taking aim at the actual throne!

Graphics

Now let's chat about the graphics. Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge isn't trying to be the next groundbreaking AAA title; its visuals are more akin to a fun, Saturday morning cartoon that you wouldn't mind being stuck in traffic behind (preferably not in the sweltering sun, though). Colorful spheres bounce around like popcorn on a hot stove, providing a visual feast for your teenage gaming soul. Each level introduces a unique, mesmerizing back-drop that conjures thoughts of palm trees swaying under the golden sun-if you can manage to notice between bursts of exploding spheres. The game is vibrant, colorful, and easy on the eyes-perfect for long sessions of yelling at your DS while skillfully leveling up your scarab-based shooting abilities!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge delivers a quality gemstone puzzle experience that is as addicting as it is challenging. With its escalating difficulties that keep even the most skilled players on their toes, vibrant graphics, and the added layer of strategic gameplay, it manages to skillfully mix casual play with those nail-biting moments that leave you questioning your life choices. You might also develop a healthy fear of spheres, but that's just part of the charm. If you've ever wanted to casually flaunt your prowess as the ultimate pyramid protector, strap on those gaming sandals, grab your Nintendo DS, and prepare to conquer the magical sphere maelstrom. Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge earns a solid 8.5 out of 10 from us, as it emphasizes challenge and skill while providing an entertaining escape into a vibrant world that will have you saying, 'I'm not just playing a game, I'm saving the world from color!'

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