Riddle of the Sphinx (Atari 2600)
Riddle of the Sphinx is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Imagic for the Atari 2600 in 1982. Players take on the role of a treasure hunter exploring ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs in search of the Pharaoh's treasure.
The gameplay consists of navigating a series of interconnected screens filled with traps, obstacles, and enemies. The player character can move in four directions, jump, and use a whip to defeat enemies like scorpions, snakes, and bats. The game features puzzles that often require finding and using specific items located throughout the environment. The player must also collect keys to unlock doors and progress further into the pyramid.
The game is known for its relatively large (for the Atari 2600) and complex world, requiring players to meticulously explore and remember locations. The difficulty is considered high, stemming from challenging platforming sections, limited lives, and unforgiving enemy encounters.
Riddle of the Sphinx was one of Imagic's more ambitious and technically impressive games for the Atari 2600, pushing the limitations of the console to create a more intricate and involving adventure experience compared to many of its contemporaries. It represents a notable example of the action-adventure genre on the Atari 2600.