Preview: Egypt II: The Heliopolis Prophecy

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Developer: Cryo Interactive
Publisher: Réunion des Musées Nationaux
Platform: DVD
Genre: Adventure
Projected Release Date: Winter 2000

Whenever I think of Egypt, I reflect on the wind rippling through the sands of the desert, the Nile River, the pyramids and all of their mysterious splendor (they are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), of the Pharaohs and Moses, the Sphinx, and even of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), soldier and author, who led a rebellion of Arabs against the Turks in World War I. Egypt is the site of one of man's earliest civilizations, and even though it entered into the modern era many years ago, it still retains the aura and character of its distant past.

And whenever I see a game that focuses on Egypt I want to play it. The first Egyptian game that I played from Cryo/Réunion des Musées Nationaux/Canal+ Multimedia was Egypt 1156 B.C.: Tomb of the Pharaoh. That adventure (1998) took place during the reign of Ramses III and on the site of what is now called the city of Luxor. It was a rare treat to visit the tomb of Sethi I, the embalmer's workshop, the noble's house, and the great temple of Karnak. At times, you could almost feel the grit blowing in your face (I have a well-developed imagination).

Soon we will have another work of art concerning this venerable kingdom--Egypt II: The Heliopolis Prophecy--that will take place around 1360 B.C. At that time, the Egyptian Empire was still a powerful concern, still a leading force on Earth, although its victories in various wars were destroying it.

But this game does not concern itself with wars, defeats, or victories. It takes place in Heliopolis, City of the Sun, major seat of learning and one of Egypt's largest cities (at that time). A terrible epidemic is threatening to destroy the city. Tifet, a young priestess of Sekhmet, the goddess of sickness and medicine, sets out to discover a cure for the illness that is killing her father and many of the inhabitants of the area. Behind the symptoms of this plague, Tifet finds treachery and secret plots. Is the illness being caused by natural forces, or is it the product of someone's evil desire for power, money, and glory?

I have had the opportunity to explore some of the game areas in a brief demo (from Cryo). The graphics are lovely and filled with gentle colors. Tifet and the other characters are beautifully drafted, and their movements through the game are smooth and flowing. This game gives every appearance of being a winner for adventure gamers and history buffs.

Cryo et al. have sold more than 500,000 copies, worldwide, of Egypt 1156 B.C., and Egypt II is the much-awaited second chapter. It is a theme that continues to fascinate many players. It will have a documentary base presented by the heroine, organized by theme, that will highlight the topics of the game. It will be populated by a large number of characters and animals, and atmosphere, to give a great sensation of total immersion in the culture. And an original soundtrack will gift-wrap the entire package.

Nothing survives of Heliopolis today except in the minds of scholars. Only an obelisk marks the location of this great religious capital of more than forty centuries ago. Rebuilding it has been an unprecedented challenge for Cryo, but they are giving us the people, life in the marketplace, the port, the city streets, and the temple. And a game that should provide enjoyment for us all. Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on it.