Egypt II: The Heliopolis Prophecy
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.
