Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy

 Switch
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
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  1. Nintendo Insider
    Jan 28, 2019
    80
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a must play classic that acts as a great example on how to make a timeless title. Despite having a few quirks that remind us of its age, this Egyptian escapade is just as enjoyable as it was back in 2003, if not even more so on the Switch. Not only does it manage to nail the essence of a good adventure title, but it provides us with entertaining abilities and puzzles that are truly a fun experience. Perhaps THQ Nordic will give this game the chance at a sequel, where it could potentially become the series it was always meant to be.
  2. Cubed3
    Apr 15, 2019
    70
    While it may not be of the same quality as the greats of its era, this is a solid and enjoyable title. The puzzle sections are by far the highlight, but the exploration and Zelda-style progression are all good enough to keep the players coming back. Many, many players who have fond memories of the generation missed out on this one, and its resurrection here gives them a chance to experience something new yet nostalgic. Instead of a new game trying to capture the feel of an era, this is a lost relic, a chance to experience a "new" action-platformer from the past.
  3. FNintendo
    Feb 15, 2019
    70
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a fun, unpretentious and humorous game that features both combat and puzzle-solving in an Ancient Egypt setting. Thanks to its environment, soundtrack and enjoyable gameplay, the game provides an experience that can be appreciated by all looking for a good time.
  5. ZTGD
    Feb 12, 2019
    70
    Sure it isn’t going to go down in history as a great platformer, but I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting it. It reminded me of the progress of our medium as well as the days when every company was trying to get in on the character platform action. I like to see forgotten games get a second chance, and THQ Nordic seems to be doing the legwork. Just spread it out and bring these to other consoles. Everyone should be able to stroll down memory lane at some point.
  6. COGconnected
    Feb 8, 2019
    70
    I’d still recommend trying out Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy just to see some of the interesting ideas floating around, and how not to design jumping in a game. It puts an interesting game-ified twist on Egyptian mythology and shows how far influence can take a project, as there are multiple prominent moments where the game is clearly trying to emulate the feel and pacing of a Zelda title. But in a time where remasters and remakes are a dime a dozen, THQ Nordic may want to put a little more effort into their IPs next time around.
  7. SpazioGames
    Jan 31, 2019
    70
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is still a good action-adventure game, although some of its core elements have not aged well.
  8. Digitally Downloaded
    Jan 30, 2019
    70
    Sphinx has aged relatively well. This is the perfect way to introduce newcomers to the game, even if it’s a series that didn’t take off.
  9. Nintendo Life
    Jan 28, 2019
    70
    While its platforming mechanics are still a tad unpredictable at times – and the huge gaps between save points still rankle – Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy’s quality nonetheless shines through. Weaving melee combat, environmental puzzles and plenty of platforms with a fun and interesting take on Egyptian mythology, it’s an action-platformer that really holds up well, despite the years on its clock. Its camera might still be a bit rubbish, but with a new lick of HD paint, this is a hidden gem that deserves a little time in the limelight.
  10. Switch Player
    Mar 21, 2019
    60
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a nice throwback to the golden age of 3D action-platformers. Just don’t expect all of that genres ticks to have been fully ironed out.
  11. Critical Hit
    Feb 5, 2019
    60
    Who knows, maybe Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy would have been more attractive in this day and age if it exuded more…Pharoahmones.
  12. GameSpew
    Jan 29, 2019
    60
    Just a little bit too dated to carve out a place in the modern market. Its aesthetic may still carry some charm, but next to the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, or even the remakes of Crash and Spyro, it just doesn’t hold up.
  13. Nintendojo
    Feb 7, 2019
    50
    If you like early 2000s 3D third person platformers, this is worth a look, but be aware that it isn’t as modern as the current promotional material might make it out to be.
  14. Gaming Age
    Apr 12, 2019
    42
    It’s hard to figure out why THQ wanted to bring this game back more than 15 years after it was originally released, because there’s nothing to be found here that suggests the game deserved to be resurrected from obscurity.
  15. Video Chums
    Feb 12, 2019
    40
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy was a somewhat enjoyable adventure when it released for consoles back in 2003 but it's definitely a frustrating experience and modern gamers will likely get fed up with its tedious puzzles well before reaching its conclusion.
  16. Screen Rant
    Jan 31, 2019
    40
    It's a 16-year old game that didn't age well and that doesn't carry much nostalgic value.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 5 out of 23
  1. vree
    Mar 7, 2019
    7
    If you are eager for a classic 3D zelda like game (that BOTW didn't give) on the switch this game and Okami are the closest you will get forIf you are eager for a classic 3D zelda like game (that BOTW didn't give) on the switch this game and Okami are the closest you will get for now. Untill Nintendo hopefully re-release the older 3D zelda games or my beloved "starfox adventures" (yes I truly love that game) on the switch.

    It's quite a short game. You wll probably finish it around 10-15 hours depending on how many side quests you complete. So it has about the same lenght as star fox adventures. If you are looking for the longer/better game then I can first advise to play Okami with t's 40-50 hours and is on the switch.

    This game s heavily focused on solvng puzzles. You play as two different characters. On more acton and one only puzzles (no combat). So yeah more puzzles in general. Some of them really brainbreakers. But that's just a plus to me.

    The 4 beefs i have with this game are:
    -too few save points that could lead to some frustration if you die or have to suddenly quit playing.
    -combat can be quite anoying without a lock on feature to help. Imagine playing a 3D zelda without lock on. You can get by by just mashing the attack button. But you will have to rotate the camera constantly. And the camera handling isn't that great...
    -Environments feel a little lacking in the engrosing department.
    -Side-quests are nice, there is even capture all the enemies like some kind of pokémon collecting game. But all these sidequests don't give much reward beyond more 'heart pieces' that you don't really ever need.

    If you can overlook these flaws then you will have a nice game to play through. Don't follow all the hate.    … Full Review »
  2. cogdotnet
    Jan 30, 2019
    6
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a diamond in the rough. It is very enjoyable in some aspects, but has not aged well in others. Remastering theSphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a diamond in the rough. It is very enjoyable in some aspects, but has not aged well in others. Remastering the game further to correct some issues with the game would have went a far way into making this a better experience.… Full Review »
  3. ProfPlum
    Apr 13, 2019
    9
    The puzzles are outstanding, the characters are charming, and the boss fights are challenging. I loved this game.
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