================================================================================
================/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \=================
===============/ _ _ _ ______ _______ \================
==============/ | | | | | | \ \ / / | __ | | ___ | \===============
=============/ | | | | | | \ \/ / | | | | | | | | \==============
============/ ##| | | | | | \ / | | | | | |___|_|## \=============
============\ ##| | | | | | / \ | | | | | |\ \ ## /=============
=============\ | |____ | |___| | / /\ \ | |__| | | | \ \ /==============
==============\ |______| |_______| / / \ \ |______| |_| \__\ /===============
===============\ /================
================\ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /=================
================================================================================
An FAQ by: Josantium
___________________
| |
|*Table of Contents*|
|___________________|
I - Version History
II - Introduction of Myself and the Game (including controls, the menu, etc.)
III - Powerups and other collectibles
IV - Scoring (This includes combos, chains, etc.)
V - Levels (Including a guide for each level)
VI - Tips, Tricks, and Secrets (Ways to boost scores, along with other tips)
VII - Legal Information
======================
I - Version History
======================
1.00 - The original walkthrough/FAQ
===========================================
II - Introduction of Myself and the Game
===========================================
Hello, my name is Josiah (a.k.a. Josantium). I am (obviously) the author of
this FAQ. This is my first walkthrough/FAQ. It also happens to be over one of
my most favorite games, Luxor. Luxor is a puzzle game that was released in 2005
and created by MumboJumbo. The game takes place in Egypt, where you are
fighting for control of the land with the Egyptian God of chaos, Set.
Now I will introduce the basics of the game. This information will help you to
find your way through the game when you first start playing it.
Once the game finishes loading (after double clicking on the icon to start it),
you get to click the "Click Here to Play" button. After doing this, you are
required to put a name in for yourself. Once you finish that, you have the
option to add more names at the top by clicking the "If this is not you Click
Here" button. Just below that, you can choose to start the game, adjust the
options, get more instructions, check out the high scores, quit the game, or go
to MumboJumbo's website (the "More Games" button), by simply clicking their
respective buttons. Once you get familiarized with all these buttons, you can
click the "Start Game" button, and begin your adventure in the land of Egypt!
After you click the start game button, the main map for the game comes up. You
can start your first level by pressing the "Start" button. In the game, you
control a winged scarab that fires spheres of various colors. From a starting
point in the level, a chain of differently colored spheres proceeds through the
maze. You use your left mouse button to fire a sphere at the chain (your right
mouse button alternates between your current and next spheres), the object
being to create matches of three or more, and thus destroy that portion of the
chain. Once you destroy a chain, a gem is released from the scarab pushing it.
Catching this gem with your scarab gives you bonus points. Immediately after
the destruction of one chain (or when a chain reaches a certain point in the
maze) another chain is released. It is very important to note the small pyramid
at the other end of the path. You must not allow any part of the chain to enter
it, or else you will lose a life. You continue to destroy chains until the bar
at the bottom of the screen fills and turns gold. Once the bar turns gold, it
means that no further chains will be released into the maze. Once you destroy
the final chain(s) on the screen, you have completed the level! (Note the
scarab that flies out of the pyramid. It gives you a number of bonus points,
depending on where you destroyed your last chain.)
A summary box then appears on the screen to give you information on the number
of points you scored in the level, the number of shots you fired, the number of
gems you collected, among other things. After clicking "done" you then proceed
to the main map, where you can choose to begin your next level. You can also
choose to quit the game, among other things, by clicking the "menu" button.
Clicking the button gives you four choices - adjust the options (same as
"options" on the main menu), learn how to play (the same as "Instructions" on
the main menu), quit the game, or continue to play the game. The "quit game"
button gives you the options to exit the game completely, exit the game to the
main menu, or to continue playing. You can choose whichever you like.
That's basically a run down of the game's main workings. Now I will discuss the
powerups and other collectibles that can be found in the game.
===============================
III - Powerups & Collectibles
===============================
There are many different powerups that you will encounter on your journey to
face Set. All of them serve to help you complete the level you are facing. I
will now describe these powerups for you so that you will be more prepared when
you play the game.
- Coins - Coins tend to fall when you make larger completions (i.e. five or
more). The larger the completion, the greater the chance that it will yield a
coin. Once you collect thirty coins, you earn an extra life, which are very
useful for those more tricky levels. Coins also earn you 250 points apiece when
you collect them. You can see how many coins and lives you have by looking at
the left part of the status screen in the middle of a game.
- Gems - As discussed in the section above, gems are given when you complete a
chain (provided that another chain doesn't crush the scarab pushing it). There
are fifteen different kinds of gems, each giving you a different number of
points. You start out with three gems that are worth 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000
points. As the game progresses, newer, more valuable gems appear. One new type
of gem is introduced for every stage after the first one.
- Slow - This is a powerup that slows all chains on the screen for a set period
of time. These can be useful for getting a better shot in tight areas, and also
can be useful in tight situations.
- Stop - The stop is a powerup that is very similar to the slow, the only
difference is that it stops the chains instead of slowing them. These can be
very beneficial in tight situations, or to get a better shot in a tight area.
- Reverse - The reverse is a very useful powerup that saves people in countless
situations (I know it has definitely saved me a lot). As the name implies, it
reverses all chains on the board for a certain amount of time. These get very
useful in the higher levels of the game.
- Wild Ball - This is a sphere that acts as any color of sphere when fired. It
is useful for maintaining combos, or just getting rid of an annoying sphere
pairing. It can also help when your chain is nearing or entering the pyramid,
as you are able to eliminate a pairing that could otherwise potentially end
your game.
- Fire Ball - This is a ball of flame that, when released, destroys all of the
spheres in its blast radius. It is important to try to aim the fire ball at a
place that will destroy the maximum number of spheres, such as at a bend in the
path.
- Lightning Ball - This is a ball that fires a bolt of lightning directly above
your scarab. It will destroy all spheres in its path, including spheres that
are very close to it when it is fired. It is important to fire the lightning
ball at a large vertical stretch in the path (when it is occupied by spheres).
- Color Bomb - The color bomb is a powerup that destroys all spheres of a
particular color on the board. They can be of any color, and also can be very
useful when you get chains that have very few pairs in them. Often, a color
bomb will trigger a chain reaction that destroys the entire chain.
==============
IV - Scoring
==============
Scoring in Luxor is rather simple. For that reason, this section won't be very
large. To begin with, I will talk about how sphere group destruction is scored.
When you destroy a group of three spheres, you receive 300 points. For each
additional sphere that you destroy in a given group, 100 points is added. For
example, if you destroyed a group of ten spheres, you would recieve 1,000
points. However, this is provided that other factors aren't at work. I will now
describe the two main factors that can affect scoring otherwise: chains and
combos.
Combos occur when you destroy three sphere groupings in a row (that is, when
you don't fire any shots in between destroying three sphere groupings). If you
are able to destroy three groupings in a row, you will recieve an extra 100
points for the third grouping. For each grouping after that, you will earn an
additional 100 points on top of any previous 100 point bonus(es). For example,
if you made seven groupings (of three) you would earn 800 points for the
seventh completion alone.
Chains occur when you fire at a group of spheres that is in between two groups
of spheres of a like color. When you destroy the group in the middle, the other
two groups "magnetize" to each other, and end up destroying each other
(provided there are at least three spheres in the group once it magnetizes).
Scoring for chains is a little more complex. The group that is destroyed on the
outside of the original group is worth twice as much as it would ordinarily be
worth (for example, say you had three green spheres in between two red spheres
on one side and one red sphere on the other side. If you shot the green
spheres, it would be worth 300 hundred points. Once the red spheres collided,
you would receive 600 hundred points for them). If you had more spheres of the
same color outside the second layer of spheres, and they came in contact as a
result of a chain, the resulting group would be worth three times their normal
amount (going off the last example, say you had two blue spheres on one side,
and one blue sphere on the other. The resulting destruction would be worth of
900 points (triple the normal value)). Chains work the same way for any number
of layers of spheres come in contact, four times the normal value for the
fourth layer, five times the value for fifth layer, etc.
==============
V - Levels
==============
To begin, I will list the levels that are in the game. After that, I will go
into detail about each of them. At the end, there will be a list that ranks all
of the levels in the game by difficulty.
Stage I (The Quest Begins/Alexandria) - This stage begins with four basic
colors, red, yellow, green, and blue.
1-1 - Uraeus Nefertari
1-2 - Nephty's Garden
1-3 - Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
1-4 - Descent To The Underworld
Stage II (Chasing The Caravan/Tanis)
2-1 - Hathor's Loving Embrace
2-2 - Ra's Journey To The West
2-3 - Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
2-4 - Khufu's Revenge
2-5 - Scroll Of Thoth
Stage III (To The Pyramids/Caravan)
3-1 - Threading Cleopatra's Needle
3-2 - Inundation Of The Nile
3-3 - Path Of The Golden Goddess
3-4 - Imhotep's Folley
3-5 - Barque Of The Goddess
3-6 - In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
Stage IV (Clue In The Ruins/Pyramids) - This stage adds purple colored spheres.
4-1 - Uraeus Nefertari
4-2 - Nephty's Garden
4-3 - Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
4-4 - Descent To The Underworld
4-5 - The Pillar Of Osiris
Stage V (The Oasis Of Isis/Ruins)
5-1 - Hathor's Loving Embrace
5-2 - Ra's Journey To The West
5-3 - Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
5-4 - Khufu's Revenge
5-5 - Scroll Of Thoth
5-6 - Oasis Of The East
Stage VI (Journey To The Sphinx/Oasis)
6-1 - Threading Cleopatra's Needle
6-2 - Inundation Of The Nile
6-3 - Path Of The Golden Goddess
6-4 - Imhotep's Folley
6-5 - Barque Of The Goddess
6-6 - In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
6-7 - Riddle Of The Sphinx
Stage VII (Pillars Of Karnak/Sphinx) - This stage adds white colored spheres.
7-1 - Uraeus Nefertari
7-2 - Nephty's Garden
7-3 - Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
7-4 - Descent To The Underworld
7-5 - The Pillar Of Osiris
7-6 - Inner Sanctum Of The Temple
Stage VIII (After The High Priest/Karnak)
8-1 - Hathor's Loving Embrace
8-2 - Ra's Journey To The West
8-3 - Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
8-4 - Khufu's Revenge
8-5 - Scroll Of Thoth
8-6 - Oasis Of The East
8-7 - Den Of The Hyenas
Stage IX (City Of The Dead/Stone Quarry)
9-1 - Threading Cleopatra's Needle
9-2 - Inundation Of The Nile
9-3 - Path Of The Golden Goddess
9-4 - Imhotep's Folley
9-5 - Barque Of The Goddess
9-6 - In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
9-7 - Riddle Of The Sphinx
9-8 - Cobraic Twilight
Stage X (Up The Cataracts/Necropolis) - This stage adds the black spheres, the
last added color in the game.
10-1 - Uraeus Nefertari
10-2 - Nephty's Garden
10-3 - Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
10-4 - Descent To The Underworld
10-5 - The Pillar Of Osiris
10-6 - Inner Sanctum Of The Temple
10-7 - Navigating The Cataracts
Stage XI (The Hermit's Advice/Cataracts)
11-1 - Hathor's Loving Embrace
11-2 - Ra's Journey To The West
11-3 - Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
11-4 - Khufu's Revenge
11-5 - Scroll Of Thoth
11-6 - Oasis Of The East
11-7 - Den Of The Hyenas
11-8 - Dance Of The Crocodiles
Stage XII (Temple Of The Goddess/Hermit)
12-1 - Threading Cleopatra's Needle
12-2 - Inundation Of The Nile
12-3 - Path Of The Golden Goddess
12-4 - Imhotep's Folley
12-5 - Barque Of The Goddess
12-6 - In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
12-7 - Riddle Of The Sphinx
12-8 - Cobraic Twilight
12-9 - Lair Of The Jackal God
Stage XIII (The Wrath Of Set/Philae)
13-1 - The Pillar Of Osiris
13-2 - Oasis Of The East
13-3 - Riddle Of The Sphinx
13-4 - Inner Sanctum Of The Temple
13-5 - Den Of The Hyenas
13-6 - Cobraic Twilight
13-7 - Navigating The Cataracts
13-8 - Dance Of The Crocodiles
13-9 - Lair Of The Jackal God
13-10 - The Wrath Of Set
Those are the levels that comprise the game. Now I will discuss each of the
mazes in detail.
==================
Uraeus Nefertari
==================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
This is one of the easiest levels of the game (Probably due to the fact that it
is the first level in the game). It is basically constructed of a series of
long sweeping curves that takes you to the pyramid.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- You can be free with your firing on the straightaways, but you must be
careful when firing at the spheres making a turn, as well as spheres that are
on the straightaway above where the chain is taking a turn.
- Try to use your fire balls on the turns (when spheres are there). Lightning
balls can be used on the edges of all of the turns, so long as spheres occupy
most of the turns when you decide to fire.
- Other than that, the level is pretty straightforward. Have fun!
=================
Nephty's Garden
=================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Nephty's Garden is another easy level. The path starts out on the top right,
where it continues to the left until it reaches the left side of the screen. At
this point it turns downward, where it continues about 2/3 of the way down the
screen until it takes a right that also takes it 2/3 of the way across the
screen. From here, the path goes up for a short time, then left, then up again,
then right for about half of the screen, then down for about 3/4 of the screen,
then left for the entire screen until it reaches the pyramid.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- Try to destroy as much as you can while the chain is on the top and middle
straights. If you do this quickly enough, you might even be able to destroy the
entire chain (in the first couple of stages this level is in at least).
- Use your lighting balls on either the left or right vertical straights, and
try to use your fire balls on any turn or area that has a lot of mismatched
spheres on it.
- Otherwise, this level is as easy, if not easier than, the first level, and
with a little practice, you should be able to beat it without much of a
problem!
===========================
Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
===========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Pool of the Lotus Bottom is a little more difficult than it's two predecessors.
It starts out on the lower left corner of the screen and continues in a
somewhat winding and confusing path (that is rather hard to describe with
words) back and forth across the screen until it reaches the lower right, where
the pyramid is located.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It can be beneficial to destroy a few sphere groupings when the chain first
emerges from the left side of the screen. This can significantly reduce the
amount of work you have to do as the chain progresses.
- Concentrating one's fire on the two main horizontal straights can destroy
most chains. This is especially true early on in the game. Be careful when
firing on the tight turns, careless firing can really mess up the chain.
- Lighting balls should be used on the right side of the screen. This is where
the longest vertical stretch in the level is located. There are plenty of turns
and curves where you can use your fire balls on.
- As I already mentioned, this level can be slightly more difficult than the
first two, especially in the higher levels. Even still, it should present only
a small problem with some practice.
===========================
Descent To The Underworld
===========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Descent To The Underworld is a level that is about as difficult as Pool of the
Lotus Bottom. It's similar to Uraeus Nefertari in that the path travels in
horizontal straights down to the bottom, where the pyramid is. The one largest
difference, however, is the fact that there are bridge-like obstacles that the
chains have to pass under on their way to the pyramid. Whenever you shoot at a
chain while it is under a bridge, the sphere will cruise over the chain until
it either hits another chain above, or passes off the screen. Therefore, it is
important to fire at the chain while it is NOT under the bridge (except in
certain circumstances that will be talked about below).
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- Try to destroy chains as they appear on the screen. Otherwise, the chains
will become backed up and you will end up with a very large mess on your hands.
- The bridges can actually be used to your advantage. If you find that you have
an available sphere that matches a sphere or sphere grouping above a bridge,
you can fire that sphere at the bridge. The sphere will pass over it and, if
you aimed well, join and destroy the grouping above the bridge.
- Fire balls can be used in the same way with regards bridges - you can destroy
a mess of spheres above a bridge by firing at the bridge. Fire balls can also
be beneficial for use on turns. Lightning balls can be fired along the edge of
all the turns (as long as there are multiple chains making turns). You will be
able to clear a large number of spheres this way.
=========================
Hathor's Loving Embrace
=========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Hathor's Loving Embrace also bears some resemblance of Uraeus Nefertari. This
is primarily true because of its back and forth curved horizontal straights.
The level is made up completely of these straights, which are coiled together
closely - like a snake's "embrace". The straights take you all of the way to
the bottom, where the path enters the pyramid. Overall, it is a little more
difficult than Descent To The Underworld. It shouldn't present much difficulty
with some practice, though.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- As with many of the levels in this game, try to destroy the chains as they
come. By doing this, you will have fewer troubles later in the level.
- The horizontal straights are curved upward. This can be very helpful for the
use of fire balls, as you will be able to take out a few extra spheres with
each shot. Lighting balls can be used basically anywhere on this board, just
make sure you aim at a place where you will knock out a lot of spheres.
- This level will present more troubles with aiming than most of the previous
levels did. The increased slope of the curving straights will cause a lot of
your shots to miss their target (by impacting a sphere or so behind or ahead of
your target). This can be compensated for with a lot of practice and
experience, though we all still have problems with it from time to time.
==========================
Ra's Journey To The West
==========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Ra's Journey To The West presents a significantly greater challenge than its
predecessors. It can be especially difficult to complete in the higher stages.
The chain enters the screen from a path that starts at the bottom right area of
the screen. The path carries the chain around the screen in a left-up-right-up-
left/across the screen pattern (on the right side of the screen). The path is
symmetrical, so it is simply a reflection of that on the left side of the
screen. Practice will help you a lot with this level.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will prove difficult to destroy chains as they come in this level. The
initial stretch isn't very long, which is what makes this such a large problem.
However, as your skills become better developed, you will be able to do some
damage with the limited space you have available at the start. This will prove
critical in your attempts to beat the level, especially in later stages.
- Lightning balls can be fired at any one of the four areas with a lot of
corners, so long as there are spheres in the area. Fire balls are good anywhere
in this level, but especially on the corners. You will be able to destroy a
large number of spheres by taking advantage of the many available corners
(which will be helpful in your endeavor to beat the level).
- Taking out spheres that are in the uppermost horizontal stretch (the one that
goes across the entire screen) will be important. This is the prime opportunity
in the level to destroy a large number of spheres. In many cases, you will be
able to knock out entire chains as they travel through here.
===========================
Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
===========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Flight Of The Sacred Ibis is actually easier than both its predecessors,
surprisingly. It may present a challenge for some people on higher stages, but
in most cases, practice (notice how I continually emphasize it) will overcome
any problems. The level starts in the upper-left corner of the screen. From
there it proceeds in a Uraeus Nefertari-like sweep of curves that bring the
path to the pyramid. This level also resembles Pool of the Lotus Bottom in some
regards.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will not present too serious a challenge, but might be a good idea to take
out the chains when they are either entering the main series of curves or on
the first horizontal stretch/curve. If you are able to do most of your damage
in this area, you won't have much of a problem completing the level.
- Both lighting and fire balls can be used virtually everywhere in this level,
provided there are spheres in that region. The curves of this level (they are
similar to the curves found in Hathor's Loving Embrace) will allow for more
damage to be done with fire balls.
- As with Hathor's Loving Embrace, aiming will also be something of a challenge
(at first) in this level.
=================
Khufu's Revenge
=================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Any somewhat experienced player who is stuck on ol' Khufu probably hasn't read
another word of this guide. Well, I suppose I will have to divulge my secrets
about this level to you. If you aren't experienced, then you know nothing of
this level, so let me tell you - you'll be humbled when you do come across it.
If you are experienced, then you know how painful this level was early in your
playing days. Khufu's Revenge is arguably the hardest level in the game. It has
caused many a player to become very frustrated. I know I was one of them. The
architecture is the primary cause of the difficulty of this level. The path
starts out in the upper-right corner of the screen. From here, the path travels
across the screen, down a bit, and then back across the screen. It then goes
downward for the remaining two-thirds of the screen. Once it gets near the
bottom, it goes back to the left. The path is uninterrupted for about
two-thirds of the screen. Near the end of the screen, however, it enters a
tunnel. From here, the path travels upwards a bit, then back to the right, at
which point it exits the tunnel. The path continues across the screen (about
two-thirds of the way). Then the path turns up and to the left, where it
continues until it enters the pyramid, which is located about halfway down the
board on the far left. The fact that the chain is blocked as it travels along
the two final horizontal straights is the most difficult part of this level. It
is very difficult to do anything with chains when they are in this area (when
there is a chain in the bottom most stretch). Also, there seems to be some sort
of algorithm that was programmed into this level that causes spheres of colors
that you do not need to be given you instead of spheres that you desperately
need. Or is it just me? For these reasons, Khufu's Revenge is, arguably, the
most difficult level in the game.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- And now what everyone's been waiting for - help for beating Khufu! The
fundamental thing that must be done to beat this level is this (drumroll
please): PRACTICE!!! If you do not try this level over and over and over and
over again, you will NOT beat it. It takes dozens, sometimes hundreds of
attempts for people to master this level. This is the key! You will become
frustrated, you will be tempted to smash your mouse and computer, but you will
eventually get it - with PRACTICE!!!
- There are other tips I can give you that will help you to beat this level
with fewer attempts, though. One of the most important supplemental things you
can do with this level involves your lightning balls. It is imperative that you
save them until you have a chain that is filling the vertical stretch on the
right side. Then - USE THEM! This will provide an immense amount of help in
your effort to keep the chains back. Fire balls can be used almost anywhere,
but try to save them for dire situations.
- You must do everything you can to keep the chains from entering the tunnel.
If you are able to do this for at least three-quarters of any given level, you
will most likely be able to complete the level (I know that this is easier said
than done). In any case, a key to beating this level is to keep the chains out
of the tunnel, or at least out of the stretch immediately following the tunnel.
If you are unable to do this, it is very likely that you will lose Khufu that
time around.
- There are a few things you can do, though, if a chain leaves the tunnel while
more are coming behind. You must use every available sphere to destroy chains
that are farthest forward (remember the algorithm that (I think) keeps
necessary spheres away from you in times of need). Shoot through gaps in nearby
chains if you have to, but you must destroy the chain nearest the pyramid!
- Good luck in your quest to defeat Khufu's Revenge. You're going to need it!
(Remember: PRACTICE!!!)
=================
Scroll Of Thoth
=================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Scroll Of Thoth is a welcome relief after dealing with Khufu's Revenge. It is
still a fairly difficult level, though, especially in the higher stages. The
level looks like the cross-section of a scroll, starting out in middle left,
and continuing in a swirl until it reaches the other side of the screen - where
the pyramid is. The level can present a challenge in some of the higher levels
because of the steep and somewhat short slope the spheres use on their final
journey to the pyramid. The short length of the ramp makes this part of the
level the most difficult.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- Try to take out chains as they come. This will be especially easy early in
the game, when you are able to easily reach any part of the screen with your
spheres. Later on, this will prove more difficult, but necessary if you want to
beat the level without breaking a sweat.
- Lightning balls are suited for the exact center of the screen, especially
when this area is completely filled with spheres. They become less useful the
farther left and right you go on the screen. Fire balls are ideal for use in
the topmost parts of the "scroll". This is where the curvature of the path
allows for more spheres to be destroyed with the fire ball. Otherwise, use the
fire ball where there are a lot of spheres or a knot of spheres that you need
to get rid of.
- Aiming is difficult in this level. The center of the screen (center of the
"scroll") is designed so as to make the spheres flip-flop when you fire in this
area carelessly (that is, they will hit the near center of a sphere you want
get next to, and end up going to the side you don't want the sphere to go to).
- When the spheres near the pyramid, it will be important to fire as quickly as
you can to eliminate as many spheres as possible (to prevent the chain from
entering the pyramid).
==============================
Threading Cleopatra's Needle
==============================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Threading Cleopatra's Needle is a level that is about average in difficulty
once you get into the game. It can pose a challenge in higher difficulty
levels, but it usually doesn't cause you to lose many lives. The path begins in
the upper-left corner of the screen. From here, it proceeds across the screen,
toward the bottom-right area, in a series of zig-zags. Once it nears the
bottom-right, it turns and comes about. A long, diagonal stretch then traverses
the screen, going over and under the various parts of the zig-zags. Once the
path reaches the left side of the screen again, it takes a sharp downward turn
that takes it to the bottom of the screen. From here, the path traverses the
screen in a straight horizontal straight that takes it into the pyramid (on the
right side of the screen).
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It's going to be very difficult to take out chains as they enter the screen,
so don't bother unless you are a very experienced player. Instead, take out the
chains as they go along. You have plenty of room, so don't rush yourself too
seriously (unless you are on a higher level). Just focus on keeping the chains
out of the pyramid.
- Fire balls can be used on any of the apexes of the zig-zags or on any
corners. They will be able to take out a large number of spheres if you aim
them very carefully. Lightning balls should be used on either the leftmost
vertical straight, or somewhere on the zig-zags, so long as it is VERY
carefully aimed (also, if you are lucky enough to get a lightning ball when a
chain is just starting to come out the top, you might try firing it straight up
the path where the chain is spawning from. You will be able to wipe out most,
if not all, of the chain in one shot!).
- The large number of bridges and tunnels in this level will disrupt your
aiming, so make sure the sphere you're firing isn't going to fly over your
target! Also, be careful when aiming near the turns, lest you hit where you
didn't intend to.
- You have an unusually long path in this level, so you will have plenty of
time to get the job done. If you aren't experienced, it isn't necessary to rush
yourself too seriously.
========================
Inundation Of The Nile
========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Inundation Of The Nile is a rather difficult level, especially on the higher
levels of the game. To illustrate - I would definitely rank it in the top five
most difficult levels of the game. The speed of the level increases greatly as
you advance through the game. It starts out VERY slowly, and then speeds up
later on in the game to become relatively fast. The path starts out on the
right side of the screen. It then proceeds on a stretch (a curvy one at that)
that takes it to the other side of the screen. From here, it proceeds downward
in a long, sweeping curve. About halfway down, it takes a curving turn upward,
following which it proceeds downward, then upward again in a very long curve.
(in fact, this part almost looks like a horseshoe). Following this, the path
proceeds up and around the right side of the screen in yet another long curve
that turns it completely around. The path goes into a tunnel that was created
by the "horseshoe", and then enters the pyramid. This level becomes difficult
later in the game because of the limited space that you have to work with after
the path exits the tunnel (as a rule, it seems that all levels with such short
ending ramps/areas end up becoming very difficult later in the game).
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- You must do all that you can to keep the chains from entering the tunnel
(sounds an awful lot like Khufu, doesn't it?). If you are able to effectively
master that part of the level, you won't have as large a problem as some people
do with this one.
- Fire balls can be used anywhere there are spheres (the curves help to give
you that advantage). Lightning balls can be used on any one of the four
semi-vertical stretches in the level, so long as there are a large number of
spheres in the area. In fact, a carefully aimed lightning ball can do a great
deal of damage on these curves.
- The tunnel will present a problem when you are trying to aim at spheres
either entering or leaving it. You will often miss and end up hitting the chain
above. Aim carefully to avoid this.
- Try to take out the chains as they come. This will aid you in your task to
keep the spheres out of the tunnel, and in the long term, the pyramid.
- Use your space wisely when dealing with the last stretch (after exiting the
tunnel). If you mismatch too many spheres, the level will quickly be lost.
============================
Path Of The Golden Goddess
============================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Path Of The Golden Goddess is a slightly above-average difficulty level, well,
level. As with most of the other levels, it becomes more difficult as you
progress further through the game. The path starts out in the upper-right
corner of the screen, from where it proceeds into a long, sweeping curve. This
curve tightens about two-thirds of the way around the screen, where it makes a
loop that takes it under the previous long curve. From here, the path proceeds
in another long curve that takes it to the bottom of the screen, then across
the screen to a point near the top of the screen. At this point, this path
takes a series of turns that end up looking like an "S". The path then enters
the pyramid. This "S" can present a challenge later in the game, but the
abundance of long, sweeping curves makes up for most of the difficulty that
this level would otherwise pose.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will be important to do as much damage as possible while the chain is
traversing the main stretch. You'll have much less to deal with later in the
level by doing this.
- Fire balls should be used on any of the large curves where there are a lot of
spheres (the curvature helps a lot in this level). Lightning balls can be used
either on the rightmost vertical stretch or in the middle of the screen, where
the paths fall into a sort of line that allows for a large amount of damage
from lightning balls.
- Be careful when aiming around the tunnel, you may end up missing your target.
- In higher levels, the shortness of the final stretch at the bottom of the
screen may present a problem. It will be important to keep the spheres out of
this area as much as possible during such higher levels.
- A lot of damage can be done to chains while they are in the large stretch in
the bottom-center of the screen. If used correctly, you can get destroy every
chain that you get during a level in this area.
==================
Imhotep's Folley
==================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Imhotep's Folley is a fairly easy level. Strangely, it doesn't become much more
difficult as the game progresses (that's my experience at least). Its layout is
also fairly simple. It starts out on the left side, from which it proceeds
right about halfway across the screen, then up a bit, then it doubles back to
the far left edge, where it goes up to the top of the screen. At this point, it
goes to the right for the length of the screen. From here, it is symmetrical
with what I just described to you. Once it gets to the equivalent of the
starting point on the right side of the screen, it goes down, then proceeds
through a series of screen-wide straights that eventually bring it near the
bottom, where the path goes a bit further to the left than ususal, and then
goes up and into the pyramid.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will be very difficult to do much damage when the chain enters the screen,
but if you are experienced, you will be able to rapid-fire to destroy some of
the chain. You should be able to take care of the rest of the chain (at least
early on) on the topmost stretch.
- This level is great for fire balls and lightning balls, both of which are
ideal for use on the abundance of turns that exist in this level.
- Be careful when firing on the turns, you are very liable to miss your target.
Aim carefully!
- The bottom stretch will allow you to get rid of any spheres that get that
far. You shouldn't have any problem trying to beat this level, so take your
time and have fun with it!
=======================
Barque Of The Goddess
=======================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Barque Of The Goddess is a somewhat more difficult level (than the previous few
levels were). This is primarily due to its design, which, as I previously noted
about levels in general, incorporates a small ending stretch. This makes the
level especially difficult in the higher levels. It's design is rather simple -
it's in the shape of some sort of variant of a wine glass. It starts out on the
left side, where it proceeds to the right halfway across the screen. From here,
it takes a semi-diagonal run up the screen, and then takes a parallel route
back down. After this, it goes back up the screen in a similar fashion, and
then takes a right at the top. The other half is exactly symmetrical.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- As with the last level, you will have difficulty doing much damage as the
chains enter the screen (unless you are very experienced). You will have to do
most of your damage when you get windows of opportunity or as the chain goes
along.
- Fire balls can be used on any of the many turns/heavy curves that are in this
level. Lightning balls can be used on any of the several vertical straights
that can be found in the level.
- Try to keep the chains out of the final stretch, otherwise you will end up
with a very large mess on your hands.
- Take advantage of the topmost stretch on the screen. If you take good
advantage of it, you will be able to do quite a number on any chains entering
it.
- Aiming may also present a problem at some points, especially on the start and
finishing straights. Be careful!
===============================
In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
===============================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
In The Shadow Of The Pyramids may not seem overly difficult when you first
encounter it, but in the highest stage or so, it rivals Khufu's Revenge in
difficulty. It would easily rank in my list of top five most difficult levels.
I think the only reason why I wouldn't call this the most difficult level in
the game is this: it lacks the algorithm that I think exists in Khufu's
Revenge. If it did have that algorithm, this level would be VERY VERY
difficult. But the fact is that it doesn't. Even still, it is very difficult.
Once again, that is because of the short ending stretch. In this case however,
the ending stretch is only made short by another stretch that interferes with
the ending stretch so as to make it one of the shortest in the game. The path
starts out in the middle left area of the screen. It proceeds in a series of
diagonals that bring it to the bottom of the screen (these diagonals set up the
outline and partial interior of a pyramid). From here, the path proceeds to the
right, two-thirds of the way across the screen (this is the stretch that blocks
the final straight), from where it goes back to the left for a short distance,
and then back up and around through a pair of diagonals. The final stretch is
about half a screen's length diagonally. However, as I mentioned before, this
length is cut in half by the aforementioned horizontal stretch. The pyramid is
located in the lower-right corner of the screen.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will be absolutely imperative to destroy the chains as they enter the
screen. If you don't, I can almost guarantee that you will not be able to beat
this level. It is important to have the chains destroyed by the time they enter
the first horizontal stretch at the bottom of the screen.
- Lightning balls can be used basically anywhere in the level, so long as you
aim in an area where there are a lot of spheres (preferably, all three layers
of path should be filled when using them). Directly up the middle is also a
good place to fire lightning balls. Fire balls can be used on any of the slopes
or corners that are abundant in this level. Placement of the fire balls will be
critical in beating this level.
- If a chain gets past the first horizontal stretch, you will need to do
everything you can to destroy it before another one enters the area. If it gets
too backed up, you will end up having to place your shots VERY carefully on the
quarter-screen final stretch. Needless to say, this can be very difficult to
do.
- Take advantage of any breaks you get in the form of powerups. Use them to
drive the chains back out of the bottom horizontal stretch.
- Otherwise, be very quick in your destruction of these chains. It will require
all the speed you have to eliminate them in time. Good luck! (You'll need it).
======================
The Pillar Of Osiris
======================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
The Pillar of Osiris is the first level in the game with two separate paths.
However, It won't be the last one! This level isn't as hard as you would think
it would be, though. In fact, I would only rate it as a slightly above-average
level as far as difficulty goes. The paths are nearly identical, so I will give
you a description of only one of them. You can think of the other one as going
along the same lines as this one. Path number one starts out on the left side
of the screen, from where it comes in a little over a third of the way into the
screen. It then takes a turn upward and then to the left in relatively quick
succession. The path continues to the left all the way back across the screen,
from where it makes another turn upward (for a short distance). From here, it
makes the same "S" shaped turn that I just described. This time, the path is
taken to the top of the screen (by the "S"). From the top-center, the path
takes a short diagonal turn, following which it takes a straight dive to the
bottom of the screen. When it is near the bottom of the screen, the path turns
left, where it continues into the pyramid, which happens to be situated just
below where the path started.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It is important to balance your firing between the two chains (there are two
chains because of the two paths). If you focus too much on one, you may end up
in bad shape later on.
- The chains are very slow in the early levels, so you'll have some time to
destroy them. However, as you progress, the chains speed up significantly. At
these times, it will important to fire spheres (when you have them) at areas of
the chain that are more scattered.
- Fire balls are excellent for use straight up the middle, aimed at spheres on
the right path (going over the left path). By doing this, you will be able to
take out a huge number of spheres from both chains (provided there are spheres
from both chains present). Otherwise, fire balls can be used on any of the
turns. Aiming here will destroy a fair number of spheres, also. Lightning balls
are best used straight up one of the paths in the center, or, if you are good
enough a shot, directly in between the paths (to destroy some of both lines of
spheres). If there are no spheres in these areas, then use them on any series
of bends in the path that contain a large number of spheres.
- If you get stuck on this one in the higher levels, remember to alternate your
firing between each of the chains once they reach the bottom of the screen (on
the two small ending paths). You will be able to hold them off a bit longer by
balancing your fire in this way.
===================
Oasis Of The East
===================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Oasis Of The East is as its name implies - an oasis. This level is an easy
level in amongst more difficult ones. As usual, this is due to the architecture
of the level. It starts out in the upper-left corner of the screen, from where
it proceeds in a long curve downward and to the right. This curve eventually
flattens out into something of a straight. This straight wraps around and goes
back up and to the left, all the while curving liberally. It then takes a right
turn, making several sharp curves on its way back down to the bottom. Once it
does reach the bottom, it makes a turn to the left. This left ends up becoming
a straight that goes back across the screen, clear to the left side of the
screen (and the pyramid). The long ending stretch is a key to this level being
as easy as it is.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- This level is ideal for performing what I call "bombing runs". A bombing run
is basically when you fire as rapidly as you can to destroy as much as you can
while the chain is entering the screen. They are typically performed when there
is a long stretch that continues directly off of the starting point. Note that
they are not the same as my advice to destroy as much as you can early (when
the chain enters the screen). Bombing runs usually allow you to destroy most,
if not all of the chain, in one short burst of firing. The level is ideal for
bombing runs because of the long, sweeping straight at the beginning.
- Fire balls are ideal for use on any of the larger downward sloping curves, so
long as there are plenty of spheres there to make it worth your while.
Lightning balls can be used basically anywhere in this level, though their use
is most optimal on any of the longer vertical straights.
- Take advantage of any opportunities you have to destroy spheres in the areas
above the main horizontal stretch. This will help you to keep the chains back,
especially in the higher levels.
======================
Riddle Of The Sphinx
======================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Riddle Of The Sphinx is another fairly easy level in amongst more difficult
ones. As with Oasis Of The East, this is due primarily to the architecture (the
long ending stretch). The level starts out in the middle/lower-left of the
screen, and continues almost to the edge on the other side. From here, it
travels upward a slight distance, and then makes a series turns with diagonal
straights. These diagonals take the path to the left side of the screen again.
At this point, the path goes to the right, making a semi-circle and a pyramid
on the way to the right edge of the screen. Once it gets to the right side, it
goes downward to the bottom, then to the left, which takes it all the way
across the screen to the pyramid. Note that the level is highly twisted and
curved while it is above the two main horizontal straights. It is difficult to
destroy spheres in this area (more in "Tips For Beating It", below).
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- It will be very important to destroy the chains as quickly as you can in this
one. As I mentioned above, the area above the two main horizontal straights is
very complex. For this reason, it is difficult to destroy chains while they are
in this area, not only because of the difficulty with aiming, but also because
of the difficulty it presents when other chains enter the area below it (they
block the above chain). If you can fire quickly enough, and are a good enough
shot, you will be able to keep the chains from entering the final stretch (not
that this is a big deal, this level offers plenty of space for taking out
chains on the final stretch, it just expedites things).
- Fire balls are best used on any of the abundant apexes of large curves or
bends (such as the semi-circle or pyramid I mentioned above). Lightning balls
can be used virtually anywhere in this level, so long as there are spheres in
as many path levels as possible (the path is stacked on top of itself a lot in
this one).
- As I previously mentioned, aiming will be difficult in this level. It is very
easy to do mess up a chain with shots that missed their mark. You will need to
be very careful when you fire in areas that have a lot of curves and bends.
- Don't worry too much about this level, you shouldn't have too much trouble
beating it (especially due to the ending stretch!). Have fun!
=============================
Inner Sanctum Of The Temple
=============================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Inner Sanctum Of The Temple is another very difficult level. It would also rank
in my top five most difficult levels. The main reason for this is, once again,
the ending stretch. The stretch is fairly long, but it is cut off by chains
that come in below it. For this reason, the level can be very difficult at
times, especially when you are not that fast at firing. The level gives me
the impression of a pretzel. It starts out in the upper left corner (coming
from the top), from where it proceeds downward vertically, then downward and to
the right (diagonally) until it hits the right side of the screen. At this
point, it goes upward about two-thirds of the length of the screen, and then
all the way across the screen to the left. When it reaches the left edge of the
screen, the path turns and proceeds downward, all the way to the bottom of the
main playing area. It then goes diagonally upward and to the right, and once
it nears the top, it turns to create a short vertical path into the pyramid.
Overall, (as already mentioned) the level looks like a pretzel.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- As with "Oasis Of The East", this level is ideal for bombing runs (see
"Oasis Of The East - Tip 1" for further details). Use the starting stretch,
of course, for these assaults.
- Fire balls can be placed on any of the ninety-degree turns in the level, or
on the place where the paths intersect with one another (in the lower center),
so long as you aim a little bit to the left or right (to ensure that the sphere
won't just fly over the bridge/tunnel). Otherwise, you can use fire balls on
any other place that you desperately need to eliminate spheres. Lightning balls
are far more useful in this level than are fire balls. Lightning balls can be
used on either of the two main vertical straights, or on the vertical straight
that starts out the path for the level. By using it on the starting vertical
straight, you will be able to take out an entire chain (provided that you have
a lightning ball when one spawns).
- It is imperative that you keep chains from entering the final diagonal
stretch. If one gets past the turn onto this stretch, it is unlikely that you
will beat the level, as the chain on the main stretch is likely to block your
firing at the chain. You will need to be very quick at firing to prevent this.
I find that performing "bombing runs" helps me to beat this one with ease.
- This level is actually one of the more enjoyable ones for me now. It took a
long time to master, but once I did, it came very easily to me afterward. Once
you gain enough experience, you may very well find yourself enjoying this level
also!
- Remember: PRACTICE!!!
===================
Den Of The Hyenas
===================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Den Of The Hyenas looks intimidating, but it isn't overly difficult. This is
the only level in the game that is simple to beat in spite of its short ending
stretch. I don't know why that is, but the fact is that the level isn't that
hard. It starts out in the lower-left and corner, and proceeds through a bunch
of ninety-degree turns that take you to the pyramid. There are a total of four
bridges/tunnels in this level, all of which are caused by path intersections.
Also, there are a great deal of vertical and horizontal stretches (but no
diagonals). It is far too difficult for me to describe with words, so I'll just
leave it at that. You'll see what it looks like eventually.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- Try to destroy the chains as quickly as possible. You will have a harder time
destroying chains later on if you fail to destroy them early. This is primarily
due to the many parts of the level that are cut off by straights below them. If
you do end up with chains that are out of your firing range because of blockage
from chains below, try making a gap in the chain, and then fire through the gap
to destroy some of the above chain.
- Fire balls are good for use on any turn or on any tunnel/bridge area, so long
as you aim a little to the left or right in that area and there are a lot of
spheres in the area. Lightning balls are good for use anywhere, so long as
there are a large number of spheres in the area.
- Keep your cool when chains enter the final two stretches of the level. If you
play smart and otherwise methodically, you will be able to keep the chain out
of the pyramid.
==================
Cobraic Twilight
==================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Cobraic Twilight is, in my opinion, the most aesthetically appealing level in
the entire game. It is very colorful, and the path adds to this appeal. The
path is in the shape of a snake, fittingly. It starts out in the bottom-left
corner of the screen, and proceeds through a series of curves that take it up
the screen, then down the screen again. When the path reaches the bottom, it
proceeds through a horseshoe that takes it up the screen a bit, then back down.
The path then goes through another series of curves the brings it up the screen
and back down to the pyramid. As I previously stated, the path is shaped so
that it gives the impression of a snake. This architecture, however, presents
some problems, as I will describe below.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- The many curves in the path of this level make it extremely difficult to aim
properly. Arguably, this is the hardest level in the game to aim in. For this
reason, you will have to be extra careful when firing. It is very easy to turn
a chain into a huge mess because of the aiming problems.
- Fire balls can be used in places where the curves provide an advantage (those
will be obvious once you start playing the level). A very advantageous area to
place your fire balls in is the lower-center horseshoe. You can knock out a
huge number of spheres in this area, so long as you aim very carefully.
Lightning balls are ideal for use on any of the long vertical straights in this
level. Make sure you aim them extremely carefully to destroy the most spheres
possible!
- If you can (I know how hard it is) try to keep the chains as far back as
possible, this level is very easy to lose once you have chains nearing the
pyramid. All it takes is one or two missed shots to end your game. Be careful,
and remember: PRACTICE!!! You will eventually master this level.
==========================
Navigating The Cataracts
==========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Navigating The Cataracts is another level that has two seperate paths. It is
(*phew*) easy to describe too! On either side, the path starts and travels in
diagonals that go across the screen, then back across again (at the end of each
diagonal, the path makes a 180 degree turn that utilizes very short vertical
straights). The paths intersect frequently, creating many tunnels/bridges.
Overall, the level gives me the impression of a laced shoe. The level isn't
that difficult, though. This is primarily because of the slowness with which
the chains move. You shouldn't have too many problems beating this level.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- Fire balls can be used basically anywhere, though the areas you would want to
fire them at are, in order of preference: the bridges, the turns, and the
straights. Lightning balls aren't usually very helpful in this one. The best
you can do with them (usually) is on the sides, or in between the sides and
center, where you can destroy a lot of spheres that are going through the turns
(or on the many straights for the latter). Otherwise, you can't do much damage
with them.
- Try to do damage to chains that are about to go into tunnel areas before you
go after chains on bridges. You may not have a chance to get to them (ones
going into a tunnel) again for a while.
- Destroying chains before they get anywhere near the pyramids would make this
level entirely stress free, though it is difficult to do this at times. Just
try to get them as quickly as possible.
- Don't get to worried about this one, it's not that hard! Just make sure you
keep your cool when chains near the pyramids.
=========================
Dance Of The Crocodiles
=========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Dance Of The Crocodiles is yet another level that possesses two separate paths.
This is the hardest level with two paths yet, however, primarily because of the
several large tunnels/bridges. The two paths start out side by side in the top
center of the screen, the left path taking a left (I will only discuss the left
path for now, the right side is symmetrical aside from its differing bridges
and tunnels). It goes all the way across the screen (halfway) and then goes
downward some distance. From here, it goes to the right and then zig-zags to
the bottom of the screen to the pyramid (the part I just described is in the
shape of a "Z"). The right side does a similar thing, but since the paths
intersect frequently, there are several long tunnels/bridges that the chains
pass through/over. For this reason, the level, at first glance, looks
confusing, while it really isn't. It is difficult to some degree because of the
shortness of the ending stretches, but the slowness of the chains helps to
negate that problem some. Overall, this level is somewhat difficult, but it
shouldn't make you trip up for too long.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- As with "Navigating The Cataracts", destroy spheres entering a tunnel before
spheres that are nearing a bridge. You may have to wait for a while before you
get another shot at those spheres again (you'll have to use some discretion
with this level; depending on the length and complexity of the chain, you may
want to take out one nearing a bridge first. The choice is up to you).
- Fire balls can be used on any of the turns in the level, especially ones
where spheres in another path are near. They can also be used on the turns that
make up the "Z" areas near the bottom of the level. In some cases, you can do
quite a number on chains nearing the pyramid. Lightning balls can be used on
any of the tightly-packed turn areas that have a lot of spheres in them. Also,
if you are a VERY good shot, you can fire a lightning ball directly between two
incoming chains. If you are lucky (or are feeling lucky) you may take out both,
or you may take out one. Fire carefully!
- Try to balance your fire between the two chains as best as you can. This will
lessen your problems as chains near the pyramids. If you are fast enough,
balanced firing may even allow you to take out both chains earlier on!
- Be careful when aiming at the forty-five degree angle turns near the bottom,
spheres will often hit earlier or otherwise not where you wanted them to. Be
cautious and take your time!
========================
Lair Of The Jackal God
========================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
Lair Of The Jackal God is a very easy level. When I first played it, I couldn't
believe that it was the penultimate level. The path is set up in such a way so
as to prevent most blocking, as well as facilitate easy aiming. It starts out
in the upper right area, and proceeds downward vertically (for the most part).
When it gets two-thirds of the way down the screen, it turns left, from where
it proceeds for a short distance. After this, the path travels diagonally to
the top and right for a bit. Then, the path goes all the way to the left side
of the screen (this is the general direction, the path is curved and twisted
somewhat during this time) and then back downward to the bottom of the screen.
At this point, the path goes to the right (horizontally) all the way to the
pyramid. The overall slowness of the chains in the level help to make it as
easy as it is, also.
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- As I already mentioned, this level is very easy. Just destroy the chains as
they come (which will be very easy once you get to this point in the game, due
to experience), and you will complete the level with ease.
- Fire balls are good for use on either of forty-five degree turns, or on the
large turn in the bottom-left area of the screen. Otherwise, use them where
ever you have a knot of scattered spheres you want to get rid of. Lightning
balls are good for use on any of the vertical straights in the level,
especially the starting straight, where, if you aim well, you will be able to
destroy an incoming chain with a click of the mouse (and a lightning ball).
- This will be the last level where you will be able to relax and not worry
about losing. Take advantage of it - have fun!
==================
The Wrath Of Set
==================
--------------
Level Summary
--------------
We have arrived at the final level in the game of Luxor: The Wrath Of Set. This
is supposedly the site where you are supposed to defeat Set (though, I know,
this will prove VERY difficult when you first arrive here). The level is
extremely difficult, easily ranking in my top five most difficult levels. The
designers made the paths (yes, there are two paths in this one) very confusing.
You have to study (through repeated playing) the level in order to figure out
how the path works. It is very complex, far too complex for me to describe with
words. I will say, however, that both paths start out from a central "hub"
(with a picture of Set on the front, appropriately). From here, they wind and
twist all around the screen until they get to either the bottom left or bottom
right areas of the screen, where the pyramids are located. Throughout the
level, the paths reenter and exit the "hub". However, they come out in a
completely different area from they went in. For this reason, the paths are
highly confusing. There are a great many bridges and tunnels, also, that will
mess you up VERY often. The biggest factor in this level being as difficult as
it is is this: the ending stretches (as usual). The stretches emerge from the
hub only to enter the pyramid a short distance away. This is what causes most
people to lose the level. You probably are wondering what wonderful hints I
have to help you defeat Set. Well, here they are!
--------------------
Tips For Beating It
--------------------
- One of the biggest keys in defeating Set is the demystifying of the
mystifying path. Take time to study the where the paths enter the pyramid, and
where they exit. Once you are able to predict where the path will be exiting
the pyramid, you will be able to be ready for it when it does. This helped me
(and still does) to defeat Set. Hopefully, you will be helped by this too!
- Fire balls can be used anywhere - I mean anywhere. You likely won't have time
to think about where to place them, but even if you do, it won't matter. There
are many curves and places where you can destroy a lot of spheres - so just
point in some general direction (where there a lot of spheres that are knotted,
of course) and shoot. Fire balls will be especially useful when it starts
getting hairy, as you will be able to clear out a bunch of spheres that would
otherwise end your game.
- Lightning balls will be useful everywhere, as there are many areas where
there are vertical stretches, along with paths on top of other paths. Lightning
balls are especially useful in the center of the map, where, if you are lucky,
you will be able to fire the lightning ball while a chain is just appearing on
the map. If you are even luckier, you might be able to take out TWO chains as
they enter the map!
- As I touched on in the hint above, there are many paths on top of other paths
(for lack of a better word/phrase). This makes it very difficult to shoot where
you want to. Thus, you will likely end up firing wherever and whenever you can.
It is thus very important to destroy chains as they enter the map (though this
will be next to impossible, try to do as much damage as you can before more
chains enter). If you can keep the chains back for even a little while, you
will stand a better chance later in the level.
- The main key to this level is, as with all difficult levels, practice. It
took me a solid twenty or thirty lives to beat this level originally. It may
take you more, it may take you less, but one thing is certain: you will
eventually beat Set!
================
Level Rankings
================
The following list is a ranking of all of the levels in Luxor (based on
difficulty to beat). Of course, the list is just my opinion.
1. Khufu's Revenge
2. The Wrath Of Set
3. In The Shadow Of The Pyramids
4. Inner Sanctum Of The Temple
5. Inundation Of The Nile
6. Cobraic Twilight
7. Dance Of The Crocodiles
8. The Pillar Of Osiris
9. Ra's Journey To The West
10. Scroll Of Thoth
11. Barque Of The Goddess
12. Den Of The Hyenas
13. Path Of The Golden Goddess
14. Navigating The Cataracts
15. Riddle Of The Sphinx
16. Threading Cleopatra's Needle
17. Hathor's Loving Embrace
18. Imhotep's Folley
19. Descent To The Underworld
20. Pool Of The Lotus Blossom
21. Oasis Of The East
22. Lair Of The Jackal God
23. Flight Of The Sacred Ibis
24. Uraeus Nefertari
25. Nephty's Garden
================================
VI - Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
================================
The "Tips, Tricks, and Secrets" section of this guide is intended to provide
you with general hints that will help you to get higher scores, beat levels
more easily, and enrich your experience with Luxor in general (sometimes, it
all depends on what mood you are in!). I will start off with the general hints
section, that is, a section containing overall tips for beating the game, among
other things.
==============
General Tips
==============
- I will start off with the most important tip that I can give you. I have
emphasized it throughout the entire guide, and you probably already know what I
am talking about. Practice. Without practice you will not beat this game. It
will require a lot of effort and a lot of frustration, but it will be worth it
in the end, as you will be able to say that you have beaten Luxor.
- Another thing that I have emphasized throughout the guide is this: destroy
the chains before they get too far along. It is critical that you do this, lest
you end up trying to destroy chains as they enter the pyramid. It will require
work, but you will eventually be able to do it. The key is speed. . .
- . . .which brings us to our next tip: speed. It is absolutely NECESSARY that
you develop speed. Hopefully, you will be able to do this naturally, as you
gain experience. However, as you gain experience, it will be necessary that you
put forth effort to develop it. If you don't, you'll end up stuck on the higher
levels, continually losing lives until you are forced to develop speed. So,
take my advice, work on it NOW and not later, or you'll only be more
frustrated.
- Use powerups to your advantage. Throughout the individual level hint
sections, I described, every time, where the best places are to use your fire
balls and lightning balls. Why did I do this? Because it is important that you
use them to help you complete the level. Other powerups also need to be caught,
otherwise you'll end up disadvantaged (unless you are very good) later on in
the level.
- Another important thing that needs to be mastered is aiming. This is perhaps
the most important skill that you need to master - even above speed. This is a
skill that will come naturally in time, as you become more experienced with how
you aim and how sensitive the mouse is. Once you have this skill down, you will
be able to do anything in the Luxor world.
- Bombing runs are something I talked about in detail during the "Oasis Of The
East" hints section (go read there for a description of what they are). They
will be important for a couple of levels, but not too many. Even still, the
underlying principle of the bombing run is used in the rest of the levels:
destroy chains as they come. Go read tip two of this section for more details.
- Remember that you can possess two powerups at one time. Just right-click to
cycle out one powerup when another powerup appears, and collect the second
powerup! This can allow you to do a huge amount of damage to a chain,
especially if your two powerups are both fire balls or lightning balls.
- Good fortune to you in beating Luxor! Hopefully these tips will help you.
==================================
Tips For Achieving Higher Scores
==================================
- There is a very basic tip that will increase your ending score by a solid
fifteen to twenty million points. All you have to do is sit yourself down on
Lair Of The Jackal God (13-9) and play the level till you get down to the last
sphere group, then let it go into the pyramid. Do this thirty, forty, fifty
times - it depends on how many lives you have. Once you get down to one or two
lives, move on to "The Wrath Of Set", beat it, and then take a look at your
massive score. The one downside to this tip is that it is extremely time
consuming and very tedious, so some people may not want to do it. But if you
want a larger score, this is the best way to do it.
- Take advantage of combos. Combos will, in the end (if you are very
experienced in this regard), amount to around five million (or more) points.
Maintaining combos will be difficult, but necessary, if you are to get high
scores. You will need to get combos of forty, fifty, sixty, or higher in each
and every level if you are to get some of the highest scores possible. You may
think this is impossible, but it isn't. I will describe how you do this in the
next hint.
- The key is doing what I call "loading up the chain". To do this, you must
fire spheres of various colors to match with single spheres in the chain. Once
you have all of the pairings you could possibly make made, all you have to do
is start destroying sphere groups. If you start getting colors that don't match
anything that is paired, wait until the next chain comes along and start
destroying pairs in that one. Go for as long as you can without letting the
latter chain enter the pyramid. By doing this, you should be able to get far
higher combos than you could before. However, to do this will require a huge
amount of skill and, in some cases, luck. You will need chains that cooperate
with what you are trying to do to make this work. Sometimes you get them,
sometimes you don't. In any case, though, loading up the chain definitely
helps.
- As a side note, I have noticed that trying to go after chains (talked about
in scoring) as a means for getting a higher score usually does not work. You
have to have chains that are extremely cooperative, and in the higher stages,
you don't. Therefore, I don't recommend going after chains, but you can try it
if you want. Maybe you will get lucky! (Don't count on it, though).
- In line with my first tip, try to collect as many coins (thirty coins to a
life, remember) as possible. The more lives you have once you arrive at 13-9,
the more possible points you can score. A few extra coins could make as large
a difference as 300,000 or 400,000 points!
- As a side note, remember what powerups do to combos. For example, fire balls
don't end combos, whereas lightning balls do. Be careful with them when you are
going after large combos!
- Have fun trying to get those high scores!
=========================
VII - Legal Information
=========================
This guide may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for
personal, private use. It may not be placed on any website or otherwise
distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on
any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited,
and a violation of copyright. Otherwise, please don't violate copyright, it's
not showing any respect for the person who spent his valuable time composing
the guide.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at
[email protected]
This guide Copyright (C) 2008 Josiah Moorhouse
© Web Media Network Limited, 1999 - 2024 This site is not affiliated in any way with Microsoft, Sony, Sega, Nintendo or any video game publishers.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.
Super Cheats is an unofficial resource with submissions provided by members of the public. These are not usually tested by us (because there are so many), so please use them at your own risk.
