================================================================================ ================/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \================= ===============/ _ _ _ ______ _______ \================ ==============/ | | | | | | \ \ / / | __ | | ___ | \=============== =============/ | | | | | | \ \/ / | | | | | | | | \============== ============/ ##| | | | | | \ / | | | | | |___|_|## \============= ============\ ##| | | | | | / \ | | | | | |\ \ ## /============= =============\ | |____ | |___| | / /\ \ | |__| | | | \ \ /============== ==============\ |______| |_______| / / \ \ |______| |_| \__\ /=============== ===============\ /================ ================\ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /================= ================================================================================ 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