Pharaoh’s Curse is a platform adventure game for the Atari 2600, inspired by the popular Boulder Dash. In the game, players explore a series of tombs to collect 16 treasures while avoiding various traps and enemies.
The game begins with the player character falling into the tombs below. Players can navigate the rooms using ropes and moving platforms, with the goal of collecting treasures that grant extra lives. The remaining treasures are displayed at the top of the screen, allowing players to track their progress.
The player must also contend with two enemy characters: the pharaoh and the mummy. These adversaries chase the player and can shoot at them, while the player can return fire to defend themselves. The traps scattered throughout the tombs can be even more dangerous, requiring quick reflexes to avoid. Some rooms are separated by magic gates that can be unlocked with keys that appear randomly throughout the game.
Adding to the challenge, there is a flying creature called the Winged Avenger, which can pick up the player and transport them to different areas of the map. This can sometimes help the player access otherwise unreachable locations.
After collecting all 16 treasures, the player must return to the starting screen to complete the level. They are then given a level password and the game progresses to a higher difficulty level. This cycle continues through four increasingly challenging levels, providing an engaging and challenging experience for players.