Riddle of the Sphinx is an action-adventure game for the Atari 2600 with a vertical scrolling format. The player takes on the role of the Pharoh’s Son, who is on a quest to lift the curse of Anubis, the God of the Dead. To do so, the player must reach the Temple of Ra and make the correct offering, solving the riddle of the Sphinx in the process.
Armed with a sling and rocks, the player must navigate through various challenges, including avoiding thieves and scorpions. Along the way, the player can interact with wandering nomads to trade, dig for buried treasure, make offerings to the gods, and seek guidance and healing from the goddess Isis.
The player must also manage the Prince’s thirst and health. Thirst can be replenished at oases or by finding certain treasures, while health can be affected by hostile creatures, including Anubis himself.
After visiting the different temples in the desert and making offerings, the player must choose the correct offering(s) to present at the Temple of Ra. Making the right choice rewards the player, while a wrong choice results in the loss of inner strength points and the continuation of Egypt’s curse. This captivating and challenging gameplay made Riddle of the Sphinx an engaging experience for Atari 2600 players.