Some of the finer points of gameplay include a straightforward fast travel system via the simple map screen. Additionally, at the beginning you'll have to choose a sign from the zodiac along with an avatar. The avatar not only serves as your save folder, but combined with the sign, will determine whether or not your character is having a bad day. If you are having a bad day, then the gods seem to be conspiring against you at each and every turn. What does this mean for the player? You'll have to find many more objects, and generally, things will be more difficult to accomplish. I wouldn't say that having a bad day is necessarily more challenging, it just makes for a lot of busy work. Furthermore, this doesn't really provide for any replayability like the developer claims, as the story and the puzzles are essentially the same regardless.

Some of the finer points of gameplay include a straightforward fast travel system via the simple map screen. Additionally, at the beginning you'll have to choose a sign from the zodiac along with an avatar. The avatar not only serves as your save folder, but combined with the sign, will determine whether or not your character is having a bad day. If you are having a bad day, then the gods seem to be conspiring against you at each and every turn. What does this mean for the player? You'll have to find many more objects, and generally, things will be more difficult to accomplish. I wouldn't say that having a bad day is necessarily more challenging, it just makes for a lot of busy work. Furthermore, this doesn't really provide for any replayability like the developer claims, as the story and the puzzles are essentially the same regardless.

The controls are about as easy they get. Everything is done with the two mouse buttons. You'll point your way around the environments until the cursor changes, and then click to advance your character, activate a puzzle or pick up items. Because I never needed to use the keyboard, I was able to hook up my PC to a large HD monitor and kick back on my couch with the wireless mouse. Additionally, the menu screen is nicely laid out and is easily accessible. Features such as automatic item stowage make inventory organization a snap! However, the sheer amount of items you'll pick up along the way does hinder it a bit.

If you're not the patient type, get frustrated easily or tend to blow through text and plot lines, this won't be the game for you. Cleopatra: Riddle of the Tomb is for those who enjoy and are used to point-and-click adventures. The tried-and-true formula is executed almost flawlessly, but there isn't any innovation to speak of. If you've got a lot of time to spend pondering puzzles, then this game has a collection of mind-benders and an interesting story that will blow the New York Times' Crossword out of the water. At just $19.99 retail, it's hard to beat this game for leisurely puzzling fun. Combine this with the fact that the game will run nicely on almost any computing rig, and you've got yourself a fun and valuable experience on your hands.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Lead Contributor / News Director