by Jackie Money

Created on: October 19, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2011

Mumbo Jumbo are the producers who came up with the brilliant games Great Kahuna Reef, Luxor, Build-a-Lot and the ever popular and classic Elf Bowling so I was expecting great things from Samantha Swift and I wasn't to be disappointed.

Samantha, a young archaeologist and a likable character, sets out on a mission to discover the Scepter of Zeus for her museum but whilst completing that mission she encounters the evil Ravena Stryker, leading her into an action packed and hazardous adventure to discover the mystery of the six Roses of Athena. She must discover these artifacts before Ravena and her hooligans can get their hands on them and use their powers to take over the world.

Along the way, Samantha regularly receives help and updates via her PDA from her good friends Dr Butler and Adam Woodson.

This hidden object/puzzle themed game is extremely intriguing and gripping. The music is perfect, and changes subtly as Samantha works her way around the globe and the sound effects are superb, adding depth to the game play. The graphics are bright and crystal clear unlike so many hidden object games where each level is either misty or unnecessarily dark. The objects, on the whole, are found in believable positions. For instance fish food is found around the pond, butterflies are found on flowers, etc.

Unlike most other hidden object/puzzle games you don't get bored having to spend hours trying to discover areas which require a puzzle to be solved but by casting your cursor over the screen you'll find that these areas either show two blue cogs or a magnifying glass.

The game is thought provoking and it takes a certain amount of logic and intelligence to solve some of the puzzles but it's not brain-achingly difficult or frustrating. You have a limited number of hints available but these can be increased along the way by collecting hidden lightning bolts. To gain some of the items on your list, those highlighted blue, you'll need to solve puzzles using tools you gather along the way and which are placed in your tools inventory. These in turn uncover secret items which lead you to larger puzzles.

The game play was incredibly high and it was innovatively constructed. Having completed the game, I was pleased to see from the storyline that there is the prospect of another instalment! I just hope Mumbo Jumbo stick to the clear graphics and don't turn the next instalment into the typical dark and dingy format that is so prevalent these days. The game provides excellent value. Although it maybe doesn't take a huge amount of time to complete, it is possible to replay it and find yourself searching for completely different items. The game is suitable for all ages but younger kids would probably find some of the puzzles a bit daunting but then again I'm sure Mom or Dad would happily step in with a helping hand! This game rates 5/5 with me.

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