The Pharaoh’s Curse
by Steve Coleman


Requires Atari 400 or 800 with 32K (disk and cassette) or 16K 
(cartridge) and joysticks.

In the centuries since the sealing of the Pharaoh’s Tomb, even the dim 
memories of the fabulous treasure contained in the pyramid, have become 
infrequent whispers on the lips of mad adventurers.

For three thousand years, the tomb has been a mystery and deathtrap.  
It is rumored that the chambers contain dark and terrible dangers for 
those that would attempt to make the pharaoh’s treasure their own.  And 
even more ghastly, the pharaoh and the guardian mummy are said to walk 
the chambers for all eternity, destroying all trespassers in the tomb.

You’ve heard it all before and lived to tell about it and this is a 
chance of a lifetime.  You’ve spent months finding these ruins and 
finally you’re here at the fabled tomb.  Still... what if the legends are 
true?  As you descend into the first chamber you hear footsteps...


Somewhere in the swirling sands of the Sahara stands an enigma.  A 
secret tomb that has for 43 centuries stood undisturbed... untouched... 
unknown and unentered.  the ancient pharaoh who lies buried within the 
vast twisting underground chambers was the 16th and last of a vast 
dynasty.  His treasure, the gold, the art, the jewel encrusted sacred 
scarabs, all lie with him in the untouched chambers of the crypt.  
Unimaginable wealth for any but an emperor has lured you here and now 
you must descend...

Before his death the pharaoh vowed that he himself and his hideous 
minions of the underworld must protect his treasure from all who dare 
defile his timeless tomb.

And so you must slip past his sentries and deathtraps that riddle the 
passages and shafts of his monument, and steal the treasures before you 
perish.


How to Play

You first appear above the pyramid.  Your joystick (plugged into 
joystick port 1) controls your player’s movements.

You can walk by pushing the joystick directly to the right or left.  If 
you move the joystick forward diagonally to the right or left you will 
jump rather than walk in that direction.

Pushing the joystick forward will cause your player to jump up or climb 
(if there is anything to climb up).

Pressing the button and pushing the joystick to the right or left will 
fire a bullet in the direction that the joystick was pushed.

You will not be hurt by falling.


The Pharaoh

The pharaoh stalks the chambers eternally.  He is beyond death yet you 
may stop and dematerialize him by shooting him.


The Mummy

Sworn to the service of his pharaoh the mummy, too, searches the crypt 
for intruders who would steal his master’s prizes.  He also walks 
eternally but can be dematerialized temporarily.


The Winged Avenger

The winged avenger can fly through the very walls of stone.  While he 
will not harm you directly, he will clutch you in his terrible talons 
and carry you into the dark recesses of the tomb.


The Traps

The traps of the tomb were subtly crafted by the architects of the old.  
They are tripped by the slightest pressure and spell diabolical death to 
the poor unfortunate who has stumbled upon them.


The Keys

There are various keys to the hidden passages scattered within the tomb.  
In order to claim the keys you must make contact with them.  When you 
have done so you will begin to rhythmically pulsate.


The Treasures

The treasures are placed within the various chambers.  As with the keys 
you must make contact with them to claim them.

The 16 treasures are all represented on the upper left part of the 
screen by 16 markers.  Upon capturing a treasure its marker will be 
removed.  Thus you can keep track of the number of treasures left within 
the tomb.

You are also awarded an extra life for each treasure captured.


The Ropes

There are magic ropes in some of the chambers.  You may climb these by 
standing directly beneath the rope and pushing the joystick forward.


The Crown and Arrow

Occasionally objects will materialize within the tomb.  Touching the 
crown will endow you with life while the arrow will take it away.


Game Options

You may play in any one of three levels.  However, you must first 
discover the secret word (by completing the preceding level) before you 
will be allowed to play the more difficult game.

Pressing the space bar will pause/re-start the game.


Conclusion

The pharaoh built his tomb well.  He built it to defy the cleverest of 
despoilers.  The question remains, did he succeed or will you?

May Isis smile upon you!

