Hero of Egypt

Hero of Egypt is a God-of-War-style third-person action-adventure video game developed and published by Empire Entertainment. Scheduled for middle 2020, the game is projected to be released for the PlayStation 4 consoles. Loosely based on the Egyptian mythology (and partly Mesopotamian), it is set in Ancient Egypt, with heroism as central motif. The player controls the protagonist, named Imhotep, a priest of the god Osiris, who sees his land invaded by the Sea Peoples. Imhotep sets on a journey to save Egypt and the rest of the known world from a menace that threatens it.

The gameplay of Hero of Egypt, being similiar to God of War, Spartan Total Warrior and Ryse: Son of Rome, focuses mainly on combo-based combat, achieved through the player's main weapons - a khopesh (sword) and a shield - and at least a secondary weapon acquired later in the game. The player can use up to four magical attacks and a power-enhancing ability as alternative combat options. It also features puzzles and platforming elements.

Gameplay
Hero of Egypt is a third-person single player video game viewed from a fixed camera perspective. The player controls the character Imhotep in combo-based combat, platforming, and puzzle game elements, and battles foes who primarily stem both from historical Ancient Near East and from Egyptian mythology, ranging from the soldiers of the Sea Peoples, bandits, the Assyrian empire, Egyptian traitors and minor henchmen, to undead soldiers and mummies, phantoms, shadows, magicians, giant snakes, and the usual boss opponents - a barbarian chief, the Assyrian king, a traitor priest, the Sphynx, a dark magician and Seth the Egyptian God of Chaos. Platforming elements require the player to climb walls and ladders, jump across chasms, swing on ropes, and balance across beams to proceed through sections of the game. Some puzzles are simple, such as moving a box so that the player can use it as a jumping-off point to access a pathway unreachable with normal jumping, but others are more complex, such as finding several items across different areas of the game to unlock one door.

Throughout the game world, the player finds shrines colored green, blue, or yellow, each shrine containing orbs of the corresponding color:
 * Green orbs replenish part of Imhotep's health.
 * Blue orbs replenish part of Imhotep's magic.
 * Yellow orbs provide experience for upgrading weapons and magic — allowing new, more powerful attacks — and replenishing the Ankh meter, which, if half full, allows for the usage of the Curse of Seth; if totally full, allows for the usage of the Armor of the Pharaoh. Yellow orbs are also collected by killing foes and destroying certain inanimate objects.

The player can also find Eyes of Horus and Royal Uraeus in unmarked shrines. Each Eye of Horus or Royal Uraeus (10 in total of each) increase Imhotep's health bar and magic bar rispectively, and, in turn, his power.

Level selection
There are three game modes:
 * Story Mode: a pratically linear mode where the player can save the game and purchase Imhotep's upgrades between stages;
 * Bonus Play: here, the player can choose which level to play, which costume will Imhotep wear for the level, and how many upgrades he will weild, including weapons, magic and health and magic bars upgrades;
 * Challenge of the Gods: is unlocked after completing the game for the first time, and is composed by 20 stages.

There are three levels of difficulty: Warrior (Easy), Hero (Normal) and God (Hard).

There are 15 levels in game:


 * 1) Tragedy
 * 2) Assault
 * 3) Dream
 * 4) Rescue
 * 5) Siege
 * 6) Magic
 * 7) Protection
 * 8) Rebellion
 * 9) Sorcerer
 * 10) Invasion
 * 11) Destruction
 * 12) Villany
 * 13) Evil spirit
 * 14) Sacrifice
 * 15) Finale

Combat
Imhotep's main weapons are a khopesh (a traditional Egyptian sword) and a typical Egyptian shield. In-game, the khopesh is naturally used in attack, and the shield can be used to block all kind of attacks, be it melee or ranged. Later in game, Imhotep will acquire three new weapons: the Spear of Anhur, the Bow of Neith and the Flail of Osiris, which all offer alternative combat options. Imhotep also learns to use four magical abilities: the Uraeus of Wadjet (a giant snake than can attack enemies, and burn and electrify them when upgraded enough), an Army of Mummies (which can include mummy swordsmen, archers and spearmen that can assist Imhotep), the Fury of Geb (which consist in various punches from the ground) and the Thunder of Amon (which allows Imhotep to shoot lightning bolts from the bow of Neith, which can damage both individual and multiple targets). Four relics also appear in the game: the Wings of Isis (which allow to fly on new platforms), the Sun Disk of Ra (which temporarely blinds out nearby enemies), the Sight of Nekhbet (which allows to aim to hidden targets) and the Book of the Dead (the only mandatory item of the game, which is absorbed by Imhotep and allows him to fight many dangerous foes). Last but not least, at a certain point of the game, and after some upgrades, Imhotep gains two special ability called Curse of Seth and Armor of the Pharaoh, both of which provide temporary invulnerability and increased attack damage.

In combat, a slow time event (STE) feature, also called context sensitive attacks, is initiated when the player has weakened a standard enemy. The player performs a sequence of actions on the game controller shortly after an image of its circle button appears as an on-screen prompt. To excecute an opponent, the player must hold the circle button and press one of the four directional buttons. This allows for limited control of Imhotep during a STE cinematic sequence, which prizes Imhotep with 10, 15 or 20 yellow orbs per command, depending of the execution timing on the commands, which can be rated Nice, Great or Excellent. The game still automatically completes and finishes these execution sequences when players fail to press the highlighted buttons, but provides no reward.

Combat tends to focus on large battles with multiple combatants. The player will often take on large numbers of enemies at once, sometimes with AI allies, sometimes alone. Again, the game may contain various platforming and puzzle elements, and some of their simplest may include machines or levels that make some NPC characters help the player.

When the game is completed for the first time, a challenge mode — twenty trials called the Challenge of the Gods — is unlocked; this requires players to complete a series of specific tasks (for example, Kill all the mummies before time runs out, or Destroy the entire Assyrian army using only your standard weapons.). The player may unlock bonus costumes for Imhotep, behind-the-scenes videos, and concept art of the characters and environments, as rewards. Completion of each difficulty level unlocks additional rewards.

Setting
Hero of Egypt is set in an alternate version of Ancient Egypt, populated by the Gods and mortals. With the exception of flashbacks, the events are set after Hero of Egypt: Chains of Duat and before Hero of Egypt II. There are locations explored, including the Egyptian cities of Busiris and Memphis, the Hittite capital of Hattusas, and the Syrian cities of Ugarit, Palmyra and Tyre (which includes a very large Assyrian outpost), and a fictional location, the Duat, hidden within the temple of Ptah at Memphis.

Prologue
Imhotep, protagonist of the series, is a young priest of Osiris and lives in the Egyptian city of Busiris, patron city of Osiris himself.

Egypt is ruled by the wise and intelligent Pharaoh named Merneptah. On his fifth years of reign, Merneptah has managed to achieve an incredible victory against the Hittite army of Mursili V at Karkemish. In his eighth year of reign, howerer, he also managed to achieve a peace with the Hittite empire itself as well, peace that has evolved into an alliance against common enemies, Assyrians and Babylonians above all else. The game is set in 1025 BC; it's Merneptah's twenty-sixth year of reign, and his kingdom is in peace. But this peace is destined not to last.

One night, an old man (called the Oldster), wandering alone in a nearby desert outside the city, feels something strange: a cold blizzard surrounds the whole area. What it seems a nightmare, a vision or just a natural phenomenon, the old man discovers it is actually the arising of some desert demons. After repairing himself, the old man looks around and sees not only an apocalyptic scenario, but also an human figure, accompanied by a dozen of men. After a ritual, which eventually reveals the mysterious figure as a black mage and a servant of Seth, said figure enters the tomb, and when he gets out, he reveals something hidden under a red carpet: it's the Jar of Osiris, the source of all life and death, its power so tremendous, wrong hands could use this Jar to destroy he world!

"[The man with the dagger raises his weapon toward the sky as if to pierce the thick clouds. An infinite flare lights up the clouds and lightning strikes only a few steps away from the group, condensing into a fireball, which at breakneck speed traces a circle all the way around before disappearing in the sand. Then, the man with the dagger, revealed to be a black magician, and of the worst kind, comes out from the circle where his followers are still prisoners, and penetrates into the grave. It comes out shortly after, with an elongated and bulky object, covered with a red veil. By taking very slow steps, he lays it at the center of the circle. The man's voice resonates serious and imperious.] Black mage: Here it is, the treasure of the treasures, the secret of life and death! [The mage lifts up the veil, and it appears a vase with a base of solid, oblong and slightly rounded shape, enclosed by a thick stone lid. Unable to hold back, one of thw robbers approaches the precious object. As he's about to remove the cover, he looks at the magician who remain with folded arms. As his hand touches the stone, the jar emanates an orange smoke that surrounds him. Surprised, the violator takes a few steps back and opens his mouth in search of a little air, like a fish out of water. Then he collapses asphyxiated. The magician then holds the treasure through the red veil.] Black mage: You have contemplated the sealed jar containing the supreme mystery. He who knows the secret holds the real power. And you, foolish petty criminals, were benefiting from a privilege that you are not worthy. For this you have to disappear. You have released access to the cursed tomb, but now your job is finished. I no longer need you. Robber #2: What? But you promised riches and- [The robber has not the time to finish his statement, as the magician takes possession of the vessel and twirls it around. The orange smoke spreads with surprising speed wrapping the men. While their flesh sizzles, agonizing cries pierce the silence of the desert. Once verified that the corpses there had been almost nothing, the black magician, while at that point the only master of the sealed vessel, is drifting to the East, while the Sun is finally able to penetrate through the clouds.] Oldster: ... [With prudence, the Oldster waits a little before standing on his feet. Then, staggering, ventures on the site of the massacre without stopping to wonder if he had not have just a horrible nightmare. But the presence of the remains of charred human bones provides him with evidence to the contrary. Now the Elder can only do one thing: to continue to live his normal life, without speaking to anyone of the tragedy he had witnessed. Died of thirst, the Oldster gets back to farmlands and to the world of the living.]"

- The Jar of Osiris is stolen.

Imhotep's rise to glory
Imhotep, the young priest of Osiris, lives in peace in Busiris, along with his people. But peace breaks out when the Sea Peoples (Sardinians, Siculians, Lukka, Acheans and Philisteans) start invading the Delta of Egypt. The bloodthirsty fury of the invaders makes their way on the cities of the Delta, at least until the Pharaoh's army entervienes. Enraged, Imhotep takes his first sword and shield, which will become his main weapons, and takes part in his first battle. While the Pharaoh makes a carnage of barbarians, Imhotep takes a spear from the ground, spear conjured by Anhur, and throws it to Achish, the leader of the Philisteans. Despite failing at killing him, he still scarres his right cheek. This instilles fear in the Sea Peoples, who run away and leave their allies alone. Thus, Imhotep receives his second weapon, the Spear of Anhur.

Word about the courage of Imhotep spreads across al Egypt, and reaches the ears of Tanit, a very young noblewoman and only daughter of Keku, future minister of agriculture, and Tuya, priestess of the cat goddess Bastet. Attracted by Imhotep's courage, intelligence and charm, Tanit falls in love with him, and Imhotep really starts to feel love. After a love night, Imhotep awakens himself in the Dream Land, and sees Neith, the Goddess of Fate, before him. She deems that a great evil will threaten to destroy Egypt, and only Imhotep, who has been chosen by the Gods of Egypt, can stop it. Despite he clearly knows that Seth, the God of Chaos, there is more than just Seth himself. So, Neith trains Imhotep in three courses:


 * Trial of Thoth: Imhotep must pass a very difficult labyrint, full of puzzles.
 * Trial of Seshat: Imhotep must win a magic contest with the Goddess Seshat, throught this is a training.
 * Trial of Sokhar: Imhotep must defeat various robot-like messengers, send by Sokar himself.

Imhotep manages to pass all three tests, and in return receives his third weapon, the Bow of Neith, and his first magic, the Thunder of Amun.


 * Levels:
 * Tragedy
 * Assault
 * Dream

The Hittite and Assyrian empires
Imhotep wakes up from his dream (and his love night with Tanit), comes to know that the Assyrian army, commanded by Ashurbanipal is heading towards the Hittite empire. Imhotep immediately sets on a journey to face the Assyrians. Howerer, while on his way, on Phoenicia (and more precisely at Tyre), he faces a group of bandits that are robbing and torturing a merchant. Imhotep saves him, and, as a reward, the merchant reveals him that a friend of his is held as a prisoner in a well-armed Assyrian outpost. After destroying the outpost, Imhotep saves the imprisoned merchant; the merchant reveals his name, Kalash. Imhotep manages to reach Hattusas, the Hittite capital. Despite the Assyrians use even hieracosphinxes, the defenders, aided by Imhotep himself, manage to back off the Assyrian army. Howerer, the apparition of a median mage, capable to grow to giant sizes and breathe fire, makes the situation more difficult. Luckly for Imhotep, Isis, the Winged Goddess of Magic, gives him her wings, so he can fly. Imhotep manages to defeat the Assyrian army, but soon discovers that an even larger army, led by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal himself, his heading towards Egypt, bent on conquest and destruction. Howerer, he lets out a warcry that future generation will not forget:

"I. Am. Imhotep. I. Am. Justice! YOU. ARE. NEXT!"

- Imhotep's warcry, addressed to Ashurbanipal

And then, Imhotep, using an hieracosphinx, manages to fly away from Hattusa, and faster than the Assyrian army, he manages to reach Egypt.

Meanwhile, Tanit, being a friend of the Oldster, is suspecting something, something that Oldster himself is hiding...


 * Levels:
 * Rescue
 * Siege
 * Magic

Kalash's true colors
In this third act, the playes plays as Kalash, but there are also cutscenes depicting Tanit as a protagonist. On the first cutscene, Keku shows his true colours: he is the black mage that stole the Jar of Osiris!

"Keku: I must tell you something bad, my child. Tanit: Don't you like Imhotep? Keku: On the contrair! Serious, brave, smart... he's very skillful... Tanit: So you've got no intention to put my marriage in discussion? Keku: I gave up on it. The choice is yours, and only yours. Tanit: [Kisses Keku on his forehead] I knew you would have understand. I love Imhotep, and he loves me. I cannot get any simplier. But... the bad things? Did they refused your place as minister of Wealth? Keku: This is the choice of the king. Rest assured. Tanit: I'm sure that when Imhotep returns from the Hittites, he'll convince the Pharaoh to keep you at that place. Nothing is lost. Keku: Thank you... but somehow I care less about the result of this mission. Tanit: What? But... you really wished that task! Keku: It is just a step, and I'll pass it, maybe faster than supposed. Tanit: I don't understand... Keku: You know me that few, and I wish to talk to you about my projects. You are the only one whom I can truly trust myself. Let's go to a walk, shall we? [And so, both of them start walking out...] Keku: You know, Sekhet, I worked hard to gain everything we've got today. I tried to give you an happy teenhood, and there you are, at the edge of wedding and of becoming a princess. Such a wonderful perspective, but there are recent facts that forced me to expand my ambitions... or rather, our ambitions. I lied to you when I told I don't know Kalash, the Syrian merchant. Imhotep is still not your husband, nor a member of our family, so I can tell the truth only to you. Tanit: I know Kalash very well, he is a good man. Keku: Do not be fooled, my sweet child. Do not listen those little talks about him. Kalash was a rich man, married with a magnificent woman and father of two children. But returning from the battle of Qadesh, the Egyptian army razed his holding and killed his own family. Left for dead, he thus opted for revenge. And once he became a merchant, he created an opposition network for Menreptah and casually knew an old, naive and talkative priest of Ptah, which revealed him the existence of of a book which shows the location of the tombs full of treasures. Tanit: You mean... the Book of Thieves? Keku: This is how the actual power calls it. But actually, that book is extremely useful and it should have stayed in the royal archives. The administration had performed some copies, and one of those ended in the hands of my friend Kalash. Tanit: Your... friend? Keku: The injustice on which Kalash was victim moved me, and the fact that he tries to have his revenge is normal. And Kalash himself showed to be extremely generous to give me this document and urging my help. Tanit: Impossible... that means... that means that the Syrian is a black mage! HE evocated those fiendly creatures when the Sea Peoples attacked us! Keku: You're wrong, dear child. The autor of that work is me. And I was forced to protect my friend, threatened by that murderer of Imhotep. Tanit: No... you lie! Imhotep is not a murderer! He actually helped us drive back the Sea Peoples! Keku: A perfect cover for him, but unfortunately he is a murderer indeed, and among the worst ones. I saved Kalash, and I'm proud of it. Thanks to this wonderful book, I discovered a treasure, the most incredible and marvellous treasure. And now I will share it with you. Tanit: Do we really need this power, father? Keku: It is not about material goods, but of power. A power far superior of the Pharaoh himself... or even of a God. Tanit: No... I'm scared, father... Keku: I know your fears, Sekhet, and I wish to dissipate them. Since you were initiated to the mysteries of the lion Goddess Sekhmet, you know the powers of the Gods. And the treasure in my possession surpasses them all. It is the sealed Jar of Osiris, which contains the secret of life and death. Tanit: The Jar? How... how did you discovered it? Keku: The Book of Thieves showed me the location of the cursed tomb, which jar, kept well protected, was forever subtracted from human hands... or so the Pharaoh believed, at least, as he relieved on the opinion of the mages and the priests at his court. The Book gave me precious informations to surpass all protections, and my friend Kalash gave me the Syrian texts about how to destroy such protections. I consulted specialists, assimiliated their learnings, verified the effects of the methods in every detail. And once I felt ready, I did my deed. Tanit: But... wasn't the tomb surveilled? Keku: Effectively, I had to kill some soldiers of the tyrant, but since the prize was too high, it didn't matter. Tanit: You... killed some men? Keku: Enough with sentimentalisms, Tanit. Fighting the oppressor, and Menreptah is worst of them all, requires an inevitable, relentless clash. Those henchmen had the order to kill anyone tried to near the cursed tomb. I had no choice. Tanit: And you had the guts to enter the tomb? Keku: My guts were contorted by fear, I admit. Had I not been skillful enough, I could not have survived. And danger lurked behind any possible corner. I caught the fruit of long nights full of studying, the formules and pratices I used were actually perfect. I unhinged the doors of the last sanctuary, and took the Jar, still with the terror of being annihilated. But I was able to control, at least in part, the energy emanating from the world of the Dead. I secured the sealed jar. I am the only one who knows where it is hidden, and no one else can take it. Tanit: So... does it mean this is over? Keku: Of course not, my dear child... we're just beginning! So far the sealed jar has been at the service of tyrants. But tomorrow will aid us in our victory. Using that extraordinary power, we will destroy the Pharaoh, and the nation he build himself, we will return it to its original place of chaos, and will change the look of our world. The Pharaoh knows that his throne is crumbling. He sends his best men to unknown lands to recover his supreme treasure, and puts his magical defenses, which we should identify and destry, to use. The battle will be ruthless, and your help will be needed. Tanit: Why should we start this war? Keku: Despite his apparent goodness, Menreptah is actually the one who brought us to disaster, he whom continues his ancestors' tradition which consists in fighting Evil. Yes. Evil. Evil, the energy of this chaos, to which we will return the force of law through the sealed vessel! I will reverse its nature, we shall spread death and thoroughly clean the whole earth! Tanit: Why, father? WHY? Keku: Because humans are children of Death; She is the supreme power we must honour. Rich or poor, noble or peasant, good or evil, no one cas escape Her. The sealed jar contains the secret of Death, and I will unfold it. Imagine this new spark! Once everything useless and worthless has been eliminated, only the essential will survive, and we will know the origin of Creation. There is no more noble task! [As Tanit keeps looking at her father with her frightned look, Keku looks towards the stars] Keku: You're starting to feel the greatness of my vision, my daughter, and you share it, since you are the disciple of the lion Goddess, She who terrorise the people sending her emissaries to exterminate it. Menreptah tries to no avail to keep it alive, we will destroy it, provoking a titanic wave, born from the fire of the Underworld! Then the Flowers of Evil will be born, and we will rule this new world! And since you can domate the energies of the lion Goddess, you surely know how to use them as well. Tanit: [Falls on her knees] I'm lost, father... Keku: It is normal, my daughter, everything I'm telling you is wonderful! Together we will walk through a forbidden frontier, and discover something no other one ever reached. I will tell you again: I need your help. Tanit: ... I must think about it, father. Keku: [Helps her to get up] A different reaction would have disappointed me. But you are an exceptional woman, Tanit, the only one able to feel the ultimate goal: tomorrow, you will answer me. [And Keku gets away, leaving her daughter on her dismay]"

- Dialogue between Keku and his daughter Tanit

Thanks to this dialogue, Keku reveals his own intentions.

Meanwhile, Kalash, the Syrian merchant whom Imhotep had saved, is heading towards Amurru, a main province of the Assyrian empire, and more precisely in the city of Tadmur, also known as Palmyra. Benteshina, vassal king of Amurru, recognizes him, and wishes protection from him against some assassins. Benteshina is indeed preparing a speech for an open rebellion: Narish, the true governor of Amurru, is ruling his province with an iron fist, and is dispatching his warriors to eliminate any form of disagreement against the Assyrians. Only Benteshina still stands without any apparent fear, and this is why Narish is plotting his death. Kalash manages to protect Benteshina, and to make sure he reaches his place. Together, they plot the rebellion of the whole Syria, while hoping Imhotep manages to protect Egypt from Ashurbanipal: if the Assyrian king dies, the rebellion will have huge chance of success, and the empire itself will, in fact, collapse. There's only a big problem: Benteshina actually knows the truth about Narish: behind a tyrannical governor, lies indeed a powerful sorcerer.

That night, Kalash dreams about his past: after escaping from death, he pretended to be a simple potter from the province of Mitanni, and managed to infiltrate in the city of Ugarit, under Assyrian control at the time. After that, he made sure a local peasant woman fell in love with him, pretending to have being robbed. Some days later, he managed to rent a room for both of them, before gathering informations from nearby taverns. There, he discovered that a prestigious general, Kenzor, was the liaison officer between the commander and the emperor. He prepared a plan to gather more information for him, and once lured the general in his room, he trapped him, interrogated him and killed him.

"[Kenzor is wandering around, after being released from a tavern, and goes to a brothel- Someone approaches him.] Kalash: Hello, there. May I talk to you? Kenzor: Uh? Who are you? What do you want? Kalash: I want to show you a wonder? Kenzor: [Smiles] What kind of wonder? Kalash: Simple. A young virgin. Kenzor: [Laughs] How much? Kalash: Ten first-grade tin coins. Kenzor: Whoa... this much? Kalash: Well, that is because this is a virgin like no other. Kenzor: I want it now. Give it to me now! Kalash: Not to worry, she is at your disposal. Kenzor: Well... unfortunately, I only have five tin coins. You make me credit? Kalash: Alright. After this one, I will give you more virgin to give you. Kenzor: Oh, aren't you a precious man, you? Let's go, quickly. [Since Kenzor is extremely excited, both men make their way amost running. As they arrive, Kalash opens the door, and Kenzor looks at the peasant woman with a teasing look.] Kenzor: Do tell me, merchant, isn't she too old to be a virgin? [With a violent kick, Kalash runs Kenzor against a wall. With a dreadful groan of pain, and half-stunned, Kenzor manages not to faint, but Kalash steals him his shortsword, and points its tip against Kenzor's nape.] Kenzor: Who... WHO ARE YOU? Kalash: So you are the liaison officer between the army and the king. Good, then answer my question or I'll kill you! [Kenzor tries to free himself, but the tip of the sword starts penetrating in the flesh, pouring blood. Frightned, the peasant woman hides herself in a corner of the room.] Kalash: When will the Assyrians attack Egypt and the Hittites? And since when they make sacrifices to the Gods? Kenzor: The attack... the sacrifices, a military secret. Kalash: Keep quiet, and you'll keep your secret in your grave. Kenzor: You wouldn't...! Kalash: Of course I would, Kenzor. I won't hesitate to kill you, among all the officers necessary to know the thruth! [Kalash gets his sword even deeper, and Kenzor lets out a cry of pain. The peasant woman looks away.] Kenzor: The attack date, only the emperor knows it. I am not aware of it. Kalash: Yet you know how come these sacrifices to the Gods happen all of a sudden, right? [Kenzor mutters some words, as if he was talking to himself.] Kalash: ... what did you say...? Kenzor: You... you heard it! Kalash: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? Kenzor: No, I swear! Kalash: This cannot be! Kenzor: This is true! [And with a violet and accurate move, Kalash sinks the tip of the sword in the nape of Kenzor, who dies instantly. Kalash then turns on the peasant woman.] Kalash: Turn around. Woman: No! Let me live! Go away! Kalash: I'm sorry, my dear, but I cannot let you live. Woman: I saw nothing! I heard nothing! Kalash: Are you sure about that? Woman: He was muttering, I heard nothing, I swear! [She then falls on Kalash's knees] Don't kill me, please! You'll need my help to get out of Ugarit! [Kalash, after a though, lays down his sword, and then goes to the corpse of Kalash. There, on a pocket of his jacket, he fins the Book of Thieves. Horrified at the sight, Kalash tears apart the whole scroll, turns on the chimney and burns all the pieces of the Book.]"

- Kalash interrogates Kenzor

The next day, Kalash manages to start a rebellion in the city of Tadmur, rebellion which spreads throughout all of Syria. This, obviously, draws the wrath of Narish, governor of Syria. Benteshina reveals Kalash that there is also a powerful machinery, called the Eye of Ba'al, which uses solar energy as projectiles. The resistance managed to activate the first three parts of the Eye, but the fourth one is heavily protected by the Assyrian loyalists. As Kalash proceedes to activate the last part of the Eye, we soon see another flashback about him...

"[As morning shines on the cottage where Kalash and his woman live, the woman gets woken up by the footsteps from a patrol, and is still traumatized by the sight of the corpse of Kenzor.] Woman: He's here... he's still here! Kalash: Get out of your dream. This one will not testify against us. Woman: But I did nothing! Kalash: It doesn't matter. You are my wife, and should they capture me, you will be executed, like me. [Desperate, the woman dashes against Kalash, hammering his chest with her fists.] Kalash: I thought about it, last night. [The woman stops "hurting" him.] Kalash: I have a choice. Either I kill you, or I let you help me. Woman: Help you? And how? Kalash: I am against the Assyrian. [The peasant looks at Kalash as if he was a creature from the Underworld.] Kalash: That's right. I am a Syrian, but I am also against the Assyrians. My family, wy wife and children, were slaughtered at the hands of the Assyrian king, just to force me to join them. Mine is a quest for vegeance, and also of justice, as my goals are avenge my family and try to free my land from the tiranny of the Assyrians. I needed to interrogate Kenzor, the liason officer between the army and the king, so I could know why the Assyrians were making sacrifices to their Gods. Now that I know the reasons, I need to warn both the emperor of the Hittites and the Pharaoh of Egypt, and since Ugarit is not far to the borders of the Hittites, I should reach the emperor Hattusili first. There, from the capitol at Hattusa, I will send a letter to the Pharaoh and tell him what I have discovered. Not only this should strenghten the alliance between Egypt and the Hittites, but is also a more than perfect reason to wage war against Assyria and destroy the king Ashurbanipal. If I somehow fail to reach Hattusa, I want you to either pass the borders of this protectorate and warn the first hittite patrol you see, or ask help from a merchant. I have many friends among the merchant in Syria, dozens that is, and they are happy to help someone oppressed those oppressed by the Assyrians when they have the chance. If you want me to trust you, then you have to believe me. Woman: And... why should I do something as dangerous? Kalash: Success is not guaranteed, but if you do it at least... [And Kalash gives her wife a tablet] Kalash: ...thanks to this tablet I'm giving to you, you will enjoy a good life, either in Hatti or Egypt. Woman: ...alright... Kalash: Perfect. Each of us will leave from a different city gate. Woman: Sounds good, but... what if I reach an hittite patrol first, or something like that? Kalash: Just think about what I told you, and don't worry about me. [Kalash kisses the peasant woman, and then heads to one of the gates of Ugarit. Here, he sees a massive patrol, who controls various merchants, which makes any way out impossible. Kalash starts talking to a trader.] Kalash: Hey, there. What's happening? Trader: It is forbidden to enter the city, and difficult to get out. They're looking for an officer who would've disappear. Kalash: And what have we got with that? Trader: You see, an Assyrian officer does NOT disappear. Surely someone must have attacked him... maybe killed him... This will surely involve some traitors around... Kalash: I see... [Soon. it is Kalash's turn.] Soldier: Who are you? Kalash: Just a potter. Soldier: And why are you leaving the city? Kalash: I'm just getting more vases from my farm. [The soldier makes sure that the "potter" is not armed.] Soldier: Fine, you can pass... [Finally Kalash is very near the gate of Ugarit, which will surely lead to the road to Hattusa.] ???: Wait. [That voice stops Kalash] ???: Arrest him. Now. Soldier: Hey, don't get cocky, whoever you are! I am the one giving orders. ???: My name is Narish. I belong to the high court of Assyria, the same court which has nominated me governor of Syria. Soldier: WHAT? Wait a second... what kind of crime did this man do? Narish: This man is not a potter. His name is Kalash, and is a traitor of the Assyrian king. Kalash: ... Narish: Get him alive. And leave him to me. [Kalash gets captured, and is brought to a prison of the city, and more precisely to a cell with another guy. There, some days later, Keku, father of Tanit pays him a visit.] Keku: So, my friend... how is it going? Kalash: Keku? I heard about you. You are the most prestigious minister of all Egypt! What are you doing here? Keku: Nothing. Just a chat between friends. Pray tell, how are you now? Kalash: To be honest, it could have been better... Keku: Don't make me laugh, Kalash. The Gods have turned their backs on you. If it was not for Narish, you certainly would have escaped. Kalash: I was not escaping. Keku: You know denying the facts is not easy. Kalash: Maybe, but you know apparences can be deceiving. Keku: You really are Kalash, one of the most prestigious traders in all of Syria. I saw you trying to save your own people from any aggression, by offering enormous tributes to both the Pharaoh of Egypt and the emperor of Hatti. You put some goals on yourself, for the sake of everyone, and you did have both courage and skills. [Keku puts an hand on Kalash' shoulders, as if to confort him.] Keku: Unfortunately, you have not much luck with what you do. But I understand how you feel. I have been watching you the whole time. [Kalash feels strange... why he can't move?] Kalash: ?! Keku: Did you really think that I would have let you get away so easily, Kalash? ...with this? [Keku moves his hand in Kalash's vest... and when it pulls it out, it's holding the Book of the Thieves! Horror seizes Kalash's mind as he witnesses this.] Keku: Well then, now... now that we have finished our talking... and we have said our pieces... you are just one more hindrance on the way of completion. [Snaps his fingers.] Torture him. [Two men, hypnotized by Keku's magic, get near Kalash, and start beating him up with punches and kicks, under a joyful and satisfied Keku looking at the scene. This goes on for at least 20 seconds. Once they have finished, Keku and his two men exit the cell, leaving a beaten, broken and bewildered Kalash on the ground of the cell.] Keku: Until next time."

- Kalash gets arrested and tortured

The flashback finished, Kalash goes towards the first mechanism that activates the last part of the Eye of Ba'al. Howerer, as soon as he activates the first mechanism, Narish appears, and riding on a dragon! One by one, Kalash activates the other three mechanisms of the last part, thus managing to fully activate the Eye. Using the ballista that fires the solar energy from the Eye, Kalash manages to kill the dragon of Narish, and then to kill Narish himself. After hearing that the Assyrian army led by Ashurbanipal is heading towards Egypt, Kalash goes galloping of a sphinx, and heads towards Egypt, hoping to get his chance to save Egypt and have his vengeance.


 * Levels:
 * Protection
 * Rebellion
 * Sorcerer

The invasion of Egypt
Anticipating the Assyrian army, Imhotep returns in Egypt, where he's celebrated as an hero, but celebrations are shortlived as he announces that the Assyrian army led by the Great King Ashurbanipal is nearing the gates of Egypt. Soon, the Assyrians attack from Sinai, passing through Pelusium and nearing the gates of Tanis and Busiris. At first, the Egyptians seem to completely hold off the Assyrian offensive, but once again, three giant mages make their apparition. Imhotep manages to kill the three magicians, but not before they manage to break the Egyptian walls, allowing the Assyrians to pass. The battle is extremely cruent, and even with Imhotep giving it all for the sake of Egypt, Ashurbanipal keeps on sending waves after waves. But suddenly, a new horror falls upon the city: it's the Sea Peoples! Attacking from the coast, the barbarians freely roam through the Delta, and towards the Egyptian and Assyrian armies, taking advantage of their numbers against the Egyptian and Assyrian armies altogether. Achish, still leader of the Philisteans, is now leading them back against Egypt, and bent on revenge against Imhotep, who dared to scar him. The battle is now a massive slaughter, as Egyptians, Assyrians and barbarians fight each others like mad. With no options left and his death at hand, Imhotep sheds a tear, and whispers:

"Father... why have you forsaken me...?"

- Imhotep calls the help of Osiris

But at that time, Imhotep is hit by a powerful beam of green light from the underground. Imhotep feels transformed: he received the Sun Disk of Ra, and his health is once again at a perfect peak. With his newfond powers, Imhotep slaughters barbarians and Assyrians alike, and reaches up to Ashurbanipal, surprised that someone truly managed to come this far. Howerer, in that moment, Kalash arrives, and aids Imhotep against Ashurbanipal. After a long and hard battle, in which Ashurbanipal reveals himself to be a powerful magician himself, Imhotep and Kalash manage to defeat the Assyrian king, and Kalash gets his retribution by killing Ashurbanipal, chopping his head off.

Imhotep then goes to fight against Achish, whom, howerer, has evocated a replica of the Sphinx! Imhotep, forced to fight the fake Sphinx, manages to turn the tides of this new battle, and rides the Sphinx at the place of Achish, whom, howerer, destroys the Sphinx' nose, deactivating it. Imhotep manages to kill Achish anyway, using the same Spear of Anhur that he used long ago to scar Achish.

The people of Egypt celebrates: the country has witnessed the double invasion of the Assyrians and the Sea Peoples, but it was thanks to a man that Egypt still lives. The Pharaoh, barely alive, hugs Imhotep, in front of a wild and joyful mass of Egyptians. Finally, Imhotep learns how does it mean to be an hero. But as he looks around, he notices that Tanit is gone. Soon, someone quickly reaches to Imhotep, and tells him that someone wants to talk to him. The mysterious person's located in the Great Temple of Osiris, at Busiris. Imhotep comes running to the Great Temple, and there he finds a mad priest who massacred all his fellow priests. He has in fact often the Whip of Osiris, and, with it, the power to evoke mummies and undead.

Imhotep, infuriated by this foolish sacrilege, confronts and kills the mad priest. Before dying, the priest, rinsavitosi, reveals that Imhotep to Tanit has been kidnapped, and his own parents. She was kidnapped because indirect witness of sacrilege even more horrible: the theft of the Jar of Osiris, stolen from Keku, father of Tanit, thanks to the Book of Thieves. The magic of the cup is so powerful that, if it falls into the wrong hands, it could destroy the known world. Tanit herself is being used as a sacrificial victim to the awakening of the god Seth, whom Keku plans to give to thethe soul of Tanit, so he can awake him and hand him the Jar. Awarded the Whip of Osiris, and with it the magic to conjure up the mummies, Imhotep goes to Memphis, the city patron of Ptah, ready to face Tanit's parents.


 * Levels:
 * Invasion
 * Destruction
 * Villany

The battle against Keku and Seth
Imhotep has reached Memphis, and meets Sekhet. Imhotep accuses her of betraying each Tanit love that she felt for her parents.

"Sekhet: Have you come in search of death, Imhotep? This time, no trickery nor God wil save you, for Seth is with me. Seth, the powerful master of Chaos! Imhotep: You have betrayed the love that your own daughter felt for you and your husband. You and Keku are without any dignity, no heart, no worth of living. So now, I will make sure you shall pay for this!"

- Imhotep vs. Sekhet, First Round

Imhotep, taking in account everything she learned from Seshat, Imhotep wins against Sekhet's human form. Howerer, as she lays defeated, she transforms into a snake, who slithers away to the core of the temple. Imhotep goes there, and sees that Sekhet has become an human-sized snake, ready to the kill!

"Sekhet: The strenght of Seth is inside me! I shall slay you myself and liquefy your corpse on the stones of this sanctuary! Imhotep: So, Sekhet. You reveal your true nature: that of a lowly snake! Sekhet: Your own naure is that of a victim and a prey. Let the hunt begin!"

- Imhotep vs. Sekhet, Second Round

Imhotep, after another hard battle, manages to defeat Sekhet once again, and leaves her on the ground, now in a shrunken snake form. Imhotep takes a conveniently placed coffer, and closes Sekhet in it. Then, using the Ankh of Ptah, he enters the heart of the temple, where, through a corridor, he faces all kinds of monster Keku sent to him, until he reaches the black magician himself.

"[Finally, Imhotep comes at the end of the hallway, where there is a light coming from a crypt with red walls; the center of the tile floor there is a throne, on which sits the strange figure of a man sitting sil throne itself. In his right hand, a scepter with Seth's head that simbolegga power; on the left, the key to life. From his crown of Osiris come out furious snakes. Keku seems unrecognizable: his face seems that of an old man, his natural charm is gone, and his eyes now express a barely restrained violence. The barriers form steps leading to Keku same. Within that evil barriers, hieroglyphics ensure the safety of the black magician, whom smiles while looking at Imhotep.] Keku: So here you are, Imhotep. I expected it. Yet my guards, especially those with the flame head, were valiant warriors! I am happy that you have come so far. What a wonderful fate ... your soul, together with that of Tanit, will be poured into the Jar of Osiris, and together you will participate in the extermination of the Pharaoh and his followers. What a sublime spectacle! Imhotep: Keku... how? Why? Tanit loved you. §And you repay her like this? How can you go that far? Keku: All that matters is the goal that I set. Your heart will be destroyed and you'll end up in the flames of hell, and the same thing will happen to the woman you love. And it will be me, Keku, to control the flames. The same flames that will devour the Pharaoh and all of Egypt. And from that scorched earth will rise the kingdom of Seth ... the kingdom of Evil."

- Imhotep prepares to fight Keku

Imhotep thus fights against Keku, which uses the power of the hieroglyphs to subdue and absorb its soul in the Jar. Protected by the Book of Thoth, Imhotep manages to weaken Keku slowly. Using the necklace Tanit gave him long ago, Imhotep evokes the lions Yesterday and Tomorrow, and finally destroys the magic of Keku, nor the latter, while throwing the crown snakes on his assault against the felines emerged from the jewel, is able to fight such magic.

"[Keku, incredulous, drops the scepters and his throne crumbles. The crown of the black magician falls, and is devoured by the flames along with the remains of his throne, and the bodies of his snakes. All that is left of everything just behind Keku is a very large abyss.] Imhotep: You thought you were the Pharaoh ... but you're just a warlock with a twisted soul! [Despite Imhotep hoping for a sign of repentance, or a cry for help, the face of Keku now it expresses only resentment and bitterness. Defeated, Keku closes his eyes, stretches his arms and throws himself into the void. Not a cry of pain, but only a last sacrifice, and Keku disappears down the incandescent hole.]"

- Keku is defeated

Imhotep feels pity towards Keku. How could a men so respected betray his own country and serve a devil such as Seth? And speaking of Seth...

A giant flame erupts from the abyss, and soon a familiar figure stands flying: it is Seth, the Egyptian God of Chaos!

"Seth: Hello, son. Imhotep: I am not your son, Seth! Seth: Aren't you? You were born with my blood. Imhotep: Your own power of Chaos affects your thinking Seth. I am born through the womb of my mother and the sperm of my father. Seth: [Chuckles] Think about it, mortal. Whom do you think is the scorpion that bit you when you were still in diapers? [Imhotep stays silent.] Seth: Not convinced? You still refuse to admit you had been chosen by me to be my herald? How sad. After all the time and effort I took to get respected, I am so disappointed that no one does appreciate it... let alone you. You have no idea how hard it to be worshipped, respected, feared, adored. And I though the people of Egypt would have loved me at first when I disposed of my dear brother Osiris, and became the king of the Gods on his place. Imhotep: Everyone knows what you did, how you did it, and why you did it. You are a traitor of the Gods, and that is why no one considered you as a legitimate ruler of Egypt, nor a God of Kemet! Seth: It does not matter. None of all that happened until now matters now. Keku and Sekhet were worthy servants of me. I must confess I am quite surprised that you, alone, have managed to defeat both of them, along with numerous foes that stood in your way. But tell me... have you ever faced a God? No... answer me not. But I guess you intent to, which is a shame, considering that we could share this world, you and I, together. Then you must excuse me for finding your "offer" amusing. I guess you have not learned anything from the lesson I taught you last time. You should really known better than to challenge your king so recklessly- Imhotep: You are NOT my king! And I am very aware of my own limitation as a mortal. But I also know I can hold my own fighting you, and I know what is at stake. There would be two outcomes for this battle: either you defeat me in combat and keep your stolen throne, or I defeat you, save Egypt, and all the known world, and keep you out of the world of the living. Seth: [Stares at Imhotep, then chuckles] Well then... I guess I should give you some credit, mortal. That was a bold thing to say. You almost sound... like an actual threat. But... [Points his scythe on the throat of Imhotep] ...as much as I am very aware of your power, Imhotep, we both know who is the strongest between the two of us. So I ask you this, mortal... why should I humor a damned brat with a duel, when I could easily kill you right this instant, and take the whole world for myself? Imhotep: You aspire to be the king of the world, Seth, but I have a far greater power than yours. Seth: We will see about that..."

- Imhotep confronts Seth

And Imhotep fight Seth in this last fight for the fate of the known world, and the life of Tanit. Seth attacks in his human form at first, then in his traditional God form, and finally a giant-sized version of his animal (sha) form. Imhotep somehow manages to gain an advantage against the evil God of Chaos, whom, howerer, sends him inside the Jar of Osiris with his magic, making him confront his evil self. Whom has, howerer, demonic traits. Imhotep manages to fight his inner demons, but ends up weakened. Still, he keeps fighting against Seth, even at his limits. Certain of victory, Seth underestimates Imhotep, whom, as he's about to take the finishing blow, feels a strange light: the same necklace that Tanit gave him long ago hid a gem that contains a new power: the power of the Armor of the Pharaoh; it is said that he who possessed this power, will receive a power that rivals the strenght of the Gods, but only a pure-hearted being like Imhotep can weild such power. His newfound strenght achieved, Imhotep delivers blow after blow to Seth, and defeats him.

Weakened, and not longer able to fight, Seth awaits Imhotep's retribution...

"Imhotep: I let you live. You say I am your son... but I have chosen a path different, a path that was of my own choosing. Maybe you are right. Maybe you truly have chosen me to be your herald... or better, your slave. But I let you live. Know this, Seth: you have no power on me. Seth: Perhaps you think that the Gods will help you... but I ask, Imhotep: where are your Gods now? Why do they not come to your aid? Imhotep: I ask you, Seth: how do you think I got this strong? How do you think I achieved all these weapons, these powers, this spirit? Your own evil has caused every last disaster against the Gods. YOU forced Nephtys to choose Osiris as her lover. YOU are the responsible for the deaths of Osiris, your own sibling. YOU are the one who provoked the Great War of Egypt that ended when Narmer unified all of Kemet, while Horus finally defeated you and claimed the throne he deserved. YOU chose to be a demon, refusing to be a just deity. And I could tell you even more reasons why the Gods have chosen me as the victor of this battle, and not you. Seth: [Chuckles] What a spirit you have... perhaps you, too, are right... [And Seth, in his first moment of kindness after millenia, makes sure that Tanit awakens.] Seth: Enjoy the peace you truly deserve, Imhotep. Enjoy every moment with your loved one. But know this, Imhotep: for me, peace is only a word that describes a moment to bury the dead and sharpen blades Imhotep: There is nothing for you to worry about me. I fought a war as bad as this. [Imhotep touches Seth's chest with the point of his sword, and the God of Chaos starts to freeze in green crystal shards.] Seth: We will meet again, Imhotep. The stars have deemed it. One day, you will regret not finishing me."

- Seth is defeated at last

Ending
"Cursed to remain in its crystal prison, Seth was left defeated, a fallen God. A just punishment for a treacherous and vengeful god. The fate of Seth was sealed, and his followers, one by one, were no more. [Imhotep turns to Tanit, who is slowly awakenning from her slumber. He takes her on his arms, and they smile each others.] Imhotep had saved humanity, and even his beloved. Imhotep took Tanit in his arms like a girlfriend to whom the future groom would across the threshold of his home to seal the marriage. And when he came out of the temple of Ptah... [Imhotep exits the temple, and hears cries of positive joy.] ... he heard euphoric shouts of joy. It was the people of Egypt. The people were saved thanks to one man, Imhotep. [Aware of what is happening, Imhotep climbs up the last stairs, and finds a joyful Pharaoh, along with hundreds of people, all glad to be saved.] Driven mad with joy, Imhotep rides on the road leading to the square in Memphis ... and saw Pharaoh in front of him, and behind the pharaoh there were priests, farmers, scribes, sculptors, artisans, musicians, soldiers, merchants and even servants. They all had the joy painted on their faces. [Imhotep lays Tanit on her feet, looks at the Pharaoh and the two hug each others.] Imhotep allowed Tanit to stand on her own, and looked the Pharaoh into his eyes, reading the immense happiness in them... and the two shook in a warm hug, which was topped off with a deafening ovation of all the people of Egypt. [As the crowd cheeres to the scene, Imhotep, with one of his hands raised by the Pharaoh Merneptah, waves to the joyful people with his free hand.] Imhotep had defeated Chaos, and re-established the universal order. Thus, Imhotep became ... [We see a profiled close-up of the head of a smiling Imhotep.] ... the Hero of Egypt."

- Full ending


 * Levels:
 * Evil spirit
 * Sacrifice
 * Finale

Imhotep
Imhotep is the protagonist of the Hero of Egypt saga. Young, but experienced in many fields, even the army despite being a priest, intelligent and good-looking, Imhotep is respected by his own people, as he respects them, the Pharaoh and the Gods.

Kalash is a tall, thin and bald man, with accentuated muscles.

Kalash
Kalash is a syrian merchant, and lives in Amurru, a province of the Assyrian empire: officially, he serves as a merchant at the services of Ashurbanipal, the Assyrian king... or so he wants other to believe. He'd actually rather live in the paradisiac Egypt, where the Pharaoh rules wisely and gives abbondance to his people, than serve as a lackey of the Assyrian king. He thus betrays Ashurbanipal, and helps Imhotep, as a reward from freeing him. Keku, one of the antagonists of the game, makes others believe that Kalash is his friend and that the Pharaoh has killed his wife and children while on the way back from the battle of Qadesh. The truth is another: it was Ashurbanipal that sent assassins to kill his whole family, just to force Kalash to join the Assyrian empire and work from the king.

Kalash is an overweight and wealthy man, but he possessed above-average physical attributes, despite his appearance. He's also an expert on deception as he manages to disguise himself as a hittite potter, and to kill some Assyrian officials, including one of the most prestigious ones.

Tanit
Tanit is Imhotep's love interest. She has a mother and a father, Sekhet and Keku. Howerer, she will get kidnapped by her own father, as part of a ritual to awaken Seth, the God of Chaos. At the end of the game, after the defeat of Seth, she marries Imhotep, and they will have a child.

Menreptah
Menreptah is the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. He is a wise and powerful man who controls the powerful Egyptian empire, which stretches from the far Nubia to the Upper Syria. Various years ago, after a bloody fight fought at Karkemish, the Egyptian and the Hittite empires have stipulated a peace traty, which had evolved into an alliance against common enemies.

Hattusili
Hattusili is the king of the Hittite empire. He is titled as

"he who defeated the Arzawa, he who submitted the Lukka, he who bestowed the ruin of the Mitanni. Because of him, Ugarit now bows before him, the Thracian tribes pledge their serviges to him, and the Urartu kneel before him."

- Text from Glory to Hattusili

Thanks to this description, Hattusili may be described as a powerful lord.

Achish
Achish is one of the strongest warlords among the Sea Peoples, and is the king of the Philistines tribe. As such, he is one of the leading generals of the Sea Peoples' invasion of Egypt, in which many innocent people lose their lives. In the first parts of the game, Imhotep manages to wound his face, forcing him and his troops to flee, and leaving his allies at the mercy of the Egyptian army. He will plot his revenge invading Egypt once again, but this time with a more powerful army.

Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal is the king of the powerful Assyrian empire. He dreams of destroying the Egyptian and Hittite empire and rule over their lands. As tradition for all Assyrian kings, Ashurbanipal is a very cruel and ruthless king. He will lead the siege of Hattusas indirectly with a large army, and then will personally guide his assault on Egypt.

Benteshina
Benteshina is a vassal prince of the Amurru. Apparently living with pleasure for Ashurbanipal, the King of Assyria, he actually seeks rebellion, but he has no means to do it. Fortunately to him, Kalash, the Syrian merchant, comes at his aid in every way, and the Amorrites repay him by bringing him to Egypt, while mounting a hieracospiynx, right in the middle of the battle between Egypt, Assyria and the Sea Peoples.

Tuya
Tuya is Tanit's mother and wife of Keku, and works as a priestess of Bastet. When her daughter discovers her husband's true intentions, she pretends to help her escape, but she actually makes sure that he kidnaps her, so he could use her soul as a sacrifice to Seth, the God of Chaos. When Imhotep faces her, she first challenges him to a magic contest, and then, after a first defeat, she transforms herself in a giant snake, with the powers of the snake Goddess Wadjet.

Keku
Keku is husband of Sekhet and father of Tanit. He officially is the best suited candidate to the Minister of Agriculture, but deep within him there is a desire to awaken Seth, the God of Chaos; this is the reason why he and his wife kidnap their own daughter, so they may sacrifice her soul to awaken Seth. That is also the reason he stole the Jar of Osiris: he knew of the prophecy of Amun-Ra, of the wish of the Pharaoh Merenptah to have a worthy heir for his Kingdom, and of the obelisk needed to appease Amun-Ra. He even uses the Jar to curse an object supposed to cure Pazair, whom is sick at bed; the object is passed from Keku to Tuya, to Tanit and then to Pazair himself, who then risks death, and Tanit is then framed for murder attempt. As she runs, she will fall in a trap created by Keku himself.

Seth
Seth is the Egyptian God of Chaos, and the final boss of the game. Wishing to take his revenge upon all Egypt and its Pantheon for choosing Horus instead of Seth, he tries to find a way to rule all Egypt, and destroy it. He finally manages to find his servants in the form of Tanit's parents, Keku and Sekhet. While Keku manages to steal the Jar of Osiris, his wife Sekhet offers herself as a priestess of Bastet.

Egyptian Khopesh
The Egyptian Khopesh is the standard weapon for all Egyptian soldiers. Through there are soldiers in the ranks of the Pharaoh's army that also use axes or spears, this unique weapon guarantees a great attack strenght, expecially in the hands of a good warrior... and Imhotep is surely a good warrior, if not even better.

The Egyptian Khopesh comes along with the Egyptian Shield, and can be activated by pressing the up button on the joypad.

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Basic combo: Just a regular combo. Square, square, square, square, square
 * Strong combo: Slow but powerful combo. Triangle, triangle, triangle
 * Shield basher: Useful for damaging enemy defenses. Hold triangle
 * Lift: Allows to gain more height while in air. X, X
 * Rage of Horus: A quick and powerful combo ending in a fiery finish. Square, square, triangle

Level 2

 * Cost: 1'500 orbs
 * Power: 150%
 * Dash attack: Ground dash attack. R1
 * Ground attack: Air attack that drives Imhotep quickly to the ground. R1
 * Ascension of Horus: During an attack, it simultaneously launches Imhotep and enemies into the air. L1 + X
 * Offensive of Horus: Slam enemies back to the ground with this powerful attack. L1 + X

Level 3

 * Cost: 2'250 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Strenght of Shu: Slow but powerful combo. Triangle, triangle, square.
 * Valor of Horus: A counter attack after parrying your foe. Square after R1
 * Vegeance of Horus: A counter attack after parrying your foe. Triangle after R1
 * Dance of death: Useful combo for critical damage. 75% critical chance. Square, square, square, square, triangle.

Level 4

 * Cost: 3'750 orbs
 * Power: 250%
 * Fury of Nut (air): A Multi-hit air attack ends with an explosive finish. L1 + triangle
 * Fury of Geb: A Multi-hit attack that targets a single enemy. L1 + triangle

Level 5

 * Cost: 9'000 orbs
 * Power: 300%
 * Curse of Osiris: See Armor of the Pharaoh.

Egyptian Shield
This large Egyptian Shield is made of wood, copper and rawhide. Despite not the perfect defense against organized armies, this shield guarantees a very good protection of the weilder. Howerer, if imbued with enough power of the Gods, this shield can offer great protection even from inhuman beings.

The Egyptian Shield comes along with the Khopesh. To activate it, the player needs to press the up button on the joypad.

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Defence: 100%
 * Block: Allows to block incoming attacks. L1
 * Denied attack: Allows to shove an attack just before the enemy attack connects. L1

Level 2

 * Cost: 1'500 orbs
 * Defence: 150%
 * Temperance of Horus: A counter attack after parrying your foe. L1 after L1. Requires Level 3 Khopesh Sword.

Level 3

 * Cost: 7'250 orbs
 * Defense: 200%
 * Wrath of Horus: A powerful counter attack after a parrydate. Gives an opening for opponents. Parry, then triangle

Spear of Anhur
The first time Imhotep uses this powerful weapon is against Achish, chief of the Philisteans and one of the strongest warlords among the Sea Peoples. Despite not managing to kill him, he still wounds his face, slashing his right cheek and instilling fear in him. Howerer, on the second round against Achish, Imhotep manages to kill him with this same weapon.

To weild the Spear of Anhur, the player must press the right button on the joypad.

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Strenght of Anhur: A fearsome combo ending in a powerful thrust that sends enemies flying back. Square, square, square
 * Wrath of Anhur: fearsome combo ending in an explosive finish that launches enemies. Square, square, triangle, triangle
 * Aim: Draw your spear and take aim at enemies. Hold R1
 * Phalanx Offensive: Unleash a series of rapid strikes with your spear. L1 + square
 * Deflection: Allows to shove an attack just before the enemy attack connects. L1

Level 2

 * Cost: 3'750 orbs
 * Power: 150%
 * Spirit of Anhur: Throw your spear into the ground, sending your enemies flying back. Hold R1 + triangle
 * Vegeance of Anhur: After a successful parry, press square to do a powerful counterattack. Parry and square
 * Temperance of Anhur: After a successful parry, press triangle to do a powerful counterattack. Parry and triangle

Level 3

 * Cost: 8'500 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Treacherous Impaling: After an evade, allows to impale an opponent from behind. Evade, then square
 * Treacherous Slash: After an evade, allows to shash an opponent from behind. Evade, then triangle

Level 4

 * Cost: 11'250 orbs
 * Power: 250%
 * Hellish barrage: Bombard your enemies with spears from above. Jump, hold R1 + square
 * Vegeance of Anhur: Allows to shot an explosive spear blow in air, damaging any enemy in range. Jump, hold R1 + triangle

Bow of Neith
The Bow of Neith is received from Neith, the Goddess of Fate herself. To obtain this weapon, Imhotep must complete three courses: a labyrinth created by Thoth, a magic contest with Seshat and a battle with numerous messengers of the Gods.

To activate the Bow of Neith, the player must press the left button on the joypad.

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Flame Burst: Fire a flaming arrow, arrows are quite weak but can be fired at an incredibly fast rate. L1 + square
 * Fiery Inferno: Hold Square to build up energy for a powerful flaming arrow that can scorch your foes. L1 + Hold square
 * Radial shot: Allows Imhotep to fire multiple shots against more than one enemy. Slightly weaker and quite slower as a standard shot. L1 + X

Level 2

 * Cost: 2'500 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Rapid Fire: The gusts of wind and fire can be shot more rapidly as the square button is pressed.
 * Lethal Vortex: Hold L1 and then press triangle to release a fire whirlwind that launches enemies into the air. L1 + triangle

Level 3

 * Cost: 10'000 orbs
 * Power: 300%
 * Storm of Neith - Hold L1, and then press circle to command a raging fire tempest with a large area of damage. L1 + circle

Flail of Osiris
Few objects are as closely associated with the rulers' dominion over Egypt as the crook and the flail. The crook and flail are sometimes thought to represent two of the functions of the king: the crook stands for the shepherd, carer of the people, while the flail as scourge symbolizes the punishments deemed necessary to sustain society. Traitors, howerer, can use these symbols to destroy Egypt... at least not if Imhotep manages to stop these traitors.

To weild the Flail of Osiris, the player needs to press the down button on the joypad.

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Agony of Osiris: Basic flail attacks. Square, square, square, square, square
 * Flail grab: You can use it to grab enemies and slam them on the ground. L1 + triangle
 * Bane of Osiris: While evading, press triangle to attack with a powerful overhead slam. Evade, then triangle
 * Justice of Osiris: Spins the blades of the Whip, either by itself or at the end of a combo. Hold square

Level 2

 * Cost: 3'000 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Flail earthquake: Allows to jump and provoke a great earthquake. Jump, then hold triangle
 * Judgement of Osiris: Whip an enemy, delivering a deadly shock. Jump, then L1 + O
 * Sorrow of Osiris: Allows to grab enemies and launch them in the air, and them slam them repeatedly on the ground, provoking shockwaves on nearby (weak) enemies. L1+ square, triangle x5

Level 3

 * Cost: 12'500 orbs
 * Power: 300%
 * Flail terror: This thunderous combo is pratically perfect for groups of enemies. Hold square, triangle
 * Fury of Osiris: Allows to execute a powerful combo that emanates a powerful shockwave. Jump, then hold circle

Uraeus of Wadjet
The Uraeus of Wadjet is the magic related to the Khopesh sword (selectable by pressing the up button on the joypad).

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Breath of Wadjet: at a command of Imhotep, a ghostly snake appears from behind and breather a fiery fire upon nearby enemies. L2

Level 2

 * Cost: 1250 orbs
 * Power: 150%
 * Wider attack range
 * Increased fire damage

Level 3

 * Cost: 5500 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Wider attack range
 * Enemies with low health may explode when hit by this magic.

Army of Mummies
The Army of Mummies is the magic related to the Flail of Osiris (selectable by pressing the down button on the joypad).

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Can summon 7 low-level minor mummies.
 * Army of mummies: Imhotep uses the Flail to rise an army of mummies that can assist Imhotep. L2

Level 2

 * Cost: 1750 orbs
 * Power: 150%
 * Can now summon 10 low-level minor mummies, as well as 3 average mummies.
 * All mummies increase their health by 33%.

Level 3

 * Cost: 6000
 * Power: 200%
 * Army is upgraded to 10 low-level minor mummies, 5 average mummies and 3 strong mummies.
 * All mummies increase their health by 33%.

Fury of Geb
The Fury of Geb is the magic related to the Spear of Anhur (selectable by pressing the right button on the joypad).

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Fury of Geb: Imhotep impales the Spear on the ground, causing a massive shockwave. L2

Level 2

 * Cost: 1650 orbs
 * Power: 150%
 * Now spears can appear from the ground, damaging all enemies in the range of the shockwave.

Level 3

 * Cost: 5500 orbs
 * Power: 200%
 * Giant ground fists can contribute the damage against all enemies in the range of the shockwave.

Thunder of Amon
The Thunder of Amon is the magic related to the Bow of Neith (selectable by pressing the left button on the joypad).

Level 1

 * Cost: n/a
 * Power: 100%
 * Thunder of Amon: the Bow of Neith is inbued with the power of Amun. L2 + Square (in air ok)

Level 2

 * Cost: 2000
 * Power: 150%
 * Thunder and lightning: each shot acts as a bomb against nearby unfortunate opponents. L2 + Triangle (in air ok)

Level 3

 * Cost: 6200
 * Power: 200%
 * Rage of Amon: from above, Imhotep contributes to bring Amun's wrath upon the enemy. Jump, L2 + tap O

Book of the Dead
The Book of the Dead is the first relic Imhotep obtains in the game, but also the only mandatory item in the game itself. Imhotep obtains this relic by completing the three Trials of Thoth, Seshat and Sokhar. Thanks to it, Imhotep can face the monsters from the underground, learn the magic from the Gods, and discover the secrets of Egypt. He will share his wisdom with the rest of the people of Egypt.

Sight of Nekhbet
The Sight of Nekhbet is the second relic Imhotep obtains in the game. It allows Imhotep to greatly increase his line of sight while using the Bow of Neith.


 * Sight of Nekhbet: While using the Bow of Neith, L1 + L2.

Wings of Isis
The Wings of Isis are the third relic Imhotep obtains in the game. They allow Imhotep to literally fly in stages.


 * Glide of Isis: Allows Imhotep to glide in the air for a short time. Hold X while on air.
 * Strike of Isis: Imhotep stomps on the ground, causing a minor shockwave. On air, L1 + X.

Sun Disk of Ra
The Sun Disk of Ra is the fourth and final Imhotep's relic. It has the same function of a torch, and can also blind enemies. Most useful against all dark and corrupted enemies.


 * Solar beam: Allows Imhotep to use the Disk and reveal hidden objects. R2 + triangle.
 * Solar flash: Release a medium ranged burst of light that blinds some enemies. R2 + Hold Triangle.

Curse of Seth
The Curse of Seth is Imhotep's power-up, and appears since the beginning of the game. It is revealed that Imhotep had the curse since events prior this game. When the Ankh power (the Ankh shaped symbol) is full, its power can be activated by pressing L3, R3 or both the buttons. Once activated, Imhotep is covered in a large reddish aura, his attack and defense values are doubles, and he gains 50% of green, blue and yellow orbs. Of course, this power up doesn't last long.

Armor of the Pharaoh
The Armor of the Pharaoh is Imhotep's power-up transformation. The first time it is unlocked is on the final level, against Seth the Egyptian God of Chaos. When the Ankh is full, its power can be activated by pressing L3, R3 or both the buttons. Once activated, Imhotep's whole skin gets metallic grey and green, his attack and defense power is increased by 300%, and his values of health and energy are doubled. Obviously, this works for a short time, even shorter than the Curse of Seth.

Enemies

 * Barbarian warrior: weilds a broadsword and a shield, and an hat made of feathers.
 * Barbarian archer: is able to shoot for far away, but he only fires normal ammunition.
 * Barbarian axeman: a bit stronger than his warrior version, wields a shield as well.
 * Barbarian general: a lot stronger than the axeman, he uses a longsword, and weilds a large armor and shield.
 * Mummy: moves slowly, but his attack strenght and health values are quite high. Attacks with claws and grab Imhotep absorbing his health.
 * Sand scorpion: human-sized scorpion that can sting Imhotep, or poison him with a stronger but slower sting.
 * Hippo demon: a combination between an hippo and an human, it's a very strong enemy, and attacks with claws.
 * Falcon demon: a combination between a falcon and an human, uses his two-handed large sword to attack.
 * Leopard demon: a combination between a leopard and an human, attacks his twin sabers.
 * Sword messenger: an artificial robot created by Sokhar, it attacks using a khopesh sword.
 * Scythe messenger: an artificial robot created by Sokhar, it attacks using a scythe.
 * Hammer messenger: an artificial robot created by Sokhar, it attacks using an hammer.
 * Bandit: is very swift, and fights with a knife. Can seldomly dodge Imhotep's incoming attacks.
 * Egyptian traitor: just like Imhotep, he fights using the khopesh, and weilds the Egyptian traditional shield.
 * Assyrian warrior: weilds a shield, and uses a spear in fight. His defenses are efective enough to hold on.
 * Assyrian archer: stronger than the barbarian archer, can also fire two-way projectiles.
 * Assyrian champion: stronger than his warrior version, he uses a two handed longsword, but he's slow.
 * Assyrian general: the stronger Assyrian enemy, weilds a large sword, and weilds a large armor and shield.
 * Giant snake: this giant snake can bite-and-grab Imhotep, or use his bladed tail to slash him.
 * Griffon: can fly and pique down to Imhotep, or attack him via claw slashes or roar at him.
 * Syrian traitor: is very fast, and attacks with a broadsword.
 * Small sphinx: stronger than a griffon, but cannot fly. Can attack Imhotep via claws slashes or roars. Can be a regular sphinx (androsphinx), or have a falcon (hieracosphinx) or ram head (criosphinx).
 * Serpopard: a combination between a leopard and a snake, its movements and attacks are very fast, but it has low health.
 * Corrupted barbarian: a lot stronger than his normal counterpart, and his sword is now embued in fire.
 * Rock snake: unlike his standard counterpart, it can use his tail to smash the ground.
 * Uraeus snake: unlike his other counterpars, it can spit fire, adding fire damage.
 * Genius: can shoot fireballs and lightnings, and is able to fly.
 * Spirit: spiritually attacks Imhotep with energy spheres, and damage him passing through him as well.
 * Minion of Seth: Attacks with a knife, has high health values and can perform combos.
 * Fire spirit: this fire version of the spirit adds burning damage to its attacks.
 * Dark mummy: Stronger than a regular mummy, can even excetute a powerful grab attack.
 * Corrupted warrior: entirely black, this enemy is able to steal Imhotep's life force as well.
 * Corrupted spirit: deals double damage than the fire spirit, making this one of the strongest enemies in game.
 * Evil spirit: one of the strongest minions in the game, deals triple damage than the fire spirit and steals life.

Khopesh and sword

 * Barbarian warrior, archer and axeman, bandit, Egyptian traitor, Assyrian warrior, archer and champion, and Syrian traitor:
 * Circle + Left: Imhotep gets behind the opponent and slashes his throat. He then impales his nape.
 * Circle + Up: Imhotep dodges the opponent attack by rolling, and gets behind him. He then impales his back with his sword, and then proceedes to chop his head.
 * Circle + Right: Imhotep chops the opponent's arm. As the enemy tries to get his weapon back, Imhotep violently bashes him with his shield.
 * Circle + Down: Imhotep violently stomps on the opponent's knee, forcing him to kneel. He then slashes him upwards, causing him to fly high to the ground. Finally, he uses his shield to chop the opponent's head.
 * Circle + Left (on the edge of an balcony): Imhotep slashes the opponent, making him turn around in pain; he then lifts his legs, making him fall to his death.
 * Barbarian general, mummy, hippo, falcon and leopard demon, sword, scythe or hammer messenger, Assyrian general, corrupted barbarian and warrior, minion of Seth and dark mummy:
 * Circle + Left: Imhotep slashes the opponent's stomach, cutting up his guts. He then impales him on the back, and pulls up the sword, slicing up his upper body.
 * Circle + Up: Imhotep dodges the opponent attack by rolling, and gets behind him. He then impales his back with his sword, and then proceedes to chop his head.
 * Circle + Right:
 * Circle + Down: Imhotep violently stomps on the opponent's knee, forcing him to kneel. He then slashes him upwards, causing him to fly high to the ground. Finally, he uses his shield to chop the opponent's head.
 * Giant, rock and Uraeus snake, sand scorpion:
 * Circle + Left:
 * Circle + Up:
 * Circle + Right:
 * Circle + Down:
 * Small sphinx and hieracosphinx, serpopard, griffon:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Genius, spirit, fire spirit, corrupted spirit and evil spirit:
 * Circle + Left: Imhotep bashes his shield once on the opponent's head, confusing him. He then impales him in the nape with his sword. Embuing his sword with the power of the Gods, Imhotep makes the opponent explode.
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down

Spear of Anhur

 * Barbarian warrior, archer and axeman, bandit, Egyptian traitor, Assyrian warrior, archer and champion, and Syrian traitor:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Barbarian general, mummy, hippo, falcon and leopard demon, sword, scythe or hammer messenger, Assyrian general, corrupted barbarian and warrior, minion of Seth and dark mummy:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Giant, rock and Uraeus snake, sand scorpion:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Small sphinx and hieracosphinx, serpopard, griffon:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Genius, spirit, fire spirit, corrupted spirit and evil spirit:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down

Bow of Neith

 * Barbarian warrior, archer and axeman, bandit, Egyptian traitor, Assyrian warrior, archer and champion, and Syrian traitor:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Barbarian general, mummy, hippo, falcon and leopard demon, sword, scythe or hammer messenger, Assyrian general, corrupted barbarian and warrior, minion of Seth and dark mummy:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Giant, rock and Uraeus snake, sand scorpion:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Small sphinx and hieracosphinx, serpopard, griffon:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Genius, spirit, fire spirit, corrupted spirit and evil spirit:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down

Flail of Osiris

 * Barbarian warrior, archer and axeman, bandit, Egyptian traitor, Assyrian warrior, archer and champion, and Syrian traitor:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Barbarian general, mummy, hippo, falcon and leopard demon, sword, scythe or hammer messenger, Assyrian general, corrupted barbarian and warrior, minion of Seth and dark mummy:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Giant, rock and Uraeus snake, sand scorpion:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Small sphinx and hieracosphinx, serpopard, griffon:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down
 * Genius, spirit, fire spirit, corrupted spirit and evil spirit:
 * Circle + Left
 * Circle + Up
 * Circle + Right
 * Circle + Down

Costumes

 * Kratos cosplay: as being part of the Sony consoles exclusives, Hero of Egypt offers this special bonus costume: Kratos from the God of War series. To unlock it, you must complete Story Mode at Godlike difficulty. Imhotep's attack and defense are doubled, and gains the double from yellow orbs.
 * Pyramid Head cosplay: to unlock this iconic Silent Hill character costume, you must complete Story Mode at Heroic difficulty. Imhotep's attack is doubles, and his magic requires 1/4 than the standard, but his defense is halved.
 * Sultan costume: to unlock this Arabic-inspired costume, you must complete Story Mode at Warrior difficulty. Imhotep gains the double from green and blue orbs, and four times from yellow orbs.
 * Cobra Ninja costume: to unlock this esotic asian-egyptian costume, you must complete Challenge of the Gods mode at 100%. Imhotep gains triple value form yellow orbs, but also half the value from blue and green orbs. His Curse of Seth lasts 50% longer.
 * Prince of Persia costume: to unlock this costume inspired by the omonimus series, you must complete Challenge of the Gods mode at 100% on Godlike difficulty. Imhotep's defense is doubled, and his Ankh power recharges twice as fast, but at the price of halved attack.

Soundtrack

 * 1) Overture
 * 2) Main Menu
 * 3) Thief
 * 4) Peace
 * 5) Barbarians!
 * 6) Battle for Egypt
 * 7) Saving the Pharaoh
 * 8) Demons of the desert
 * 9) Mummies alive!
 * 10) That's amore
 * 11) A dream
 * 12) Trial of Thoth
 * 13) Trial of Seshat
 * 14) Trial of Sokhar
 * 15) The Bow of Neith
 * 16) Awakening
 * 17) Bandits
 * 18) The Hittites