Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is an action-adventure video game in which players take on the role of two characters; the demigod Sphinx, and the undead mummy Tutankhamun.[1][2] Transitions between the two are story driven, with cutscenes marking the shift between Sphinx and Tutankhamun.[3] Both characters have a basic jump, and the contextual ability to interact with switches and pick up items.[2][4]
As Sphinx, the player explores town environments and open areas, completing dungeon environments holding puzzles, and enemy encounters where Sphinx fights with a sword.[2][5] Sphinx gains access to new permanent tools including a shield to block damage, a blowpipe with different dart types, an item allowing a double jump, gauntlets for moving heavy objects, and beetles which can capture weakened enemies.[1][4] In some areas Sphinx can play minigames, several based on memorising color and symbol sequences.[6] Sphinx's health is raised during the game using Ankhs, with four collectable Ankh Pieces able to be used to add a new Ankh to his health. Scarabs found in the environment act as in-game currency.[1]
While controlling Tutankhamun, there is no combat and the player cannot die, with gameplay instead focusing on puzzle solving and stealth.[4] During these sections, the player inflicts different damage on Tutankhamun−burning, electrocuting, squashing flat, being split into multiple versions−to solve navigation puzzles and activating switches in otherwise inaccessible places.[1][4][7] These effects are cancelled through contact with water.[1] Puzzles involve activating switches and navigating the dungeons by platforming, with Tutankhamun's sections further involving elemental manipulation.[4][7]
