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ExhumedPAL, also known as PowerSlave in North America, is a first-person shooter video game developed by Lobotomy Software and released in 1996. This game was pivotal during its time for its unique blend of Egyptian mythology and the fast-paced action that defined the genre in the mid-90s. Originally released for the Sega Saturn, and later ported to the PlayStation and MS-DOS, ExhumedPAL quickly became a cult classic among FPS enthusiasts.

Story

ExhumedPAL is set in the ancient Egyptian city of Karnak, where players assume the role of a nameless special forces operative sent to investigate a series of supernatural disturbances. Reports indicate that an unknown force has taken control of the city, and it is up to the player to uncover the mystery behind these events and stop the malevolent entity responsible.

The narrative unfolds through a series of missions that take the player deep into the heart of Egyptian mythology and history. The evil forces are led by the resurrected pharaoh, Kilmaat, who has brought an army of monsters and undead creatures to life. The player’s mission is to defeat these forces, retrieve the pieces of the ancient weapon called the Horus Shield, and ultimately face Kilmaat in a climactic battle to save the world from impending doom.

While the plot of ExhumedPAL is relatively straightforward, it is its setting and atmosphere that truly captivate players. The game excels in immersing players in a world filled with ancient Egyptian lore, from exploring the sunbaked ruins of Karnak to delving into the dark, labyrinthine tombs of the pharaohs.

Gameplay

ExhumedPAL offers a gameplay experience distinct from many of its contemporaries by incorporating elements of exploration and puzzle-solving alongside traditional first-person shooting mechanics. The game is divided into distinct levels, each with unique objectives and increasingly challenging foes.

Players navigate through various Egyptian-themed environments, collecting weapons, power-ups, and key items necessary to progress. The arsenal at the player’s disposal includes a wide range of weapons inspired by both modern and ancient times, such as pistols, flamethrowers, and mystical artifacts that unleash powerful magical attacks.

A major highlight of ExhumedPAL’s gameplay is its non-linear level design. Unlike many shooters of its time, the game encourages exploration, with numerous hidden areas and secrets waiting to be discovered. This non-linear approach allows players to revisit previous levels with newfound abilities, unlocking areas and items that were inaccessible during the initial playthrough.

Another standout feature is the game’s use of a health system that relies on collecting life force from defeated enemies. This mechanic adds an element of strategy, as players must balance their aggressive tactics with careful management of their health resources.

The controls in ExhumedPAL are responsive and intuitive, particularly on the console versions, which were praised for their smooth performance and fluid movement. The game also features an innovative “Crouch” mechanic, allowing players to access hidden passages and avoid enemy attacks, adding depth to the gameplay.

Graphics and Sound

ExhumedPAL is renowned for its impressive graphics, especially on the Sega Saturn version, which showcased the console’s capabilities to their fullest. The game’s art direction is heavily inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture and mythology, resulting in richly detailed environments that transport players to a bygone era.

The graphical prowess of ExhumedPAL extends to its character and enemy designs. The game features a diverse array of foes, from mummified warriors and giant scorpions to the towering Anubis and the fearsome pharaoh Kilmaat himself. Each enemy is intricately designed, contributing to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

The sound design in ExhumedPAL complements the visual experience with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack composed by Lobotomy Software’s Brian Coburn. The music is evocative of Egyptian themes, seamlessly blending with the game’s environments to create a truly immersive auditory experience.

Sound effects are equally well-crafted, with each weapon, enemy, and environmental interaction producing distinct and satisfying audio cues. The game’s use of ambient sounds, such as the echoing footsteps within tombs or the distant roar of enemies, further enhances the sense of immersion.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, ExhumedPAL received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and atmospheric sound design. It was lauded as one of the standout titles on the Sega Saturn and garnered a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate the game to this day.

ExhumedPAL’s legacy is marked by its influence on subsequent first-person shooters, particularly in its non-linear level design and incorporation of exploration and puzzle-solving elements. These features would later become staples of the genre, evident in titles like Metroid Prime and the modern Tomb Raider series.

The game’s success on the Sega Saturn led to ports on the PlayStation and MS-DOS, expanding its reach to a broader audience. Although the ports faced some compromises in terms of graphics and performance, they retained the core gameplay experience that made ExhumedPAL a beloved classic.

In recent years, the game’s cult status has been further cemented by fan efforts to preserve and enhance the original experience. Projects such as fan-made remasters and source ports have brought ExhumedPAL to modern platforms, introducing a new generation of players to its unique blend of action and exploration.

Conclusion

ExhumedPAL stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of 90s game development. Its seamless integration of Egyptian mythology, non-linear exploration, and fast-paced action set it apart from its contemporaries and paved the way for future titles in the genre. The game’s impact is evident in its enduring fanbase and continued relevance in the gaming community.

As a classic first-person shooter, ExhumedPAL remains a must-play for enthusiasts of the genre and those seeking a nostalgic journey into the past. Its legacy is a reminder of the creativity and ambition that defined an era of gaming, ensuring that ExhumedPAL will be remembered as a cornerstone of the first-person shooter genre.