Montezuma's Return!
Game By: Take 2
Reviewed by: jphunt
jphunt@mail2.caninet.com
Size: 8 megs
Save: Password Feature
Released: 1999
Works with all Game Boys

Opening Snide Remarks: When I first played this game it felt like it was
inspired by the Indiana Jones films and Spelunker.  When I got farther into
the game it still felt like it except some differences that set it apart from
Spelunker and made it a bit more original.  Then the challenge began to take
hold and this game showed that it is good game, though it could have been a
bit better.

Gameplay: This title has a very good mix of action and puzzles to keep it
challenging and fun.  Their will be some frustration moments (which I will
explain later) but they will subside once you learn what you can and can not
do. 

Graphics: Here is where this game shines, the graphics are terrific. Their
big and detailed, the backgrounds are extremely well done, they make this
game much more believable.  The characters also stand out quite well, even
moving you can still see the detail in all the objects (Dare I say 16-bit
quality).  The Game Boy Colour scheme is terrific, it really helps to
establish location of the game (which is in a pyramid).

Sound: To put it bluntly, some sounds are good and fit what is happening
(sliding on a pole) while others sound like they've been sampled from some
old Atari 2600 game (jumping sound is just annoying) there's and option to
turn off Sound if you just want the music, the sound is just there and
doesn't really clue you in on anything your eyes can't see.

Music: The music has a good beat and fits the game. The early areas are calm
and upbeat while turning dark and eerie as venture deeper into the game.
Nothing memorable though but it keeps you into it.

Play Control: Unforgiving best describes it.  Though you can only walk, jump
and climb in this game it can become very frustrating as you must be very
precise in your actions to perform them correctly.  An example would be when
climbing ladders, you must be perfectly aligned with a ladder to climb,so
if you being chased by something their is no room for error.  Long jumps are
difficult as well, if you don't hit jump at the EXACT moment you could cut
the jump short or just step off the platform (you can't survive falls greater
than two character lengths so death is almost certain if you miss.)

Final Analysis:  This is a good game but it will take some time to get use to
the play control and some limitations of the character (you can only climb a
ladder if your at the top or at the bottom of it).  Passwords are rather
in frequent to, you have to find them.  My honest opinion is to try it if you
can before you buy.
Score
Gameplay: ****
Graphics: *****
Sound: **
Music: ****
Play Control: **
Total= 17 out of 25

Final Score: 68%

Currently known codes:

Infinite Lives 
For infinite lives, enter the password ELEPHANT. 

This is the last save point before the boss with a fair amount of lives:
6JYBSPPJ 

Walk Through Doors 
To walk through doors without unlocking them, enter the password SUNSHINE.