Alabama Smith is On the Case

With a title like Alabama Smith in Escape from Pompeii, you know that you're in for something special. Young Alabama, an archaeology student at Yale, is head of his class. Due to his standing as the best and brightest student, Yale sends him on a trip to the University of Naples, in Italy, to be mentored by Professor Alexander Fairchild.

Once there, Professor Fairchild tells Alabama of his search for the ancient Amulet of Ages, an artifact that supposedly granted its user the ability to travel through time.

Our young archeologist seriously doubts its time traveling abilities, but agrees that the artifact must be found. However, its last known location was the city of Pompeii, Italy, and it's been lost ever since a volcanic eruption buried the city years ago. Since then, the Professor has learned of a mysterious organization that has been hiding the amulet, and he entrusts Alabama with the task of getting to the bottom of the matter. The first thing our hero discovers is that the secret organization has roots right here in the University of Naples. So the mystery deepens!

The Search For Clues

It's not often that a game provides as satisfying of an adventure as the one that you'll find here. Aside from simply searching for clues and objects, you'll also be solving puzzles and deciphering codes. It feels like you're a real adventurer, thanks to the amazing level of interactivity. You can switch lights on and off, move things around, turn on devices, open up containers, etc. The world in this product really comes alive and offers up an experience that you won't forget any time soon.

Expert Mode or Casual Mode

After you progress a few levels in, you'll be asked whether you want to play in casual mode or expert mode. What you play is ultimately up to you, but I fully recommend playing expert mode to get the full experience. You'll need to solve more puzzles this way, whereas in casual mode you're just told what items to find, making it a lot more like a traditional hidden objects game. Expert mode makes for a much deeper and more satisfying experience.

You'll also participate in levels that are similar to "spot the difference" puzzles. In one level, I had to cover my tracks, so I had to put all of the items that I had used back where they originally were. Not only was it a fun activity, but it also fit into the story really well, which is what impressed me the most.

Alabama Smith is the New Indiana Jones

Well alright, that may not be entirely true, but Alabama Smith in Escape From Pompeii is a fantastic adventure and an incredibly fun game. Solving the puzzles that they lay before you will make you feel like a true adventurer, despite the fact that you're sitting in front of your computer. If you're looking for a challenging and engaging experience, than you've found it. This is a true must have for any amateur adventurer!