The Return of Luxor

There's an old saying that states "the third time is the charm." In the case of Luxor, that definitely applies. Not to say that the first two installments of the popular matching franchise didn't have their charm, the third outing simply has more. Luxor 3 takes the series to new heights. What was once a simple matching game has now evolved into a much deeper, more complex version of its former self. And don't worry, I mean complex in the best way possible.

Matching games have always been a staple of the computer game market and the Luxor series has always been up there near the top, standing proudly alongside such classics as Zuma. Luxor 3 does everything that its predecessors did and more, improving on an already winning formula.

The story goes as such: the young Pharaoh has tragically passed away. His spirit cannot enter the afterlife until construction of his pyramid is completed, so for now his spirit is stuck helping the Gods of Earth. The evil God Set is sending his minions to steal the essence of the other Gods, and it's up to the Pharaoh's spirit to stop Set and protect the Gods! The game beings at the dominion of Geb, the Earth God.

Match Three

The fantastic story works well in the confines of the game, as there's really no logical way to explain matching colored spheres. But match those spheres you will, and you'll have fun doing it! Scarabs will push rows of balls across the screen and you must stop them from entering the pyramid at the end of their path. Do this by launching colored pieces out of your winged shooter at the row of balls. Matching three or more of one color will destroy those pieces; destroy them all to destroy the scarab pushing them. Once you've repelled all of the encroaching scarabs, you win the stage.

There are power-ups aplenty in this product, sixteen to be exact. Each God identifies with a different color and offers different bonus power-ups. To gain these bonuses, make three matches in a row. The color of the third match will determine which God you get a power-up from. Some of the cooler bonuses include fireballs, which will decimate all orbs within a certain radius, scorpions, which will launch out of the pyramid and eat up some orbs, and nets, which will catch all of the falling goodies so that you don't have to.

Different Modes

Luxor 3 offers a variety of different modes of play. Some of the more notable ones are:

• Puzzle mode: You have unlimited time to clear the screen, but very limited orbs to do so.
• Onslaught Mode: Set has set statues all over the screen, which force the scarabs to take shortcuts. You can destroy the statues, but more will take their places.
• Crossing the Nile: One lone scarab is pushing orbs across the Nile. The only problem? The river is full of minions and you'll have to carve a path across.

A Must Have

Fans of the Luxor series will flip their lids over this new installment. Those new to the franchise couldn't ask for a better introduction. Get this game now.