Customer Reviews

National Geographic Games Herod's Lost Tomb [Download]

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Herod's Lost Tomb is not for kids. It is for history buffs and clever hidden object aficionados with very sharp eyes. National Geographic has prepared a feast for you of the Holy Land and Rome as they were in Herod's day, with various locations restored, such as Roman baths and Herod's palace at Herodium and the hanging palace high up on the cliffs of Masada. Other locations such as the harbor ruins at Caesarea, are not restored so you are yanked back and forth from the present to ancient Judea and Rome, which gives you a sense of history with all its mysteries. You are there, but you're here, too.. The past and the present co-mingle and become one.

In many locations you are provided with various tools such as an X-ray machine, a metal detector and even a simple brush for sweeping away debris or sand. Certain of the hidden objects can only be unearthed by using a specific tool to find it and this adds variety and interest. All of the hidden objects can be seen as silhouettes which help in tracking them down, but you also have a hint option for locating the artifact precisely if you just can't find it. The designers are diabolically clever in hiding the objects from your inquisitive eyes.

Running along as you journey hither and yon is an excellent narrative movie about Herod's life, smoothly integrated into the hidden object scenes. In between locating hundreds of items you will be obliged to play mini -games such as jig-saw type puzzles, which are pleasant if not exciting.

What you get with this game is a feeling of authenticity. This is the National Geographic, after all. You can almost visualize Herod lounging on one of his luxurious couches at Herodium or dipping his manicured feet into a cool Roman bath pool. A game not for everybody, but for the person who is an archaeologist at heart, and above all, for the Hidden Object buff.

I'm not a fan of search games so my opinion is biased by that. However, it is good as far as search and find objects goes. There are a few "mini-puzzles" thrown in but they are trivial and might as well not be in the game since they really don't control the flow. Good graphics and an interested subject with good story line including National Geographic video clips that are both interesting and educational. If you like searching for lists of objects then buy it.

I enjoyed playing this game and even reading the "educational" bits. Went pretty fast, was all hidden object and no puzzles. Not challenging but enjoyable