Scarabaeus

Scarabaeus (Invaders of the Lost Tomb in the US) is a 3D search, puzzle-solving, and survival game developed by Andromeda Software. It was published in 1985 by Ariolasoft for the Commodore 64.

The game, designed by David Bishop (Disney's Aladdin, Wonderland, and more), is unique, and it has fascinating gameplay. After the cinematic intro, you enter the Pharoah's Lost Tomb, where you will have to find the Sacred emerald Scarabaeus. You can move forward or turn right and left with your joystick inside the maze. It's worth noticing that turning left and right does not generate a 90° rotation, such as in Dungeon Master or Eye of the Beholder. Instead, you rotate by 15°, so six movements are required to turn completely. This technique creates a 3D feeling that is much more realistic. Going back with the joystick will show you the map; helpful to see the ghost's position that you have to catch to get the hieroglyphs.

You can move to the other levels (all mazes of different sizes) using an elevator that must be activated rotating the joystick. On the other levels, you will have to avoid spiders, zombies and solve puzzles in the alcoves, collect medicines, and finally, the Pharaon's key, required to access the final level. All the puzzles are connected, making the plot really engaging.

Scarabaeus received a rating of 96% in issue 8 of Zzap!64 magazine and it's still a fantastic game today.