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The Dagger of Amon Ra

From Alfawiki
Sierra On-Line
IndustryVideo game development and publishing
Founded1980
Headquarters
United States

Roberta Williams' Laura Bow in The Dagger of Amon Ra—also referred to as Laura Bow II'—is a 1992 computer adventure released by Sierra On-Line. Serving as the concluding chapter in The Laura Bow Mysteries series, it follows the original title The Colonel's Bequest. Unlike the first game, this installment was neither designed nor written by Roberta Williams, although she contributed as a creative consultant. The game presents 8-bit color graphics and employs a point-and-click system, with the CD-ROM edition featuring full voice performances. Built using Sierra’s Creative Interpreter (SCI 1.1), it acts as a thematic successor, maintaining comparable gameplay mechanics and narrative tone. In 2017, the title was reissued on GOG.com with compatibility for modern Windows platforms.

Gameplay

The Laura Bow series is distinguished by its emphasis on logical deduction combined with conventional inventory and environmental puzzles typical of Sierra’s adventure games, including frequent and sometimes unexpected player character fatalities.

Players interact through a point-and-click interface utilizing action icons characteristic of Sierra titles from that period. A distinctive icon enables players to interrogate characters about topics found in Laura’s notebook, which automatically updates with names, locations, and subjects encountered during gameplay.

Rather than revealing the culprit outright, the game requires players to answer investigative-style questions to prove their understanding of the crimes and hidden motives. Incorrect responses trigger helpful hints to assist in subsequent attempts. Multiple endings depend on the player’s answers, including scenarios where Laura may perish if the primary murderer is not correctly identified.

Accompanying the game is The Official Guide to the Leyendecker Museum, which functions both as a manual and a map detailing the museum’s main and basement levels. The artistic design and primary setting draw inspiration from painter J. C. Leyendecker, as highlighted by creative director Bill Davis.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of 1926 during an Egyptology craze, players assume the role of Laura Bow, a Southern belle and recent graduate from Tulane University who begins her journalism career at the prestigious New York Daily Register News Tribune. Tasked with reporting on an artifact theft from a museum’s Egyptian exhibit, Laura finds herself trapped inside during a gala where a murder unfolds. As guests are eliminated one after another, she must unravel the mystery before the perpetrators escape or target her next.

There are four distinct conclusions contingent upon whether Laura collects sufficient evidence to identify O'Riley as the murderer and Watney as the thief. These outcomes influence O'Riley’s fate, Laura’s professional standing, and potential romantic developments.

Characters

  • Laura Bow – A freshly graduated reporter from Tulane University assigned to investigate the disappearance of the Dagger of Amon Ra for a leading New York newspaper.
  • Dr. Archibald Carrington III – Former curator at the British Museum who now serves as president of the Leyendecker Museum.
  • Yvette Delacroix – The French secretary to the museum president with a complicated romantic background and previous employment at a speakeasy.
  • Dr. Pippin Carter – An English archaeologist credited with discovering the Dagger of Amon Ra and curating the museum's Egyptian exhibit.
  • Wolf Heimlich – Head of Security at Leyendecker Museum; committed to maintaining order and expert in weaponry; romantically involved with Dr. Olympia Myklos.
  • Dr. Olympia Myklos – Greek paleontology curator fascinated by mortality and exotic animals.
  • Ernie Leach – The museum custodian working off his gambling debts.
  • Ryan Hanrahan O'Riley – NYPD detective investigating the dagger theft; serves as the principal antagonist.
  • Steve Dorian – Art student who also works part-time on the docks.
  • Dr. Ptahsheptut "Tut" Smith – Curator of Egyptian artifacts who disputes Dr. Carter’s claim over the dagger.
  • Lawrence "Ziggy" Ziegfeld – Small-time criminal acting as a police informant with extensive underworld ties.
  • Rameses Najeer – Egyptian accountant opposing Dr. Carter’s ownership claim; proud family man dedicated to his heritage.
  • Countess Lavinia Waldorf-Carlton – Widow contesting her late husband’s will concerning museum affairs.
  • Sam Augustini – Editor-in-chief at Laura’s newspaper and close friend of her father.
  • Crodfoller T. "Rhub" Rhubarb – Laura’s skeptical colleague eager to assume her role should she fail.
  • Lo Fat – Chinese American laundry owner connected to museum patrons who assists Laura with contacts and disguises.
  • Watney Little – English con artist recently escaped from Dartmoor Prison.
  • Henri Le Mort – Coroner overseeing investigations into murders and thefts.
  • Rocco – Taxi driver providing period-appropriate commentary while transporting Laura around town.

Reception

Computer Gaming World considered Amon Ra to be a significant advancement compared to The Colonel's Bequest, although it noted that the initial two acts featured gameplay that was "slow and repetitive" and included the risk of unwinnable situations. Starting from the third act, the game was described as "extremely hard to put down". The magazine commended the title for its impressive visual and audio presentation, its blend of serious and comedic elements, and the choice of a female lead character, referring to it as "another high-quality adventure from Sierra’s creative team". In April 1994, the publication emphasized the game's "more authentic 1920s atmosphere" alongside its focus on intricate detail and logical deduction. Dragon magazine awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. Cynthia E. Field from PC Games praised it as "an engaging whodunit" that achieved a "near-perfect integration of sound effects, music, and visuals".

In the same month, Computer Gaming World lauded the CD edition for its hand-painted artwork, expressive stereo soundtrack, challenging puzzles, and intricate narrative, declaring it a triumph in multimedia gaming.

External links

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