For those of you who saw the movie, you'd know that The Mummy Returns had some incredible special effects. It would have been awesome to see similar effects in the game, but instead the game has your basic layout of mazes and standard texture mapping. Everything in the graphical department looks excellent, however, but could have been a bit more original. I felt like I was playing a souped-up Tomb Raider game with repeating textures and very few different baddies to fend off.

The music and sound fx are very well done. You'll here every gunshot, slashing sword, and spell being cast as you guide your characters throughout the vast worlds in this sequel. Background music is far from annoying, as with a lot of games, and helps keep the pace of the game in sight (or sound, rather). The downfall is that the voice acting is at times okay, but usually very bad. Adding to this inadequacy is that the game characters don't open their mouths when talking. Isn't the PS2 supposed to be this kickin' machine? It is, but The Mummy Returns seems a bit rushed to get it on store shelves with its movie counterpart.

The Mummy Returns hinges on what could have been one of the best games I've ever played, but instead comes up just a bit short. The concept is very impressive: You have the choice of good vs. evil. You will be able to control the hero, Rick O'Connell, or the evil dark lord, Imhotep. Depending on whom you choose, the story line is actually different and will take you in a slight variation from the other, stealing concepts from the movie along the way. This alone adds replay value, and is highly welcome among gamers.

Think of the gameplay in The Mummy Returns as a skewed version of Tomb Raider. On your journey you will have to find items, as well as solve puzzles, in order to gain access to the next step of the game. In the same manner, you will have to run, jump, and shoot your way through tons of sword and gun wielding enemies (who re-appear). One of the coolest features is that on your way, you can actually pick weapons up from dying enemies to use against them. And when playing as Imhotep, you can actually use his dark powers to cast spells and steal souls for energy.

It's a virtual guarantee that you will have a lot of fun playing through The Mummy Returns, no doubt about it. However, a certain level of frustration will also linger as the camera movement is, at times, absolutely horrendous! There are parts in the game where you may need to make a crucial jump or throw a stick of dynamite to a certain spot, but the camera hinders your ability to accomplish this well (if at all). You will also have to get used to only being able to jump when near platform edges, and not at all times (although the gameplay doesn't require the latter).

One thing I have to note is that The Mummy Returns is a very short game. Because of this, only huge fans of the series will want to buy this one. The rest of us should probably rent. You will probably be able to work your way through the game in the few days you get while renting it. I even came across an unconfirmed Internet source saying that a tester of the game actually played through with both characters three times in only about seven hours. The first time through, it will probably take you 5-8 hours, depending on how much time it takes you to figure out how to beat the Scorpion King!

Really, The Mummy Returns is a pretty easy game. Yes, there are parts that get a bit tough. Yes, there are some puzzles that may not come to you right away. But in general, even young gamers will be able to do fairly well right away. It's because of this that my mind can't comprehend how the game can go from easy to next-to-impossible by the time you face off against the Scorpion King (a.k.a., WWF's The Rock). I don't claim to be the best gamer in the world, but I literally played for hours on the SK not ever being able to even pick up on what patterns he has. Finally, I had to surf the Internet just to find a way to beat him, and even after this, it still is next-to-impossible!!! So much for the game being easy!

The shoddy camera movements in The Mummy Returns make controlling your characters very tricky at times, and this can cause serious problems when trying to confront enemies or while simply trying to perform basic actions. The button layout is pretty well done and is an effective way to control either Rick or Imhotep. And with Imhotep, casting spells will require a bit more button pushing, but nothing overly difficult. Unfortunately, the game itself is very short and could have been so much more. Replay value is doubled with the ability to play as good or as evil, but the shortness of the game makes this dual-character system a must, and not a bonus. The Mummy Returns is a fairly solid title with a few costly flaws. Definitely try before you buy.