| Pharaoh | 
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| From: Vivendi Universal
Category: Video Games
Buy New: $6.25
New (7) Used (6) from $4.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  111 reviews
Sales Rank: 5356
Format: Cd-rom
Platforms: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 95
ESRB: Everyone
Media: CD-ROM
Age: 5 - 20 years
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 5 x 0.5
Model: 70831
UPC: 020626708319
EAN: 0020626708319
ASIN: B00002CF9G
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Likely the best game I have ever owned August 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have played games on my PC for almost ten years. Many of my games were bought, played, and forgotten, but not Pharaoh. Unlike almost all the other games, I have been playing Pharaoh off-and-on for more than five years, and I am currently working through the very large sequence of campaigns for the second time. This game may be from the 90s, but it is a fantastic game with lasting appeal.
At the beginning of the game you choose a family name. You go on to represent this family through a sequence of city-building scenarios taking place from between the Predynastic Period to the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. These scenarios get progressively more challenging and are affected by real-life historical events.
The mechanics of the game would seem familiar to fans of Caesar III or of other Sierra citybuilding games. It involves building Egyptian cities from scratch. Basic goals include supporting a population, creating a stable economy, pleasing the gods, and satisfying requests from other cities. Pharaoh, however, is a few steps above Caesar III in my opinion. The economic system is more complex as there are more resources and goods to produce and trade, but not so complex as to be confusing. Also, many missions require the construction of monuments. Some of the pyramids you construct are even intended for yourself! These added complexities make the game relatively challenging and at times very time-consuming, but rarely frustraing. I especially enjoy setting up a solid system of producing goods for exports so my city can make a huge amount of money!
For a game produced in the 90s, Pharaoh is hardly dated at all. Graphics are not phenomenally detailed, but because the gameplay screen is a somewhat distant aerial view of your city this is only a minor issue. The sound is especially excellent. When you right-click on a city walker, the walker gives some opinion on your city or an aspect of it and the voices they produce sound not computer-generated, but like a real human voice. I also would like to point out that many games have soundtracks which are either very deficient in presence or quality. Pharaoh is different. The soundtrack is nearly continuous and the musical tracks set quite a great "Ancient Egypt" mood. I have no idea whether this sountrack is some type of authentic world music or not, but it serves its purpose extremely well and is even memorable.
I personally find this game highly enjoying and addicting, but I realize that Pharaoh would probably not appeal to a wide swath of the public. I think Pharaoh suits the tastes of history buffs the best, especially if they enjoy sim-city-like games. This game also would likely suit younger people who might like Sid Meier's Civilization when they get older. (I own Civilization as well, but have spent a lot more time playing Pharaoh.)
In short, although it may largely be a matter of personal taste, I consider Pharaoh an excellent game, perhaps the best I have ever owned. The concept, gameplay, and technical execution all satisfy me greatly.
Pharaoh March 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a GREAT game even for the beginner. Graphics are good. After the tutorial there are many campaigns to choose from or you can follow the scenario. Highly recommended.
Great Game January 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This Game may be a bit outdated by todays standards, but I consider it a great game and fun to play. The planning and building of ancient cities requires a lot of strategy and the cunning overseers rule. I find it best to start off in the easiest mode till you get used to what you are doing, then go back to a more difficult mode. This can be addicting and last for hours at a time.
 Great training May 15, 2007
This game is a gem. If you want to learn proper planning and be the king of your own kingdom this game is it.
Great Game May 12, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had this game in the past and lost the CD, I looked everywhere for this game and found it on Amazon and I love it. Thanks so much for the game.
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