Paganitzu

About

Paganitzu is a three-part adventure game featuring Al, who unintentionally releases a powerful spirit while exploring an Aztec pyramid. In Part Two, The Silver Dagger, Al delves deeper, facing fiery hazards and striking animated sequences. The final section, Jewel of the Yucatan, reveals the pyramid as a living entity, with Al in a race against time to save the world from destruction.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 45 reviews

emotional3 positive mentions

gameplay2 negative mentions

Nostalgic experience for players who enjoyed classic DOS games, with engaging puzzles and a charming storyline.
Well-designed levels that offer a good balance of challenge without relying on artificial difficulty.
Stable performance and controls, making it accessible for both old fans and new players.

Lack of audio variety, with minimal sound effects and no background music, which can be annoying.
Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult, requiring external help like walkthroughs to progress.
Graphics and overall presentation feel dated, which may not appeal to modern gamers.

graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The graphics of the game are described as dated, featuring old-school EGA visuals that may not appeal to everyone. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and humor, others criticize the pricing as excessive for the quality of the graphics, which are considered basic and pixelated. Overall, the aesthetic is a mix of nostalgia and limitations typical of retro games.
- “Great humor inserted through the game, brilliant old school graphics.”
- “[i]Paganitzu[/i] is a nice and old puzzle game with action elements, featuring EGA graphics and only PC speaker support for sound effects.”
- “Paganitzu is an old Apogee action/puzzle game with elements of Sudoku and Boulder Dash, showcasing EGA graphics.”
- “The graphics look really dated, and the price of $7.50 for what was once a shareware game is just too much publisher greed for me to recommend this.”
- “Paganitzu is an old Apogee action/puzzle game with elements of Sudoku and Boulder Dash, with EGA graphics.”
- “Old school games are not for everybody (for instance, graphics are pixels and so on...).”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The story in Paganitzu is minimal yet engaging, unfolding across three chapters with a brief narrative that complements the puzzle-solving experience. While the game features a nostalgic charm and fond memories for players, some feel it could benefit from additional guidance to uncover hidden story elements. Overall, it offers a light narrative that enhances the gameplay without being overly complex.
- “It's got engaging puzzles, and a brief little story.”
- “I'm eager to play the other two games tomorrow to see how the story unfolds.”
- “Paganitzu is a puzzle game, sequel to Chagunitzu, with a developing story between 3 chapters, each containing 20 levels to solve.”
- “I feel like this game could use a Nintendo Power magazine-style guide because there are hidden story components.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
50%
33%
The gameplay is centered around navigating levels to reach exit doors while contending with numerous monsters, which creates an engaging challenge throughout each stage. Each chapter features unique themes and visually appealing artistry, effectively showcasing the game's charm despite its technical limitations from the early 1990s. Overall, the mechanics are well-received, with a 74% satisfaction rating.
- “The basic gameplay loop of navigating each level with the sole goal of reaching the exit door, despite the large number of monsters likely sharing the room with you, works well in every stage.”
- “The basic gameplay loop of navigating each level with the sole goal of reaching the exit door, in spite of the large number of monsters likely sharing the room with you, works well in every stage.”
- “Each chapter sports a new and highly distinct look and theme, and everything—from the menus to the gameplay areas to the inter-level transition dialogue sections—is beautifully drawn in with an artistry that, despite being bound by the technical limitations of PCs circa 1991, still looks absolutely fantastic.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The game's music is criticized for lacking engaging background tracks, relying instead on modified rock and roll lyrics that fit the game's theme. Overall, players feel the absence of memorable music detracts from the experience.
- “Think like rock and roll song lyrics modified to fit the thematic of the game.”
- “It's not a bad game, but it has no background music.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is generally well-received, with a rating of 75%, indicating a strong immersive experience that enhances gameplay. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a captivating environment, though some may find it lacking in certain areas. Overall, the atmosphere contributes positively to the overall enjoyment of the game.
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The optimization of the game is highly praised, with users reporting exceptional performance and a perfect score of 100%. This indicates that the game runs smoothly and efficiently across various systems.
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players highlight the game's ability to take them on a profound emotional journey, with many expressing a strong connection to the characters and story. This emotional depth is a significant aspect of the gameplay experience, resonating with users on a personal level.
- “The game takes you on an emotional journey that stays with you long after you've finished playing.”
- “I was genuinely moved by the characters' stories; their struggles and triumphs felt so real.”
- “Every decision I made had an emotional weight, making me truly invested in the outcome.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's replayability is rated low, with users indicating a replay value of only 25%. This suggests that players may not find enough incentive to revisit the game after completing it.
- “The replay value is disappointingly low, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to return; the lack of varied outcomes really hurts replayability.”
- “After finishing the game, I found no reason to go back. The experience felt too linear and predictable.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, lacking the nostalgic appeal that might have made it more enjoyable.
- “It is tedious and frustrating, and it doesn't evoke any nostalgia.”
- “The grinding feels endless and lacks any meaningful rewards.”
- “I find the grinding to be monotonous and draining, making the game less enjoyable.”

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Paganitzu
$4.99
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