PowerSlave (DOS Classic Edition)

About

In PowerSlave , play as an archaeologist fighting against evil in ancient Egypt. Solve puzzles, explore tombs, and use a variety of weapons to defeat mummies, monsters, and other enemies. With its blend of action, adventure, and horror, PowerSlave offers a thrilling gaming experience set in a detailed and immersive world.

Genres & Tags

Action

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

PowerSlave (DOS Classic Edition) screenshot

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 69 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

story1 negative mentions

PowerSlave features immersive atmosphere and innovative design, making it a standout title in the classic FPS genre.
The game offers satisfying combat and level design, with a unique inventory system and a variety of weapons that enhance gameplay.
The level design is complex and rewarding, with a great sense of exploration and secret hunting that keeps players engaged.

The game suffers from technical flaws, particularly in the DOS version, which may require the use of source ports for an optimal experience.
Some levels can feel tedious and overly complex, with a lack of enemy variety and underwhelming boss encounters.
The absence of a difficulty selection and issues with hitboxes can lead to frustrating gameplay moments.

gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
44%
19%
The gameplay is generally enjoyable, featuring a unique inventory system and a fast-paced run-and-gun style reminiscent of classic titles like Duke Nukem 3D and Doom 2, with a linear progression through maze-like levels. However, players have noted a disparity in difficulty, with some finding the game too easy overall, while others appreciate the challenge presented in certain levels. Additionally, the original PC version offers a different experience compared to its console ports, which adopt a metroidvania approach with backtracking and power-ups.
- “The gameplay is fun, the levels are great (there's a ton of secrets and some easter eggs) but be warned: some levels are very challenging.”
- “Unique inventory system that keeps gameplay fresh.”
- “My only real issue is the gameplay itself... err, the difficulty.”
- “Apparently when this game was ported to consoles such as the Sega Saturn and PlayStation, it was completely redesigned both to perform on weaker hardware and to provide a new gameplay experience. In short, this original PC version plays almost nothing like the console version that gets most of the mainstream attention!”
- “The gameplay here is closer to a clone of Duke Nukem 3D or Doom 2, being a breakneck run-and-gun romp through a linear chain of 20 maze-like levels.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the fantastic soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the unique setting and detailed maps. While some aspects of the game may feel generic, the inclusion of music significantly elevates the overall experience, making it a memorable part of gameplay.
- “The soundtrack is one of the best I've ever heard and the game is just fun to play.”
- “The setting is very unique, the maps are huge and detailed, and the soundtrack is one of the best I've ever heard.”
- “I can imagine how happy I am to play this game again with the music version.”
- “The theme/setting and music are the only features that really stand out; the rest of the game, however, is pretty generic and mediocre.”
- “I used to play this game in the shareware version, without music, a long time ago.”
- “I was trying to search the internet to find out how I can get the music version.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
50%
The graphics are praised for their impressive use of the engine, resulting in stunning visuals and solid level design, complemented by a great art style. However, some reviewers noted that the environments could benefit from more detail and decoration, and the early game features a generic weapon roster that detracts from the overall experience.
- “I think it uses the engine insanely well and produces some amazing visuals and generally great level design.”
- “Great art style and fun visuals.”
- “The graphics are impressive, showcasing detailed environments and vibrant colors.”
- “The weapon roster is generic (at least in the early game), firefights are kind of dull, and the environments lack detail and decorations.”
- “The graphics are underwhelming, with bland environments that fail to engage the player.”
- “The overall visual presentation feels outdated, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Powerslave is praised for its immersive atmosphere and innovative design, making it a notable entry in the classic FPS genre, despite not evoking nostalgia for longtime fans.
- “Powerslave's immersive atmosphere and innovative design make it a standout title in the classic FPS genre.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story revolves around a straightforward premise where players must thwart the evil Kilmaat, alien invaders attempting to reanimate the mummified corpse of King Ramses using their advanced technology.
- “The story is pretty simple: you must stop the evil Kilmaat (alien invaders) from reanimating the mummified corpse of King Ramses with their fiendish technology.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game demonstrates excellent stability, particularly when using the pcexhumed port, with users consistently reporting smooth performance.
- “Runs great using the pcexhumed port.”