It’s been over a decade since Tintin made his last video game appearance, way back in 2011, when Steven Spielberg’s film “The Secret of the Unicorn” hit theaters. The game was an adaptation by Ubisoft, but it sadly fell short of expectations. With a modest score of just 53% on Metacritic, critics panned it for its subpar gameplay and handling issues. They noted that Ubisoft hadn’t quite captured the spirit of Tintin’s adventures. From graphics to gameplay, everything felt off-key, leaving fans disappointed with what Ubisoft could have done better.Back then, Moulinsart (now known as Tintinimaginatio) likely had high hopes for a stellar game but instead faced a bit of a setback due to the less-than-stellar quality. However, after years of careful negotiations, Tintin is finally gearing up for a comeback in video games with Microids and Pendulo Studios at the helm. Could this be an ambitious attempt to create something akin to a French “Uncharted”? It’s probably more accurate to say they simply aim to deliver a truly fantastic adventure that does justice to Tintin’s legacy!
Let’s dive into the excitement of “The Cigars of the Pharaoh”! One of the most thrilling aspects is the variety of settings Tintin explores in this story, as he travels to multiple countries, giving us a fantastic chance for diverse and captivating game environments. This album also marks the first time we meet beloved characters like Captain Haddock and the mischievous Rastapopoulos, helping to solidify Tintin’s role as an intrepid investigative journalist and setting the stage for his legendary adventures.Moreover, “The Cigars of the Pharaoh” is part of a two-part saga that continues in its sequel, “The Blue Lotus,” which is also currently under development. Stéphane Longeard, CEO of Microids, revealed this exciting news along with details about the game’s substantial production budget of 7 million euros. To showcase their ambitious vision and give us a taste of what’s to come, Microids invited testers to experience three distinct levels from “The Cigars of Pharaoh.” These levels offer a peek into the gameplay that draws inspiration from some of your favorite video game genres, giving players an engaging and thrilling adventure right from the start.
“LET’S GO, OFF WE GO, SET FOR ADVENTURE…”
The adventure kicks off aboard the MS Époméo cruise ship, where Tintin meets Philémon Siclone in an attempt to recover a crucial piece of paper. In the original comic, this scene is brief—just 8 panels—but in the game, it blossoms into an exciting sequence filled with more depth and engaging gameplay. Microids and Pendulo Studios have crafted a thrilling race where Tintin chases after a fluttering scrap of paper, using Quick Time Events (QTEs) that bring to mind Quantic Dream’s iconic style. Players must tap buttons and maneuver the analog sticks at just the right moments, much like in David Cage’s games. This nostalgic gameplay mechanic, which has been somewhat sidelined in recent years, adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the experience.
Microids aims to set an inviting tone with this gameplay, targeting a wide audience—especially kids and families—while highlighting the game’s stunning visuals that truly capture the spirit of the beloved comic strip. Tintin looks slightly rounder and more youthful here, around 15 years old, but the engine crafted by Pendulo Studios delivers fantastic performance. The graphics are simply delightful, from the charming characters to the enchanting environments. However, Milou’s model could use a bit more polish; his fur comes across as somewhat simplistic and lacks the finesse of natural textures.
Charmer, Seducer, but Minor
The second sequence unfolds a few chapters after the initial scene, where Tintin uncovers sarcophagi holding those who dared to get too close to the Kih-Oskh tomb mystery. This part of the game brings back Pendulo’s signature style, challenging players with intricate puzzles that require careful observation of every object and corner of the environment. To progress, you must meticulously examine each clue and use real statues to replicate wall patterns, revealing a secret passage in the process. The storyline mirrors the comic book faithfully, bringing back cherished moments from the beloved animated series we watched on France 3 when we were kids—like Tintin’s charming self-addresses that engage both viewers and players alike. With well-crafted staging and puzzles that aren’t overly complex, this sequence should delight a wide range of gamers, especially those who fondly remember Tintin’s adventures from their youth.
The last time Tintin made an appearance in a video game was way back in 2011, coinciding with the release of Steven Spielberg’s film “The Secret of the Unicorn.” This Ubisoft adaptation didn’t quite hit the mark, earning a modest 53% on Metacritic and receiving critiques for its handling, graphics, and gameplay from industry experts. It’s safe to say that Moulinsart, Tintin’s rights holders who are known for their meticulous attention to detail, were not thrilled with this less-than-stellar portrayal of their beloved character. But now, after years of careful negotiations, TintinImaginatio (formerly Moulinsart) has partnered up with Microids and Pendulo Studios to bring the intrepid Belgian comic hero back in a big way! Could it be that they’re aiming for something even more ambitious this time around? Perhaps a French take on the Uncharted series, complete with all the charm and adventure Tintin fans know and love?
We’re thrilled about “Tintin: The Cigars of the Pharaoh,” which seems to have nailed key moments from the beloved comic book! The game promises a dynamic blend of gameplay styles, with Pendulo Studios emphasizing that puzzles will be at its core. However, they also understand the importance of variety, so players can look forward to a mix of exciting scenarios as Tintin embarks on his globetrotting adventures. It’s an intriguing collaboration between TintinImaginatio, Microids, and Pendulo Studios, each bringing their unique expertise to honor Tintin’s worldwide appeal. We’ll have to wait until November for the final verdict, but we’re already excited to see what they’ve cooked up!
