The Crystal Skull (video game)

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The Crystal Skull
The Crystal Skull video game cover.jpg
Developer(s) Some Interactive [1]
Publisher(s) Maxis
Platform(s) Windows [2] ,Macintosh
ReleaseOctober 1996 [3] [4]
Genre(s) Adventure
Mode(s) Single-player

The Crystal Skull is a 1996 video game from Maxis. The Shaman in the game is played by Edward James Olmos. [2]

Contents

Gameplay

The Crystal Skull is an RPG set within a stylized Aztec setting. Players take on the role of Quetzal, a young bird keeper chosen—somewhat mysteriously—as the hero who must retrieve the titular artifact to thwart the looming arrival of white invaders. The adventure spans three CD-ROMs, promising roughly 40 hours of gameplay, though much of that time is spent in exploration and dialogue-heavy exchanges. Rather than urgent quests or intense battles, the gameplay focuses on a prolonged sequence of errands and interactions. Players guide Quetzal through a web of tasks—such as trading a medallion for feathers to get beans to pay for a boat ride—building toward the central goal. Puzzle-solving is central but deliberately non-frustrating, with actor Edward James Olmos appearing in character to offer tiered hints ranging from subtle nudges to outright solutions. [5]

Reception

Computer Gaming World in their review stated that while pretty to look at, the game offers little of substance besides the culture notes. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Numb Skull". Computer Gaming World . March 1997. p. 201,202. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "The Crystal Skull". The Tampa Tribune . November 8, 1996. p. 103. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "News". Online Gaming Review . 1997-02-27. Archived from the original on 1997-02-27. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  4. ↑ "Aztec Adventure Awaits in The Crystal Skull". PR Newswire . October 8, 1996. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved February 26, 2025– via Gale Research.
  5. 1 2 Hyman, Paul. "The Crystal Skull Review". Gamecenter . Archived from the original on February 5, 1997. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  6. ↑ Leo, John (December 4, 1996). "The Crystal Skull Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on April 9, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  7. ↑ "The Crystal Skull". PC Joker. February 1997. p. 70,71. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  8. ↑ Williamson, Colin (February 1997). "Crystal Skull, The". PC Gamer . Archived from the original on December 6, 1999. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
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