NMR ISSUE 48

Astrological Forecast 48
Be Careful What you Wish For
Cherished Secret of Success Resonance
Crone Empowered
Crystal Skull Luminaria
Daily Prayer
Doing It by the Book
Editorial 48
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Frog, Cobra & Chickadee
Helping Hand or Magickal Hand
Ikhanten's Doom
Letters 48
Modern Scapegoat Rituals
North Star Road:
Other Editorial 48
Pagan Catechism
Prayer to the Goddess
Renewal Through Release
Samhain Ritual
Temple of the Goddess grounding Meditation
The Fellowship of Isis
The Kabalah in Everyday Use
The Serpent and the Radio
Timelapse
Wolf Moon
Wrath of the Gods Luminaria

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Crystal Skull

By Luminaria, distributed by Maxis

Crystal Skull, also by Joel Skidmore and company, offers the improvements one would expect from experience, a bigger budget and better technology. Informed by the latest research into the Aztecs and Maya, it will be more exotic to those who grew up with the Greek myths than Wrath of the Gods. Crystal Skull also has more of a story than Wrath, but as it turns out, still not much. But it is enough to hold together this journey through Mesoamerican history, culture and mythology.

Crystal Skull also has a sympathetic and informed point of view. It is wonderfully Campbellian to see compellingly portrayed the willingness of some of the sacrificial victims of the Flower Wars. As expected, game aesthetics demand much be made of threats of violence (and it was indeed a violent culture, like so many of its time); but it is a treat to play a game that also attends to the spiritual, expensive thrills to balance the cheap thrills. This game, with its focus on the mythical, naturally incorporates much spiritual information. There is no sophisticated analysis, of course, but it gives a healthy perspective and encourages interest, the opposite tack of most mass entertainment.

What is a fitting climax for this ride through Mesoamerican history and culture? I can't imagine. Apparently neither can Joel. Like too many games, the end seems forced, almost a reluctant afterthought, but it does its job.

Edward James Olmos, the name in the production, shines out like a shaft of gold where all around is dark (to borrow from Monty Python). The only actors whose performances are particularly distracting are, unfortunately, two of the most prominent characters. The one of these that goes far enough to irritate is the love interest who, one imagines, got her job based only on her looks. This would be OK were her looks appropriate, rather than profoundly European with modern makeup. There are a few other actors with puzzling ethnicity, and only some of marginal ability, overall perhaps a bit better than standard CD fare.

Interestingly, though Skull has fewer cute anachronisms than in Wrath, they are more obtrusive. Part of the reason is the greater unfamiliarity of the Mesoamerican culture creates a greater contrast. Part is that the CD otherwise succeeds so well at creating a compelling atmosphere.

The puzzles and arcade games, as in Wrath of the Gods, are harmless. Where you have to mind-read, the keys are in the myths. And if you get stuck, the Shaman can always help. He is also good for making sure you don't miss anything. Again, blessings upon Joel for the Shamana feature that should be forced on the evil ones who would sell hint books.

Another feature as welcome as Ed McMahon with a big check, is the map that allows you to jump to various locations. The game also allows you to wander through the background text at will. Huzzah! These were tragic flaws in Wrath. The only flaw remaining is being unable to visit all the locations with impunity after completing the game; but the map and a liberal save game policy will suffice.

My few nit-picks in this CD stood out because it is otherwise so well done. The animation is much improved. The scenery is gorgeous. The reconstructions are compelling (despite the ubiquitous neutron bomb effect: few people). The costumes are beautiful. The research impressive. The scope well chosen. The history well presented. Even after it offered so much on its three CDs, it left me wanting more, which is after all, the point of such a teaching game. And at http://cultures.com Luminaria does offer a bit more in the form of a well-illustrated small encyclopedias of the Mesoamerican and Greeks cultures. Many of the pictures are right out of the games. There is also some info on the game, including a section for educators.

Even at the full price of $55 it's worth it and at the street price of $30 it's a must buy for any with even a little interest in mythology or Mesoamerican culture. Shortly before press the local Egghead store made Crystal Skull available for a paltry $15cheaper than the three CDs it would take to pirate it. This is a giveaway price. Buy! But while this is outstanding news for the consumer in the short term, it may be an ill omen for the long term. Ordinary games seem to hang on much longer near their original ridiculously high price. By that standard, Crystal Skull's price drop suggests a dismaying lack of attention in the market. The cause of quality edutainment may seem trivial, but when empty entertainment crowds the substance out of our lives, edutainment offers a fun road to a much better world. Though I can't recommend a game based on a cause, I think it's a good reason to go to extra trouble to find it, and to feel good about buying it.