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Upon the death of the Pharaoh, the evil god Seth commanded that all heirs of the Pharaoh be executed. Amon-Re, the sun god, saw the murders and saved one young heir - the part you play - from drowning in the Nile. Workers living on the banks of the Nile raised the rescued boy as one of their own. Now it is time to regain what is rightfully yours: to help you have a little money and a ship.

To build your finances you put on your trading hat and set sail for distant ports - controlling the rudder of your vessel as you move. But be careful! The waters of the Nile are treacherous and you must navigate through the rocks with care. If you crash three times you'll lose your ship and cargo.

Don't worry though, because more ships can be built, provided you have sufficient materials.

If you want war, you can have it. The game then switches to horizontally scrolling landscape. Standing in a chariot, you shoot arrows at the enemy and do what you can to avoid their spears. Kill all your foes and victory is yours. Lose your three chariots and it's time to drink the embalming fluid and lie down in a big metal box.

There are also options to allow you to pray to the gods, build yourself a harem and construct buildings. If you're feeling lucky (punk) you can always wager your ship's cargo in a camel race. It's risky, but can be very profitable.

The graphics are superb and look like they're written on parchment. Animation of the ship and chariot is rudimentary, but sufficient. Sound effects are feeble and the tune on the menu screen sounds more like a medieval fanfare than anything from Ancient Egypt.

Day Of The Pharaoh's roots are buried deep in the history of the computer games industry but it's more sophisticated than its Kingdom and Empire ancestors and it has some entertaining arcade style sequences. Becoming a Pharaoh is a long term task and although you'll find it interesting trying, it's repetitive as well.