Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors

Game review

Released in 1993, Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors brings the excitement and adventure of the classic Hanna-Barbera animated series The Adventures of Jonny Quest to the world of DOS gaming. This action-adventure game, infused with beat-em-up sequences, captures the essence of the 1964 series, inviting players to step into the shoes of Jonny Quest, the intrepid and bright young hero known for his judo-fighting skills and penchant for tackling challenges that would daunt even the most seasoned adventurers.

In Curse of the Mayan Warriors, Jonny is not alone in his quest; he is accompanied by his loyal friend Hadji and his faithful dog Bandit. The trio embarks on a daring mission through the South American rainforest and ancient temples to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Mayan idols. This premise sets the stage for a thrilling adventure that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a richly detailed world.

The gameplay is thoughtfully divided into two distinct parts to offer a varied experience. The exploration segments are presented in a top-down view, allowing Jonny and Hadji to navigate the forest and temple environments in search of items and clues. This portion of the game emphasizes puzzle-solving and strategic thinking, as players collect inventory items and solve challenges that impede their progress.

When adversaries are encountered, the game seamlessly transitions to a side-view beat-em-up sequence. In these action-packed moments, Jonny must rely on his martial arts skills, delivering a variety of punches and kicks to overcome his foes. The inclusion of Hadji and Bandit during these sequences adds depth to the combat, with Hadji casting spells and Bandit engaging the enemy, providing a dynamic and engaging combat experience.

The control scheme in Jonny Quest: Curse of the Mayan Warriors utilizes the function (F) keys for main actions such as talking, looking around, and accessing the inventory, with more complex actions requiring combinations of F-key and directional key inputs. This approach to controls, while reflective of its time, adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, challenging players to master the interface to successfully guide Jonny and his team through their adventure.