Game Name:

Power Slave [With Manual]

Video Game System:

PlayStation

Release Year:

1997

ESRB Rating:

M

Genre:

Shooter

Publisher:

Playmates

Developer:

Lobotomy Software

Player Count:

1

UPC Number:

796298065820

SKU:

133e97d44c471b768609

Condition:

Disc Only

Has Manual:

N/A

Condition Notes:

Comes with manual but no back cver art. The manual may not be perfect, especially on the spine.

Game Description:

PowerSlave is what happens when a first-person shooter gets dropped into ancient Egypt and decides it’s going to be way cooler than it has any right to be. Released in 1997 for the PlayStation and developed by Lobotomy Software, this cult classic blends fast-paced FPS action with exploration and light Metroid-style progression—yeah, before that was trendy.

You play as a special forces operative sent into the ruins of Karnak, where an alien force has taken over and turned the place into a supernatural war zone. Instead of just mindlessly blasting everything (you still can, don’t worry), PowerSlave actually gives you abilities and items that unlock new areas, meaning you’ll be revisiting locations and figuring out how to push deeper into the madness. It’s like Doom got lost in a pyramid and came back with new ideas.

The PlayStation version stands out thanks to its unique engine and level design, ditching the typical linear corridors for something more interconnected and surprisingly ahead of its time. Weapons range from your standard firearms to ancient Egyptian-themed chaos, and the enemy design leans hard into creepy, otherworldly vibes.

If you’re looking to buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange, PowerSlave is one of those sleeper hits that flies under the radar until you actually play it—then suddenly you’re wondering why more games didn’t copy what it was doing back in the 90s.

1. Non-linear level design with ability-based progression—rare for console FPS games in 1997
2. Unique PlayStation engine built by Lobotomy Software, completely different from the PC version
3. Egyptian mythology mixed with sci-fi horror creates a distinct, memorable atmosphere
4. Power-up system grants abilities like higher jumps and environmental resistance to unlock new paths
5. Enemy designs range from alien creatures to reanimated horrors that feel straight out of a fever dream
6. One of the earliest console shooters to experiment with exploration beyond simple level-to-level progression