Scarabaeus

About

Scarabaeus is a 1985 Commodore 64 adventure game where you navigate three maze-like floors of an Egyptian tomb. Your goal is to retrieve a magical emerald shaped like a dung beetle while managing health and avoiding hazards. Puzzles require identifying antidote vials mixed with deadly poison, all while dodging monsters. Movement and inventory management take center stage as you explore each level's challenges. The game blends spatial reasoning with survival elements, forcing careful decision-making. With its October 1985 release, it predates many puzzle-adventure hybrids. Players note the tension of balancing exploration against limited health, and the challenge of solving vial puzzles adds depth. Originally released as Invaders of the Lost Tomb in North America, it remains a niche title among retro gaming circles.