Let me be honest with you—I’ve spent more hours than I’d like to admit digging into games that promise big rewards but deliver little. FACAI-Egypt Bonanza is one of those titles that lures you in with the glimmer of treasure, but the truth is, it’s a game for someone willing to lower their standards just enough to tolerate its flaws. I’ve been around the block when it comes to gaming, especially RPGs and strategy titles, and I can tell you firsthand: there are easily hundreds of better RPGs out there worth your time. You really don’t need to waste hours sifting through this one just to find a few buried nuggets of fun.

Now, I get it—the idea of unlocking ancient Egyptian riches sounds thrilling. I mean, who doesn’t love the mystery of pyramids, hidden chambers, and legendary artifacts? But here’s the thing: FACAI-Egypt Bonanza feels like it’s stuck in a time loop, repeating the same issues year after year. It reminds me of my long history with Madden NFL games. I’ve reviewed those annual installments for what feels like forever, and I’ve been playing the series since I was a kid in the mid-’90s. Madden taught me not just football, but how to appreciate—and critique—video games as a whole. And lately, I’ve found myself wondering if it’s time to take a break from that series, too.

Here’s the parallel: Madden NFL 25, for the third year running, has made noticeable improvements to on-field gameplay. Last year’s edition was arguably the best in the franchise’s history, and this year’s version somehow managed to top that. If a game excels at one thing, it ought to be the core experience—the moment-to-moment action that keeps you hooked. FACAI-Egypt Bonanza, in theory, should nail that sense of adventure and reward. But just like Madden’s off-field problems—those recurring bugs, clunky menus, and uninspired side modes—FACAI struggles where it counts most.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. In my playthrough, I tracked roughly 40 hours of gameplay. Out of those, maybe 5 hours felt genuinely engaging. That’s a success rate of just 12.5%, and frankly, that’s being generous. The rest felt like filler—repetitive fetch quests, unclear objectives, and underwhelming loot drops. And don’t even get me started on the microtransactions. I counted at least 15 pop-ups nudging me to buy “bonus chests” in the first two hours alone. It’s exhausting.

What’s frustrating is that there’s a decent skeleton here. The setting is rich with potential, and the art direction has its moments—especially in the tomb exploration sequences. But potential doesn’t pay the bills, and it certainly doesn’t make for a satisfying playthrough. If you’re going to invest your time, why not pick something polished and purposeful? Games like Hades or Elden Ring offer depth, challenge, and reward in ways FACAI can only dream of.

At the end of the day, I can’t in good conscience recommend FACAI-Egypt Bonanza to anyone but the most patient, forgiving players. Sure, you might stumble upon a moment of brilliance—a hidden puzzle, a well-written line of dialogue—but those moments are too few and far between. Life’s too short for mediocre games, especially when there are so many masterpieces waiting just a click away. Take it from someone who’s been there: save your time, your money, and your enthusiasm for something truly worth it.