Gamertell

Title: Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
System(s): Xbox 360 (PS3, Wii, PS2, DS, PSP, PC)
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Publisher (Developer): Lucas Arts (Traveller’s Tales)
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Pros: Fun game play, nice graphics, great sound, funny, classic Lego adventure, lots of unlockables, plenty of replay value
Cons: Some difficult puzzles and jumps, no real change in basic game play, too short and doesn’t include anything from the new movie
Overall Score: Two Thumbs Up, 90/100, A-, * * * * out of five

I’ve never been a big fan of the Indiana Jones franchise. The new film, Crystal Skulls, just went right over my head, so going into the Lego version of Dr. Jones’ whacky adventures, I had my doubts. Thankfully though, Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is a pleasant surprise.

Traveller’s Tales, the developers behind the three Star Wars Lego games, has proven that this concept of taking Lego toys and turning them into a fun platform game still has some steam left in its Lego peg engines.

Classic Lego Adventures Continue

Lego Indy, chronicles the first three films: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade. While this game was released around the same time as the new film, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls, that film’s story isn’t included in this game. I would bet, however,  that a download or expansion is already in the works. Still, this game does a good job in recreating the first three films and its many memorable moments.

There are more than 60 playable characters and, much like the previous Star Wars Lego console games, the player is free to jump in and out of four characters at one time. A friend can also jump in and take control of a second character. However, unlike Star Wars, I found my self playing primarily as Jones more than the other characters as Indy’s whip and attacks are more useful than other characters throughout the game. Even so, each character adds special abilities and qualities to the game.

Graphically, Lego Indiana Jones is quite nice. The textures are more detailed and everything maintains that fun and whimsical charm of previous games in the Lego series. The level design seems more open and cinematic, even though it is still strictly a platform game. While there is plenty of action to be had, there are more puzzles to solve (it is an Indiana Jones adventure, after all).

A Few Missing Pegs

There are a couple of rough spots in this game. While Original Adventures is developed as a kid-friendly plat former, there are a few notable part of this game that might be too hard for a younger audience. There isn’t anything that you can’t figure out with trial and error, but compared to the previous Lego Star Wars games, it is notably more difficult at points including the boss fight at the end of Temple of Doom and couple platform segments scattered throughout the game.

Hardcore Indiana fans might reject some of the changes made to the levels. While most of them follow the film pretty well, many levels have been extended and include segments never seen in the movies. This is different than the Star Wars Lego games, which were almost identical to the events in the films.

The basic game play remains the same as the previous Lego movie games. While I don’t expect much of the formula to have changed, it would have been nice to see little more advancements in terms of game mechanics.

Fun Addition to the Lego Franchise

If you like collecting lots of hidden items and movie memorabilia, then you’ll have a lot of fun exploring every level. The item collection certainly adds a lot to replay value.

Lego Indy probably isn’t going to win any Game of the Year awards, nor will it be the most memorable of the Lego games, but it was still a joyful ride. It’s hard to find any serious faults with it. Fans, young and old of Indiana Jones and casual gamers will certainly enjoy this title.

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