Publisher:
Lucas Arts
Developer:

Release date:
Jun 02 2008
Reviewed on:
XBOX360

There are few figures as iconic from the 1980′s as Indiana Jones. Just the mention of his name brings to mind adventures to far off locales searching for buried treasure and ancient artifacts. The feeling of always being in the worst situations and still seeming to come out on top. This is a great way to describe Lego Indiana Jones. The game has a lot to live up to, due to the success of Lego Star Wars, and it does an decent job.

The formula from the Star Wars games hasn’t changed any. Eighteen levels makes up the story mode where you play through every major scene from the original trilogy. Once again, the challenge isn’t finishing each stage, since you really can’t die, but accomplishing everything there is to do within them. In each stage, there are ten treasure pieces that take the place of the mini kits from Star Wars and a red parcel which must be found then mailed in a mailbox located in each stage. Finishing these tasks unlocks various cheats and new levels to explore. In addition, available for purchase are numerous characters from the film ranging from the notable Lao Che, to generic Nazi soldiers.

I noticed a few problems during my time with Lego Indy, including slight graphical errors that popped up once in a while. Only once was it bad enough to allow me to bypass an entire puzzle by walking up an invisible ramp that was obviously not supposed to be there. Partner AI is also in need of a boost, occasionally getting stuck or lost causing you to back track to bring your computer controlled helper some assistance.

The sound effects are the cartoonish pops and jingles fans of the Lego games are used to and although nothing new or extraordinary, at least are pleasant. Exploding objects make the obvious boom as they release jingling Lego studs, and the familiar “uh’s” and “ah’s” from characters getting swatted are present The sound track is pulled straight from the movies, keeping you as engrossed in playing the adventure as in watching the movies. Obviously there was no voice work, but the noises the characters make during cut scenes convey the right emotion, and are hilarious.

The game looks good, with backgrounds that stood out pretty well, and laughable cut scenes that will have you pushing through the game just to see the next amusing take on the movie. But where Lego Indiana Jones really shines is the game play A great deal of work was put into the puzzles this time around, with more of an emphasis on involving multiple characters and their abilities. Back at Barnett College, which serves as your base of operations, no fewer than six characters are required to solve one puzzle.

Most of the characters offer unique abilities to help Indy out on his adventures, ranging from deciphering puzzles with a translation book, repairing broken equipment with a wrench, using a shovel to dig up buried items, and of course there’s Doctor Jones’ whip. The trademark weapon is used to cross wide gaps, reach objects otherwise inaccessible, and of course combat. Along with the whip, Indy has an array of combat moves at his disposal from headlocks to dropkicks, but is not alone in this area either. Many playable characters have entertaining combat moves from brute strength to more skilled, such as Short Round’s martial arts.

Another great addition to the franchise are phobias. Certain characters are actually paranoid of things in their environment. We all know Indiana Jones hates snakes, and these types of situations will require you to find a way for the good doctor to get around troublesome areas.

When playing with a friend an added element of fun emerges as the two of you work through the puzzles together. The many puzzles involving two or more characters working cooperatively to push ever onward is a lot of fun. With it’s silly sense of humor and the over all Lego theme, it makes a great game to play for those of us with children or family members who aren’t all that great at video games.

Overall, it was an entertaining game though biggest challenge was locating all the bricks and packages. Good use of character abilities and puzzles definitely help add depth to the game. And it’s Indiana Jones, who doesn’t want to experience his adventures for themselves.

Grade: B