LEGO Indiana Jones – The Original Adventures Developer: Traveller’s Tales Publisher: LucasArts Release Date: 3 June 2008 Genre: Platformer ESRB Rating: E10+ The most important thing to say before the review commences, is that this title is NOT just for kids. Older gamers can also play it and still have a great time with the subject matter and the game in general. The title of the game immediately gives the impression that this game is targeting a younger audience. Because LEGO is synonymous with children, largely due the wide range of toys the company has produced, this stereotype that the game is intended for younger gamers will be set within the minds of the older person. Irrespective of the intention of the developers, people of all ages may pick up this quality product and enjoy it to its full potential. There are basically two reasons for this. Firstly, it is Indiana Jones, and that is reason enough to buy this LEGO title. Secondly, this game is just tons of fun. Those that have played LEGO Star Wars should know what to expect. It should become apparent by now that this game re-creates the original Indiana Jones trilogy of movies (excluding the latest film of course, hence trilogy) in a LEGO format, or as I like to term it – LEGOlises it. What this means is that all characters, environments, items, weapons, vehicles etc. are designed with LEGO blocks. Everything you see in this game is created out of virtual LEGO blocks. Characters have the popular LEGO circular heads and their hands the wrench like shape that we are all familiar with. Weapons and environment details are all built with little colourful blocks that are easy on the eye. Indy looks just like Harrison Ford The game begins with the original film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. You find yourself in the opening sequence of the movie where Indy is faced with the task of obtaining an artefact from an ancient jungle ruin. The game’s plot evidently follows that of the movie. You will play through all three movies in any order you choose, except that you have to begin with the opening level mentioned earlier as it is presented as a sort of tutorial level so the player can get to grips with the control scheme on the keyboard. Each “world†consists of six levels and follows the story to a large extent as it appeared in the respective film. This leads to a total of eighteen levels, and on top of it all there are three hidden bonus levels to unlock and play through. The levels themselves are set mostly in areas that did not appear on the films; however some will be recognisable such as the famous boulder chase in the aforementioned first level of the game. The cut scenes in this game are hilarious. They are based on famous scenes from the films; however they are slightly adjusted to make them more comical. Characters do not speak and you will not hear a single word of dialogue in this game. This adds to the humour as the facial expressions and mutterings heard by the characters are rather funny. The developers have done a great job with these pre-level movies as they are a joy to watch, especially if you are a fan of the films and can spot all the subtle and obvious references therein. Upon completion of the first level, you will find yourself with the option to either continue the story or return to the university. This university acts as your home base. There is a lot to do here. Firstly, the player is given the option to choose which film they would like to continue with. Thus you can select your level to play, but you may not play the next level of a particular film until you have completed the previous one. This means that it does not matter the order in which you complete the three films, however you may only complete the levels within in a specific order. Furthermore, the university allows for a number of extras for you to explore and admire. There is a library that allows for you to purchase secret characters that become unlocked as you progress through the story mode of the game. The classroom allows for you to enter secret codes and unlock cheats. There is even a facility to create your own LEGO characters to play with. There are a few other bonuses that the player can discover on their own. Indy is using the spade tool to dig out a treasure Playing through each level is a joy. Adventuring through the various areas is fun and there is a lot to do within. The primary basis of the game is completing puzzles and fighting LEGO enemies. Various popular villains from the films appear throughout and you will have to battle them. You will even get to fight the bulky enemy soldiers complete with their red attire and swords from the Temple of Doom film. Boss fights can at times lack imagination and usually require you to bash away until defeated. The levels are large and can take you near half an hour minimum to complete each one. Amongst the entire puzzle solving, exploring and fighting the player will be faced with, you will collect money by destroying various objects. Every level is filled with secret areas and hidden artefacts to collect, which unlock hidden extras to the game once found. The great thing about this is that most of the artefacts cannot be found on the first play through of the game. Once a level of the story mode is complete, you will be able to access it and replay it through the university. This ability to free play levels adds greatly the replayability of the game. You are allowed to bring unlocked and secret characters to aid you in finding all the secrets, as some require specific abilities to access the hidden areas. Each character in LEGO Indiana Jones has unique abilities. For example Indy has his whip which allows him to grab and pull objects; however he is afraid from serpents and cannot move in areas populated by them. Short Change on the other hand can squeeze through small openings and reach areas that no one else can get to. Switching between characters is a breeze and happens with the push of a button. This adds an advantage and disadvantage element to replaying levels in deciding who to take with you. The story mode automatically places specific characters with you however, and this cannot be changed. You are only allowed to pick extra characters in free play mode. This mode is encouraged only upon completion of all the levels of the game as you will need specific characters to collect every single artefact in each level in order to unlock everything this game has to offer. All in all it would take you approximately ten to fifteen hours to complete the main story and a grand total of about twenty hours to achieve the 100 % completion. Switching between characters is very easy The physics in this game are surprisingly well developed. Bashing enemies is easy and you don’t find yourself aimlessly hitting an opponent without a reason. Glitches are very very rare and the game seems to be designed very well. There appears to be slowdown and lag in areas where there is a lot happening on screen. Another annoying little bit is when you are using a destructive weapon such as a bazooka, as blasting at close range often results in your death and respawning at the same place at the cost of your money. Furthermore, at times jumps can be rather difficult to judge and you end up falling into a crevice or onto spikes to meet your death. The graphics in this game are gorgeous. Every little bit is well designed and beautifully created. All the environments and scenery are colourful and great to look at. You often find yourself stoping for a moment to look around the screen and admire the complexity of the levels and the objects therein. There is little to find fault in this area of the game. Sound is also very solid. Every sound effect emitted add to the overall experience of the game and is beautifully timed. All the famous Indy theme songs and tunes are present and those familiar with the films with fall into a sense of nostalgia as you traverse through this fine game. The opening level of the Temple of Doom film There is plenty to do in this game and you will rarely find yourself bored as you progress. LEGO Indiana Jones is primarily aimed towards players familiar with the films as only they will spot and admire the way this game is created as well as the many references to the films. Players unaware of the Indiana Jones movies can still enjoy the experience as this is a solid platformer to boot, however do not expect much in understanding the plot of the game. As discussed previously, this is most definitely a game that can be enjoyed by young and old gamers alike. There is just so much entertainment in playing through this great title, and with its truly amazing replayability, this is a classic and one for every PC gamers collection. I am most proud that it is in mine. In conclusion all I have to say is its Indiana Jones people, and let’s face it, Indy is just awesome!!!!!! Story: 8/10 The story of this game should get full marks as it mirrors those of the films; however the way it is presented makes it difficult for gamers that have not seen the films be aware of what is actually going on. Gameplay: 9/10 Near perfect. Playing through this game is a joy and never a dull experience. Graphics: 9/10 Perfect environments and well crafted characters. Very easy on the eye. Sound: 9/10 All the great Indy songs are present and you find yourself humming along. Replayability: 9/10 With huge levels and the option to replay them to unlock hidden secrets and bonuses, there is plenty of life in this game. Total: 44/50 A near perfect game. There is so much to do and so much to see. Playing it is great fun and when the credits roll, I assure you that you will be sad and realise you have just completed a fantastic game.
Well back when LEGO was still starting out making games, most of their stuff sucked, like LEGO Rock Raiders or the First LEGO Racers, which sucked because it was way too hard (the AI racers seem to over pass you so easily). But when they discovered the fine art of licensing things got a lot better. It all began with LEGO Star Wars.
Thanks Winter. I'll try and get on there but I have raather busy days with my studies and in the evenings I spend a lot of time with friends etc. So don't know how often I can be online but I will get it anyways. ;D
these lego games look extremely retarded just looking at the cover but from the screenies, it looks like these might actually be pretty good games. there's a fist level? or a first level. either way, indy enjoys a good old fistfight. (bah! screw the abbreviation)
Wow, I love this review. Honestly I'm going to buy it as soon as I'm done with an essay for school (bah!). Nice job, seems like you are better than me now at this reviewing thing hehe : Keep up the good work.
Thanks Insane, mistake noted and edited. Thanks dmac! Its really a great game I thought. Hurry up and finish your school paper I tell you Your reviews are good too man. I can't say mine are better. I enjoy reading yours
Nice review! Although I can't stand LEGO themed games...there's just something about the hook-hands and square bodies...
Great review, grimsim! I only played a LEGO game, one of the Star Wars. I liked it, really, but then it was only a demo, and no one has it back here. But this one seems a must.
