Tech-Gaming Cracks the Whip on Lego Indiana Jones

Numerous developers have tried to capture the essence of the Indiana Jones films to varying degrees of success. From the primitive action of the Atari 2600 title, Raiders of the Lost Ark, to the graphic-adventure interpretation of Fate of Atlantis, to the Tomb Raider-like adventuring of Infernal Machine, Dr. Jones has seen it all. Now, developer Traveller’s Tales has adapted their tried-and-true gameplay of their successful Lego Star Wars franchise for Indy’s universe.

Much like the Star Wars titles, Lego Indiana Jones core gameplay revolves around smashing environmental objects and exploration. While the Star Wars games were more combat-oriented, Indy’s adventures are centered on simplistic puzzles. Nearly all of these situations are nested- for example, you must dig up one artifact before you can complete a section of railroad track, before you can use the railcar as a platform. The title is almost never frustrating, as players know a solution to each dilemma is present on every playfield. Unlike Lego Star Wars, levels do not try to accurately duplicate every asset of the film, instead shrewdly using key scenes for inspiration.

Graphically, the game juxtaposes Lego blocks on an organic playfield, which gives the game a unique look. We tested both the 360 and PS3 versions of the title, and found significant screen-tearing in both titles. Although there is an option to remove the screen tearing, this drops the title to 30 fps, and the game loses much of its fluidity. Aurally, the game relies of grunts and moans to convey emotion from its main characters, which is probably a better choice than choosing to imitate Harrison Ford and the other actors. Unsurprisingly, John Williams score complements the on-screen action perfectly.

The title is perfectly tuned for off-line cooperative play. The Lego games are one of the few titles that adults can play with children, and not feel their cerebral matter atrophying. Unfortunately, Traveller’s Tales took a step backwards- there is no option for online co-op play, which was featured in the last Star Wars release. Other than this strange omission, Lego Indiana Jones is a very solid package that will stand up to multiple play sessions.

Final Grade: A-