In Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, you'll take control of Indiana Jones and secondary characters through episodes based on the first three films. You seek out the Holy Ark in Raiders of the Lost Ark, proceed to battle the Lego-ized Mola Ram and his followers in the Temple of Doom and work alongside Indy's dad through The Last Crusade. It's slightly disappointing that to the game doesn't include any events from the recent Kingdom of the Crystal Skull film release, but there's still more than enough to do here.

All of these episodes are connected through a hub at Indy's university, along with separate rooms where you can obtain characters, artwork and accessories to change your character.

This scene should look familiar to Indy fans. Click on image for more screenshots.

Indy can't do everything himself. It's a real kick to control him as he swings across chasms and punches bad guys to pieces. However, on occasion, you'll need the help of a secondary character. Mechanics, for example, can dig up treasures with shovels or fix equipment to help move the team further into the level.. For example, you'll drive animals and vehicles, such as an elephant (to get you through mud), boats (to reach another part of the stage) and mine carts (which introduces one of the more thrilling levels in the game). Like previous Lego games, you'll need teamwork to survive and win, even though the game gives you unlimited lives.

There are no special additions to the Wii control set-up, outside of swinging your remote to use Indy's whip or other tools. Really, though, you're best off just using the buttons. Trying to dig a hole manually takes more effort than it's worth. That said, the gameplay is still easy enough for anyone to get into.

A portion of the films' content has been toned down to fit the family-friendly Lego theme. For instance, instead of Nazis, you're merely facing off against bad guys with sneers. However, the game's designers worked around this issue with genuine humor, such as when Indy offers Belloq the head of C-3PO instead of the golden idol, only to have him mock the clumsy robot. It's still an adventurous game and, more importantly, it never gets to the point that kids turn discouraged or adults get bored. There's also abundant replay value, with hidden items to seek out and dozens of bonus characters to unlock.

"Man, why can't I just find a normal day spa?" Click on image for more screenshots.

Playing through Lego Indiana Jones is still a good time, but only a few in-game bosses show any real intelligence. Otherwise, you'll run across bad guys who mindlessly charge at you and cohorts who have no idea how to keep you covered when you're trying to repair a plane. Fortunately, you can play alongside a friend in two-player off-line co-op mode. Working with a friend or family member to solve puzzles and beat up baddies collectively doubles the fun.

With presentation, there are mild hitches with the Wii version, such as with a couple of mistimed audio cues during the cinemas, out-of-place textures and occasional camera problems. However, the environments are still authentically match those in the film (particularly Mola Ram's sacrificial chamber) and the Lego character animation is solid (especially with facial expressions – watching Lego Indy smirk will bring a smile to your face). Even during the more frantic action stages, such as the truck battle or the mine cart chase, the game keeps up handily. In the audio department, you'll hear inaudible Lego character chit-chat paired up with classic John Williams-composed music direct from the films. Overall, it's great.

Lego Indiana Jones may not offer a significant amount of difference over the previously released Lego Star Wars games, but it's a blockbuster anyway. The humor is on-target, the action never wears out, the unlockable content and co-op support guarantees numerous replays, and the presentation is mostly sufficient. Don't hesitate to unearth this treasure.

Related Links

Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures Game Guide

LucasArts

Our Final ScoreGood

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