LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures - 8.0/10
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
A Review - By Gaetano Prestia
NOTE: This review of LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is based off the XBOX 360.
Let’s be frank: The idea of turning a line of toys that are already used as further promotional material for another franchise into game didn’t sound like the greatest idea on Earth. Honestly, who would have thought that the two LEGO: Star Wars titles would be able to tell the Star Wars story so creatively while coupling the plot with great gameplay and compelling puzzles? The fact of the matter is the first two LEGO games based around a movie franchise have done pretty well, both critically and commercially. Thankfully, LucasArts have made it three-out-of-three with LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures.
Much like in the same tune as the two LEGO Star Wars titles, LEGO Indiana Jones aims to tell the story of Indiana as told in the first three films in the series (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and Last Crusade). However, these LEGO games have a slight twist; dialogue is replaced with funny gestures and facial expressions, as well as perfectly scored music to help tell the story.
The single-player adventure is great fun and can be enjoyed if you don’t have a friend to play with, but the real quality in LEGO Indiana Jones shines through with the co-op mode, which is, above all else, one of the best co-op experiences you’ll have had in a long time. The difference between the single-player and co-op modes is that the co-op mode is far more interactive and adaptable to the number of players. While this title can be enjoyed if played by yourself, it’s clear that LucasArts have made an attempt to make this title a thoroughly ‘co-op friendly’ experience.
Teamwork is a big aspect of both the single-player and co-op experience, and while not overly difficult to execute, being able to notice when and where you need to use each other is part of the games challenge. There are some areas in which you’ll need to team up and do different things, like one of you standing on a stone while another climbs to the top of the ceiling and presses a lever, and these instances are great fun and are common ground for these LEGO games. What makes these instances in the gameplay so inventive and enjoyable is the fact that they stray off from the basic and linear gameplay and provide something a little different and less straightforward. It adds to the puzzle aspect of the title and adds a lot of life to it.
When compared to the LEGO Star Wars games, this title plays a lot smoother and flows better with the story being told. The areas seem more interactive and set out better and the secrets, hidden areas, puzzles and collectibles all seem to be placed and planned out a lot better. This is fantastic, as the essence of the LEGO games are the hidden gems and puzzles that fill the gameplay areas. However, there are a few areas that seem to have been poorly designed. Some boss battles are hard to navigate through. The bosses themselves aren’t difficult to defeat, but the layout of the area makes it difficult to complete the mission.
For those collectable junkies who just have an urge to collect anything and everything in every game, LEGO Indiana Jones will be heaven for you. The game is filled with things to find and uncover and there are plenty of things to hit and break to uncover gold and other little nice things. Just like in the LEGO Star Wars games, there’s the ability to break up blocks of LEGO and build things, which in turn help you solve a puzzle or get to hidden areas. The environment isn’t 100% interactive, but most of it is breakable. Plants, spider webs, ladders and plenty of other stuff are all breakable, and these inturn reveal special little prizes for Indy and his friend. There are ten Artefacts on each level, which are worth finding and easily justify a second playthrough if you don’t get them the first time through.
Graphically, LEGO Indiana Jones is basic but gets the job done well. The textures, lighting and colours are all bright and vibrant and while there is some significant screen tear that happens in a few areas, the game overall looks fairly decent.
The audio, sound effects and music score all sound fantastic and add to the atmosphere of the title. The musical score is extremely “George Lucas-esque” and the sound effects fit in perfectly with the humour and tone of the game in general.
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is a welcomed addition to the LEGO video-game series. It successful captures the essence of the Indian Jones series while maintaining the humour and tone of the LEGO series.
Gameplay
8.0/10
Very simple yet thoroughly enjoyable. The single-play campaign is good, but the game really shines through in the co-op mode. There are plenty of puzzles and bosses to get through and the game itself is very, very accessible.
Graphics
7.5/10
Nothing outstanding but successfully gets the job done. There’s some screen-tear in areas, but it doesn’t really hurt the overall look of the title.
Sound
9.5/10
A brilliant soundtrack coupled together with awesome sound effects.
Value
8.0/10
You’ll want to play through it twice, be it on your own or with a friend. There’s a hell of a lot to collect and plenty to uncover.
Overall
8.0/10
LEGO Indiana Jones isn’t a breakthrough title, but it gets the job done. Don’t be fooled by the LEGO licence to think this is a kiddie game; young and old can enjoy this great game.
Submitted by Gaetano
12/06/2008
48
6
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