Why even review a video game? Well, we’re such big fans of “Indiana Jones” and currently can’t put down the game based on the original three movies. So, without further ado, a review of the Nintendo DS version…
If you think this game is just for kids, then you’re freaking mistaken, pal. While it is rated E for everyone, there’s really nothing simplistic about this video game. It’s a complicated, irritating, and awfully long game that I am currently having a blast playing. I honestly can’t stop. And while completing “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Temple of Doom,” and “The Last Crusade” would take at least three days, if you played non-stop, finding the tricks, secrets, hidden gems, and strategy will force you to replay all three at least three times. The keyword here is three, folks.
This game focuses on the original trilogy of “Indiana Jones” with none of the game play focused on “Crystal Skull.” There’s not even a hidden game (as far as I know) devoted to the fourth movie. First things first, why is it fun? Well, you can travel in and out of the college Jones works at, you can fight other characters, smash furniture for pegs, you can customize your very own character, you can change hats, you can play very tough mini games to grab pegs, and there’s of course playing the original movies. But that other stuff is a blast! Having never played the Lego games before, “Lego Indiana Jones DS” was an interesting experience. Each game mimics the exact sequences from the movie sans the inherent violence and dialogue.
The character interaction replaying key scenes from all three movies are based around facial expressions, grunts and screams, along with gags that are funny and thankfully never flat. For example in “The Last Crusade” with Indy’s father is shot forcing him to travel into the caves, rather than seeing blood his bottom half pops off and begins walking on its own. Trust me, it’s funny. And in spite of the Lego marking, this feels much more like an Indiana Jones game, which counts. Because thirty bucks for a game is obscene enough, and thankfully we get our money’s worth with a game that’s just fantastic and feels like you’re unfolding the movie before your eyes and interacting. Indiana is probably the best character here, no surprise. You do get to play as everyone from Short Round, Indy’s dad, right down to supporting characters, and you’re also allowed to shoot guns and swing swords, but Indiana is the best character.
Even if every character serves a great importance during levels. One of the many perks of the character is that he can run faster and jump higher than any of the others, and essentially use his whip for great abilities. He can swing from it, lash it around an object, bring an object to him, and when fighting enemies, he can smack the weapons from their hands with the whip, as well as render them unconscious. And the added character that follows you around allows you to battle thugs without worrying about being outnumbered or outmatched, because which ever character follows you will fight too. In some points I found myself cornered and had the wits of Marion to beat one guy down while I fought another.
Now, the problems with the game are minimal, but still irksome. For one thing, for a game pitched to kids, some of the puzzles are far too annoying and complicated to solve. Will kids really know to pull the giant battery back and forth to flip over the floor in the mansion which will allow you to stomp on the buttons flipping the pictures on the wall, granting you access to the door on the right stairwell? I think not! Will kids know to go deep into the cauldron to set off all the levers to stomp on the buttons to open the doors? I think not! Hell, I’m a whiz with puzzles and I had a heck of a time finding the clues and hidden answers. While the sequences do allow some clues, there’s really no telling unless you actually investigate and invest time. Which kids likely won’t do.
Currently I’m stuck on the slopes in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and may have to restart the movie to retrace my steps and avoid past mistakes. There’s also the extra character that follows you around that’s convenient but obnoxious at times. When you want to jump somewhere or move something they will not get out of your way and will often cause you to fall into water or over a cliff. As well, they tend to die on jumps you make. There’s also the troublesome camera angles that often get confused and wonky. At times when I battled behind a pillar, I couldn’t see what was going on behind it. There are also the short games where you can ride in a car, or on the rubber raft on the side of the mountain (“Temple of Doom”), which is tough because you have almost no control on the speed, and you’re forced to adjust your attention to knocking down objects to gain points, avoiding explosions and pit falls, and collecting pegs all before the time runs out.
That’s irritating! Kids looking for a simple run and whip game will be disappointed to find that Lego has constructed a much more complicated and elaborate game that will take time, patience, perseverance, and commitment. They’ll also find replaying them again and again to find everything will also test their attention spans. I’m still trying to figure some things out, and I’m hoping my interest doesn’t die out while doing so. I have a long attention span, but I tend to stop something when it gets too frustrating. I took a big risk buying this game, because for all I know it could have been a cheap four hour excuse for a side scroller, but man, on the DS it really isn’t. The comedy is sharp, the sight gags are great, the animation is incredible, and there are so many bells and whistles, you’ll be entertained for hours on end. I bought this game because I love “Indiana Jones” (natch) and I would suggest it for anyone who is a fan of the films, if only to see Indiana be chased by a giant LEGO boulder.