Fancy Yourself As The Next Indiana? (Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (DS))

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (DS)
Date:	30/10/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quirky and fun to fun, quite easy to pick up, good graphics

Disadvantages: None as such

I got this last Christmas when I bought a DS, so it was one of the first games I tried. It was given to me as a gift, which I'm glad of because I probably wouldn't have chosen it myself as I'm not a big fan of games like this as such, or Lego, or Indiana Jones even.

... Basics ...

Indiana Jones The Original Adventures is a role-playing adventure game produced by Lucas Arts. It was released last year, certificate U, so it's suitable for both adults and kids alike. After playing it for myself, I would say that younger kids would probably enjoy this as it's of medium difficulty, but there's enough to it to keep adults amused and entertained for a while too.

... Game Overview ...

Fans of Lego or Indiana Jones are probably very positive about this game, but it's has a wider appeal than that. It's describes itself as a game in which you "Build, battle & brawl your way out of trouble" as you go through all three classic Indiana movies. As you can tell from this, it's an adventure game, so it's packed with action and new things to discover as you progress.

The game is unique and original in its tongue-in-cheek take of Lego, making it a comical and stylish game. The 'adventure is in your hands' as you explore a variety of scenes and get the chance to play more than 60 characters. It's very interactive, so it's great if you want something to get stuck into rather than get bored of after a few minutes.

You start the game in an academic hall at Barnett College to 'study' the first chapters, including the Lost Temple and Raiders Of The Lost Arc. It doesn't matter if you're not familiar with the films or characters, but if you are then it's an added bonus because you'll enjoy the video snippets and scenes much more.

As you progress through the game, more areas and characters will become available to you, so it's a game that you can play for quite a while and still find new things to do.

... Modes ...

This is a single player game, but you can play wirelessly with others, though I haven't done the latter. If you're a loner, like me, the game does keep you busy and engrossed, with colourful scenes and sound effects to keep you company.

There are two main modes: Story Mode and Free Play.

Story Mode - Watch animated clips and play as the original characters as you relive the story adventures.
Free Play - where you can have adventures as you please as any character you want.

... Controls ...

This game utilizes all aspects of the DS, so it's great for both experienced and newbie players. L&R buttons, the control pad, A,B,X & Y pads, and the microphone are all used, as well as the touch screen, in creative ways. The microphone, for example, is very inventive as you can use by blowing into it to blow out a torch. I find the controls are quite easy to use and get to grips with, but I'm more of a 'try it for yourself' kind of girl rather than reading the instructions first.

There are symbols at the top of the screen to keep you up to date with your current task and health. You can also easily pause/exit the game and view instructions/help guides.

... Actions ...

There's a wide variety of actions to explore as you play. These include :

Switching characters, swinging on ropes and climbing rocks, fighting with enemies, using the whip, carrying objects, digging, blowing out torches, controlling monkeys (yes, monkeys!), blowing up and building objects, detonating dynamite, unlocking free-play/bonus mini-games, collecting special bits & bobs, trying out fashionable hats, and more!

... Gameplay ...

I find this game quite easy to play when you get the hang of it and realise what you're supposed to be doing. It's relatively self-explanatory as you go through each stage, and I like being able to save at fairly reasonable spots rather than having to play for hours and then possibly lose all of your hard work because your battery runs out!

The graphics are of good quality, quite surprisingly so actually, and I was very impressed when I first played. This adds to the smooth flow of the game, and it's quick and fluid whilst you play, with little jitteryness or inaccuracy of control.

... Overall ...

I would definitely recommend this game regardless of your preference for genres or your age. It's something that has a wide appeal, which I say because I thought I'd hate it! It's enjoyable and entertaining, whilst being creative, good quality & fun to use.

[ RRP £14.99 - Available from Amazon at £10.97 ]

Summary: Indiana as you've never seen him before!