It's worth playing the levels a few times just to pick up on all the references, but there is a much more tangible reason than that: They are jam packed with hidden goodies. It's actually impossible to get all the bonus items your first time. There are a number of different character-specific traits, so you'll have to unlock Free mode to see all that every level has to offer. The different traits help keep the tasks varied throughout the game. Indiana has his trusty whip, which can not only help him swing across gaps and grab objects from far away, but can also bring the ladies closer (and steal a quick kiss). There are also scholars who can decrypt hieroglyphics, smaller-sized characters who can squeeze through tiny spaces, craftsmen equipped with a wrench or a shovel, and bad guys who can enter secret Thuggie doors. You'll be lucky to finish 50 percent of this game your first time through, so it's overflowing with replay value.
Not everything is perfect in Legoland, though. The artificial intelligence is particularly awful. You'll need your AI-controlled pal to help you solve puzzles sometimes, but you'll find your pal less than willing in a few cases. This can be solved either by inviting a friend to play through the game with you (the best option) or plugging in a second controller to move both characters yourself. Trying to coax the AI to do your bidding can be an exercise in frustration, though. The fighting can also get repetitive, especially when a swarm of enemies continually runs at you while you're trying to solve a particularly complex puzzle. Bosses are usually protected by a troop of soldiers, making them more difficult to defeat. Finally, the jumping portions can be very inconsistent. It's not always possible to judge how far away you are from a platform, which leads to many untimely deaths and arduous retries. None of the flaws destroy the enjoyment, but it's disappointing to see the same problems from the previous Lego games rear their head once again.
Looks like Indy forgot to use his whip.
The three versions of Lego Indy are nearly identical. The game looks best on the PS3 and 360, but the simple aesthetic works quite well on the Wii. The Wii version does let you use motion controls, but you'll probably ignore that option after it takes you five minutes to dig up a buried treasure. Though it can be fun to snap the controller like a whip if you're feeling feisty. You really can't go wrong no matter which Indy you choose.
Lego Indiana Jones serves as the expected progression from the Lego Star Wars games. The great pacing, humorous cutscenes, and challenging-but-not-cheap puzzles make this the most enjoyable Lego game yet. It's not the hardest game, but it has enough hidden goodies to make you play through more than once. Both newcomers and diehard fans of Traveller's Tales' previous Lego offerings will find plenty to enjoy here.
Where to buy
Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (Wii):
$18.98 - $18.99
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$18.98 | Yes |
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$18.99 | Yes |
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