Lego Indiana Jones DS – Quick Review

Can you hear it?  The sound of the whip…that famous music…and…Marion yelling “Indi!!”  Oh, such great memories!  I loved the movies, so I had high hopes for this game.  I also had a great time playing through LEGO Star Wars on the PS2 and GameCube.  Was I satisfied or did my dreams crash on the rocks of hopelessness?  (Ok, maybe that was a bit over the top.)  I’ll be sharing my thoughts in a few different areas before I give my overall impressions.

Explanation
For those of you who have no idea what this game is, I’ll take a couple seconds to explain.  Basically, you play the role of Indiana Jones and his various “sidekicks” in an attempt to recover lost/stolen artifacts.  However, you are also made of LEGOs and fight against enemies who are made of LEGOs in a world made of LEGOs.  You fight and whip your way through all 3 original movies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Temple of Doom,” and “The Last Crusade”).

Control
Most of the game is controlled using the D-pad and A-B-X-Y buttons (B jumps,  A and X control different attacks,  and Y switches characters).  Occasionally, you will need to use the touch screen for additional moves.  Also, you will also use the microphone (for example…blowing out a candle).  I really like this control setup.  In my opinion, it is a good use of the DS.  It uses its special features, but does not abuse them.  It keeps the basic controls very…basic, and it is easy to learn.

Design
I think this game looks great for being on a smaller handheld system.  It doesn’t look like a huge downgrade from the console versions.  The cutscenes did not look as good as the gameplay, but they were still done well.  In the end, this is a good-looking DS game.

Gameplay
Simply put, this game is fun!  Every scene takes you back to a point in the movies.  It’s a lot of fun reliving those moments, putting yourself in Indi’s shoes.  There is a good balance between action and puzzles.  Some levels, I spent upwards to 10 minutes trying to figure out, while others I fought through in 2-3 minutes.  Sure, there is not a huge challenge here, because you never “die” in a LEGO game…but that does not make the game any less fun.

Multiplayer
I originally bought one copy of this game, thinking that my wife and I could play together.  However, when I got home and read the box again, I realized that it is a multi-card multiplayer game.  I was slightly upset, but after playing through the first scene by myself, Idecided to go on eBay to round up another copy at a used/discounted rate.  Other than the unfortunate need to have 2 copies of the game, the multiplayer co-op is much more fun than going at it alone.  That is…if you can figure out how to turn it on.  They did not make it easy.  To clear this up for anyone who is confused, like I was, I will explain.  To get to multiplayer, you must go downstairs, through the door with Indiana Jones’ hat, then look at the bookcase immediately to your character’s left.  You will see options to buy extras and hints.  Cycle through those until you see the multiplayer option.  Click it, then have your partner do the same.  One of you will choose to host, while the other just joins.  Why did they not just have an option at the opening screen?  I have NO idea.

Overall
In the end, I am really enjoying this game.  It looks great, the controls are spot-on, and it is a lot of fun.  Playing with a friend is better than alone, but you will each need your own copy, and you will need to go a bit out of your way to start the co-op session.  Overall, I definitely recommend this game to anyone who enjoys LEGOs, Indiana Jones, or just a fun adventure/puzzle game.  Put all that in a small package that you can play on the go, and you’ve got yourself a nice deal.

FINAL SCORE: 4 out of 5

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