Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures Reviews

• Adventure Defined... On a Smaller Scale

  
  By A29BQ6B90Y1R5F on 2008-06-05
  When LEGO Star Wars: The Original Trilogy hit the DS, it suffered horribly from bugs and glitches that made it nearly impossible to enjoy the game. From characters suddenly hitting you for no reason, to glitches that froze up the game entirely. Apparently they all learned something. LEGO Indiana Jones is not nearly as crude in its development.
  
  As it goes, the handheld games are usually never as good as the console counterparts. LEGO Indiana Jones on the DS doesn't have all the same level designs as its console counterparts. It's overall a smaller game, but it does at least share many similar qualities in the gameplay department.
  
  You'll play through all three of the original movies. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade. In each level you'll play as whoever the story dictates you be at that time. When you complete a level once on story mode, you can return later in Free Play mode with different characters and uncover new secrets you otherwise couldn't before. It's all simple stuff and much of it plays like the console games. You can't go through a level as a single character, though. Puzzles and obstacles often force you to switch to a different character.
  
  Throughout your adventures you'll also collect studs, which can be used to purchase hidden characters and other goodies. Collecting studs can be done by destroying objects or by simply defeating enemies. If you should ever perish, there's no penalty other than losing studs. There's no such thing as a game over in LEGO Indiana Jones, and just the same it's a fairly easy game.
  
  Well, mostly easy. LEGO Indiana Jones puts much more emphasis on hand to hand combat. In the LEGO Star Wars games characters either had a lightsaber or some kind of blaster. In Indiana Jones you can pick up a gun at some spots, but they have limited ammo. Most times, however, you don't have the luxury of a gun while your enemy does. Thus, you're forced to take them down with your own two fists. Unfortunately, half the battle of getting to them is dying. When the enemy has some kind of projectile and you only have your fists, getting to them can be a pain.
  
  Two people can also play, but both will need a copy of the game in order to do so. It takes a minute or so to set up. It isn't quite as easy as just picking up a controller and joining in, but a player can still drop out pretty much any time he wants.
  
  There are some features exclusive to the DS. Such as being able to switch characters using the stylus or having to blow into the microphone for certain tasks, but these are really not all that special and instead feel a little tacked on.
  
  Graphically the DS game looks pretty good. When the 3D mechanics of the DS are brought out, you're usually getting a good game. But the best part is that this doesn't suffer from so many bugs or anything. It's a good looking game, but it's also a good running game. There are a few issues with the camera (as the console versions suffer from this as well) and the levels aren't exactly the same, but it's still good all together. If you've played the console versions, however, just keep in mind that you're getting a relatively smaller game, but still a great experience. Much of the music is the same as the movie. It sounds pretty good for the most part, although some of it coming from the DS's speakers doesn't sound as good as it does from the actual consoles.
  
  If there was anything that Lego Indiana Jones truly suffers from, it would be that the game is just simply too short. While there's a ton to uncover in freeplay mode, the main story itself won't take you too long to complete. It's not that long on the consoles, and as I said, on the DS you're getting a smaller game... so expect it to be even shorter. It doesn't stop it from being an amazing game, however, and there's a lot of replay value here.
  
  Even on the DS, Lego Indiana Jones is a treat. It may not be as big and expansive as the console versions, but it is still a great game to behold.
  
  

• Indy hits the DS in style

  
  By AJKWF4W7QD4NS on 2008-06-19
  Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures comes to the DS in style thankfully, leaving all the problems of the last Lego-based DS game (Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy) behind, even though it uses that game's graphics engine. If you are at all familiar with the Lego Star Wars games though, you'll feel right at home with Lego Indiana Jones, as the game provides the same kind of charming, goofy humor that the other games did. Playing through the first three Indy episodes, Lego Indiana Jones is pretty lengthy and features a ton of unlockable characters, meaning you'll be busy for some time, which is a big plus as well. The game looks pretty good and makes good use of John Williams' classic score, and there is some surprisingly great use made of the DS' touch screen capabilities and microphone. While Lego Indiana Jones is instantly enjoyable, it should be noted that if you've played Lego Star Wars at all, you'll notice how this is basically the same game with the Indy license slapped on it in place of Star Wars. This isn't such a bad thing if you dug those games, but if you didn't for some reason, Indy won't win you over any. All in all though, Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is instantly enjoyable, family friendly fun that anyone can get into and enjoy.
  
  

• Buggy and unplayable

  
  By A10GLVITSITGSA on 2008-06-05
  I had high hopes for this game, I really did. The Lego version of Star Wars was a total blast, and I'm almost as much of a fan of Indiana Jones as I am of Star Wars, so I eagerly purchased the game as soon as I saw it in the store.
  
  Only to have my hopes totally destroyed. While the gameplay is just as fun as its sci-fi predecessor, it has some glaring bugs that render the game totally frustrating and unplayable.
  
  In three gaming sessions, I've had the game freeze twice, both times right at the end of a chapter before the game actually saves anything. The only thing I could do was to power the DS off and back on, which meant I had to replay the entire chapter from the beginning.
  
  Getting almost completely through a chapter only to have the game crash and force you to start over just totally sucked the fun out of it.
  
  I'm hoping I just have a bad cartridge or something and that it's not a problem with the game programming, though either really makes me wonder how good is LucasArts' QA team.
  
  

• Extremely fun but has downfalls

  
  By A1FO8O12ZE8CG6 on 2008-06-07
  I really enjoy playing this game so far. It is definitely more fun than anything else I've played on DS; however, there are two major annoyances that are causing me to question if this game is worth it.
  
  One thing buyers should be aware of is that the game requires a lot of time spent on it at once. As another user mentioned, you can't save it whenever you want, which is EXTREMELY inconvenient. When playing each level for the 1st time, you may find yourself in a level for more than an hour before you can exit and save. I can see how this would add to a parent's frustration in trying to get their child to do homework or go to bed. "I can't stop until I finish this level! I'll lose everything if I turn it off now!" (good thing it's summer)
  
  One other annoyance is the glitches. I heard lego Star Wars crashed a lot so I didn't buy it. Well, after playing for 1 hour today, I crashed when picking up a weapon and lost that hour of progress. I was pretty frustrated.
  
  So if you don't mind playing for long periods of time then this game is for you. I don't suggest it for the casual gamer though.
  
  

• WOW!!!!

  
  By A3NMCC0XHK90FT on 2008-06-04
  This game rocks!!!! I am not all that great with games but this one is perfect for me. There are a few places I have to have my kids, the big gamers, help me out.
  the only downfall I see with this game so far is the fact you can't save whenever you want. You have to buy something or you have to finish a level.
  
  
  
• WARNING, SERIOUSLY BUGGED GAME!
  By A2WQ9DPC2HBK6U on 2008-06-26
  I have heard of bugged games in the past, but that only effected the performace of the game itself. This game is another story, not only was my copy made unplayable by its buggs/glicthes or whatever you call them it also ruined my DS. Before I had this game my DS never had a problem for the 2 years I've owned it. Then while playing this game it spontaneouly shut down and would not turn back on for hours. After thinking my DS was done for I gave it one more shot and I was relieved that it was working again, HOWEVER, it now shuts down spontaneously after only a few minutes regardless of the game being played, making it unusable.
  
  I actually played the game for awhile before my DS shut down unexpectently for the first time. my only warning was the game feezing on level 2 of the first chapter. I continued to play because as gamers know freezing happens with many games and is normally not serious, just a minor annoyance that simply requires a restart and everything is fine.
  
  Its more than likley that I simply got a defective game and
  most people have probably not had this problem, but I felt it was necessary to give people fair warning about this potential problem. I would advise waiting for a newer version of the game that may address any current issues or try the WII or PS2 version instead.
  
  
• FREEZE right there Indy...
  By AT0R8GISENMWC on 2008-07-29
  Ok, so as far as DS games go, being a lego fool, and a HUGE Indiana Jones fan, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun and how cute this game is.
  
  Fun I give it 4 stars overall. It draws on the various Indiana Jones films and the interaction is set along the story lines of the movies! GREAT! 5 Stars.
  
  Draw back? You can't save along the way so you are forced to finish the chapter in order to auto save. The problem with this is, you better not be ready to put it down when you are at the Dr's office waiting, because you will have to redo the chapter if you turn it off.
  
  Other draw backs, the Tag characters, (these are the ones that stay with you and assist you i.e. Marion etc..)get in the way a lot and I find myself tripping over them and trying to get around them to get items that drop. Sometimes these Tag buddies get stuck and can cause problems like blocking your way when you are trying to go somewhere that will get you killed. Whats fun about the Tag buddies is that you will have to play the chapters over again several times and take different Tag buddies with you in order to find new things. This makes the game last longer and makes it more interesting.
  
  On the Plus side, graphics are adorable and in whole is fun to watch. The mini movies are really great and full of laughs.
  
  FREEZE right there Indiana....and he will...and so will you...because this game is a bit buggy. I purchased a new copy, and played it several times and each time the game froze over and again at the end of chapter 2 called "Fight at the Raven" I would get through the entire chapter, watch the mini movie and then it would freeze. The only way out, is to turn it off and reboot. Now remember that part about not being able to save? You know, where I said it will auto save after the chapter is complete? Well since it freezes at the end of the chapter, it never saved and I had to try playing this whole chapter over and over again to determine if this was a bug or a fluke. After several tries and a lot of lost patience I found it froze in the same place each time.
  
  I have since exchanged it, and will strike out to rumble with Indy again...hopefully this copy will work. If it were not for this issue I would have rated it 4 stars.
  
  
• Great game for all ages.
  By AWZU6MHP7JHIY on 2008-06-09
  This is a great game, at first I wasn't sure I was going to like it because I usually prefer puzzle games but my son really wanted it so I bought it. I love the game you have to search for spots and clues and maps which makes it interesting. Even my 6 year old son loves it, we each have played it a lot but haven't been able to finish it yet. Would recommend for any age, its real fun.
  
  
• It was a mistake, but it was a fun mistake
  By A1RZJMRM5E9CDV on 2008-06-16
  I dont know how I got this game, I originally ordered the version for the PSP, but Amazon sent me the DS instead. As it turns out, this game is fun on the DS as well. I just finished the story mode and am now working through the free mode to get all the extras, Graphics wise this game is a pleasant surprise and has convinced me to get the compleate Lego Star Wars as well. The game is short, but the size of the levels balances it out a bit I think, the game play is intriging as well (blowing into the mic in order to inflate rafts and such). As an Indy fan from way back I am happy to have a portable version and I've enjoyed this game, best mistake ever.
  
  
• Friggin' awesome
  By A3I8OURC83NM6V on 2008-06-27
  All right, all right, I grew up on the movies. I was like 9 when Raiders came out. So, there is some nostalgia value here. But this is a great game from what little I've played. This is fun in the same vein as the Lego Star Wars game. Very tongue in cheek. Good enough for a laugh and challenging enough to make you want to keep playing.
  
  
• awesome game
  By A2ZAK2BMGK2Q4M on 2008-06-05
  this is one awesome game you play through the original movies. this game has great graphics. did i say this is an awesome game.
  
  
• Fun With Legos
  By A22S91YEO8DJBF on 2008-06-29
  I love this game! Anyone familiar with the original Indiana Jones movies will appreciate the humor throughout the story-mode.
  
  In Story-Mode: You play as Indiana Jones, playing through all three classic films, "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "The Temple of Doom", and "The Last Crusade". During each level of game play, there are humorous animated scenes. You need to play Story-Mode to unlock other characters, making them available for Free-Play mode.
  
  In Free-Play mode: You select the character you'd like to be, the computer will randomly select other characters, allowing you to explore areas that were previously unavailable (you need certain types of characters in order to enter certain areas).
  
  What I found to be laugh-out-loud funny was that I noticed that one character I unlocked, and am able to use in Free-Play mode is Santa Claus! Seriously! His weapon is a huge candy cane.
  
  You don't have to be a child to enjoy playing with Legos. I highly recommend this game to anyone.
  
  
• I can't pry this game from my son's hands!!
  By A2PFCO5ON4N2UP on 2008-09-05
  My son (8 yrs old) loved the Star Wars Lego games so I got him the Indiana Jones Lego game for his DS. He has been playing the game pretty regularly for almost a month now. He's about 70% through after that time. I think that is pretty good for a video game. He's driven to finish it all up and I have no doubt he will.
  If all games held his attention for that long without swearing or graphic violence, this wouldn't be the exception, but it is!! This game is rated appropriately and the challenges and rewards are appropriate for the level.
  I'll definitely keep my eyes out for other Lego themed games assuming they are of appropriate genre.
  
  
• son loves it
  By A29UF4ILZCV5X2 on 2008-07-12
  I originally bought this game for my husband but he has a hard time playing the DS because he has really big hands. My 8 1/2 year old grabbed it up and will play non stop if I let him. He loves it.Nintendo DS Lite Onyx BlackLego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
  
  
• Lego Indiana Jones DS game
  By AQWL909LCMXR5 on 2008-07-14
  My son is 9 and a total gamer. He loved the game. He played it so much he had most of the charters unlocked in a week. It is not challenging for him. But is a great lego game.
  
  
• Fun!!!
  By A3VNL3FSJK7ISG on 2008-07-20
  This is a really fun game. I think this one is even better than the star wars!
  
  
• The LEGO adventures continue!
  By A19BN36NSWNP37 on 2008-09-08
  Building upon LEGO Star Wars this game continues the fun, innovative, child friendly LEGO environment that Star Wars introduced. If you child (or you) loved Star Wars then game will be a hit. The interface is very similar so initial play is quick to pick up. This game adds more of the interactive aspects of the DS, such as have to blow into the microphone to extinguish torches, which increases the fun factor. There are also mini games and other activities which must be complete to unlock those last few special items.
  
  The overall layout of the game is similar to Star Wars as well in terms of each Indiana Jones movies be a doorway with individual game segments within each that unlock as you complete.
  
  Bottom line: If you like LEGO Star Wars, a must have. If you did not care for it, this is more of the same.
  
  
• My 4 1/2 year old plays this non-stop
  By AFWHF1HI4YCQ4 on 2008-09-17
  This is a great game - very engaging and easy for my 4 year old to play by himself.
  
  
• Great Fun For Kids
  By AWPN47SSWK1JV on 2008-09-18
  If your kids already enjoy the lego star wars games then they will love this one. I bought this game a while back for my two kids ages 8 and 11 and next to the star wars game this is the one that gets played with the most. In fact they described it as being awesome.
  
  
• Worth It
  By A1U4M6NQVZM51C on 2008-06-18
  I just bought my 8 year old a ds for his birthday and this is a game he picked out for it. He loves it! Not so easy he gets bored with it not so hard he gets frusrated. This game holds his attention. So glad he got it!
  
  
• For my grand daughter
  By A3G8T4D5526VBB on 2008-06-30
  I live in AZ and my grand daughter lives in IN, my daughter said that she loves this game and it is the perfect motivator to get her to clean up her room.
  
  
• Indy Rules!
  By A10CGWE3UE29U1 on 2008-07-07
  Lego Indiana Jones: The Original AdventuresI bought this for my 9 year old grandson and he loved it. Indiana Jones is his favorite character.
  
  
• My son's Favorite
  By A141YEDCP9O963 on 2008-07-12
  Excellent game, in the line of the Star Wars Trilogy by Lego. My son enjoys many hours playing it while we travel or are at dinner in a resturant.
  
  
• GREAT DS GAME!!!
  By on 2008-07-29
  This DS game is based on the Lego Star Wars game. It's funny when the Lego characters die, they break. There is a control that you may need to know. When the top screen says blow, you either need to use the DS microphone or the DS lite top screen. BUY THIS GAME!!!
  
  
• Best DS Game Ever!
  By AXYLAEIHD8549 on 2008-09-14
  My kids and I fight over who gets to play the one copy of this game we have. It's completely addictive. I don't like a lot of other games for DS but I love this one!
  
  

• Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides)
• LEGO® Indiana Jones Jungle Duel
• LEGO Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb
• LEGO Indiana Jones Motorcycle Chase
• LEGO® Indiana Jones River Chase

• Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
• LEGO Batman
• Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black
• Mario Kart DS
• Nintendo DS Lite Travel Kit