LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (Sony Playstation 3, 2008)

This game is very much about being "almost." It is almost as good as the Star Wars versions. It's almost challenging. It almost fixes the drawbacks of the Star Wars games. But it's not quite there. It's a ridiculously fun game. And that's the important thing isn't it?

First of all, you can't help but compare it to LEGO Star Wars so I won't try. I'll call those the first games. Also, LEGO Batman is coming soon and I'll call it the next game. Personally, I didn't think this game could be that great without the Jedi/Sith characters. I was wrong. The addition of Indy's whip ability is great and has a lot of potential. I also like the "fix", "scholar/book" and "dig" abilities.

Another great addition to this version is the use of tools. For many of the abilities that used to require special characters you can now pick up tools (nooks, hats, etc.) to let other characters perform the task. This adds variety to the puzzles and forces you to make use of everyone at your disposal.

Speaking of puzzles, I like the new variety. It also seems the puzzles are more integrated with combat, such as stealing enemy hats instead of putting on a stormtrooper mask with a machine. there also seems to be an increase in the puzzles requiring two or more characters to solve. The computer AI is very functional at these tasks. I did find myself grabbing my second controller and manipulating both characters at once a few times but it is rare. For the most part the computer character will go or stay as needed in context with what you are doing. But it won't help you solve the puzzle if you are lost. For some puzzles I could have used the help, but I like having to sink or swim on my own.

How can I need help with puzzles on a kids game? Yes, it is made for kids to have fun playing. But more than that I think it is a game made for kids to have fun playing with their parents. Most of my trouble was either in the wrong character choice, or not getting a character to do what I wanted. A few times I forgot about some characters' abilities. Kids should have no trouble playing through story mode provided they can read and have a decent memory along with some problem-solving skills. Playing alone, I think the average 9-year old would probably do well. Younger than that will need some guidance. I don't see most kids having the dedication to earn 100%. That's where the adult fun comes in. And that is also where it gets significantly harder.

Just like the first games, each main level has a free play mode you can access after beating it in story mode. You can use multiple characters and this is how you collect all of the "Artifacts" and "Red Parcels". These are like minikits and red bricks from LEGO SW, respectively. The Parcels are cheats that make the game easier and sometimes funnier. I haven't gotten everything yet and it will be a while before I do. Especially since a large portion of the game is spent smashing the same things in different ways.

In summary, this is a fun game with different levels of difficulty depending on your age, skill and dedication. For fans of the series (LEGO games, or Indy) it will be entertaining. Like most sequels it has improved on some shortcomings from the first games, but has created some of its own. Will the next one (Batman) be any better? Probably not. My highest geek level is Star Wars. Indy comes in a close second and Batman far below. Maybe the games will all be great and it's my opinion of the subjects that is waning...

The second installation in the Lego series has much in common with the original (Star Wars): good, clean family fun; lots of 'replayability'; plenty of characters to unlock and items to collect; and Han Solo.

Han Solo?!

Yes, Han is an unlockable character in the Lego Indiana Jones Trilogy, but he's not the only one. Unfortunately, the unlockable characters have very little use in this game, unlike the Ghost of Obi-Wan, et al., in the previous installment. In fact, the secrets and cheats in this game are nearly useless, even if they do add a little more flavor to the game.

Like Lego Star Wars, the Indy game has plenty of puzzles to keep you guessing, lots to explore, and various character types to choose from. Also like Star Wars, Indy is buggy. Count on resetting more than once or twice because necessary items disappear, seagulls don't fly right, and any host of problems. The good thing is, you don't normally mind playing a level over (in fact, these games are designed so that you play each level at least twice).

Minor problems aside, this game has that elusive fun factor that many better-designed games sorely lack. Once you get used to the somewhat wonky control scheme (which way do I jump, so I don't fall into the pit for the fiftieth time?!), gamers of any skill level can beat the game and have a whole lot of fun doing it. These Lego games are a great way to bond with the kids or spouse - you'll find yourselves talking about it and thinking about playing again throughout the day.

Five stars out of five, with the aforementioned caveats (bugs, controls, nearly pointless secret characters and levels).

This game is so cool. There are levels that actually took me a long time to find the secrets and suprises, unlike lego Star Wars. All the charachters can fight, you get to use guns, and if you know the Indians Jones series at all, you can laugh along with the mini-movies as you progress in the game.
It's cute, it's fun, what more could you ask for in a video game? Lego Star Wars improved from one game to the next and this game is an improvement over those.
I paid an amazing price, under $10 retail and I didn't have to wait in line or put my name on a list if it was backordered.
The levels can go long so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to play a level.

I'm not a big gamer, but I love this game! Definitely a challenge. There's a lot to this game, with plenty to un lock as well. There are several different levels, characters, abilities, weapons, maps, etc. to keep this game interesting for a long time. Our 4 year old son loves this game as well. From time to time we need to help him get through the more "difficult" parts, but other than that, he plays this game pretty good for a 4 year old.

After loving LEGO Star Wars I and LEGO Star Wars II, I didn't think they'd be able to make another LEGO game nearly as good. I was wrong. If you enjoyed the LEGO Star Wars games, you're going to enjoy LEGO Indiana Jones!

The gameplay is still simple and just as fun with the same premise as before. Puzzles are different with new challenges to solve. Graphics are just as good... but really, could you improve much on little plastic characters? Music from the game is taken from the Indiana Jones movies, so any fan of the movies will appreciate the soundtrack.

And parents, the game is kid friendly, so they'll be able to enjoy playing just as much as you.