The latest LEGO game takes the fun and creative construction of LEGO and combines it with the wits, daring and non-stop action from Indiana Jones's original cinematic adventures that enthralled audiences everywhere. With a tongue-in-cheek take on the original adventures, LEGO Indiana Jones follows Dr. Jones escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountaintops of India. Fans can build, battle and brawl their way through their favourite cinematic moments, from Indy's entanglements with snakes to his dashing boulder run...

LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures takes everyone's favourite fedora wearing archeologist and transfers his greatest cinematic outings into LEGO adventures. Those that have played LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy will have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Like the Star Wars games before it, LEGO Indiana Jones takes the original movies and allows you to play through key scenes, but with a LEGO twist. Those that know the original movie trilogy inside out will find much here to amuse them in both the game play and the cut sequences.

This game captures the essence of the original movies quite well, even if the game as a whole is a little too kiddy friendly. There are no death sequences, just people running away. And instead of hideously burning his hand on the headpiece to the staff of Ra, Toht sits on it and burns his backside.

The music and sound effects, once again, are taken from the movies, which helps to really get you into the spirit of things - where would we be with out John Williams's Raiders March? The game play is pretty simple. You must walk around the game's environments smashing constructions (in order to collect LEGO pieces); building Lego items (to allow you to pass obstacles) and generally running around the level trying to get to the next section. Every now and then there's a amusing cut sequence which progresses the story to the next level.

As you progress through the levels, occasionally you'll spot an item or an area that seems impossible to get to. Worry not. These are there for when you've completed the game and can go back through each level with different characters with different abilities that allow them to go where other characters can't. With the Xbox 360 version, this is essential for unlocking gamer achievements - as well as adding built in longevity to the game.

As you play through the game you can swap between the characters on screen or, in two player mode, you can work with a friend to help each other get through the levels. For example, you might need Indy to use his whip to jump over a large gap. Once on the other side you'll have to find away to help the other character across so that you can continue your quest.

You can also use objects from your environment to defeat enemies. Tables and chairs can be picked up and thrown or smashed over the head of any charging threat. You can also pick up their weapons when they fall - guns or even hats, which you can use to disguise yourself. And you can tempt monkeys to throw you useful items by launching a banana their way.

The biggest complaint, which was also a stumbling block with the Star Wars games, is that the camera angles take some getting used to. Some areas are difficult too see properly, which can be a bit of a pain on occasion, but then there's also a lot of satisfaction in vanishing behind a wall only to discover you've found a hidden extra.

Also, it is not possible to change the X and Y axis of the camera. While this is not a huge problem, as you never really have to move the camera that much or that often, it would still have been useful if a customised option had been included.

While not quite up to the same level as LEGO Star Wars, this is still an enjoyable game that will give you hours of enjoyment.

8

Nick Smithson