LEGO Indy swings on the scene! (Page 2 of 3)

Under Construction

Every character also has a unique talent or the ability to wield particular tools and weapons, skills which you'll need to explore confined passages, translate hieroglyphics, blow up special silver pieces, or appease ancient idols. Some now have phobias, too: Indy goes weak-kneed around snakes, and Willie can't hang with spiders, and these psychological obstacles just add another appealing layer to the long sequence of enigmas you'll encounter, even if a handful might try your patience more than your intellect.

Puzzles too often require you to break everything in sight simply to see all the raw pieces arbitrarily hidden inside, but it's hard to give such a flaw much weight when even the most repetitive elements of play remain satisfying after hours on end. On the other hand, it's more than a little aggravating to slide off the edge of a cliff immediately after respawning, or micromanaging a partner that temporarily refuses to follow you, but such frustrations are never frequent enough to become exasperating.

Vehicles are a lot of fun to drive, and they make quick work of stud-spilling scenery.

Vehicles are a lot of fun to drive, and they make quick work of stud-spilling scenery.

Digging Deeper

Most gamers can complete the story mode in about ten hours, but this is just the start of LEGO Indiana Jones' offering. The world is filled to overflowing with hidden nooks and crannies, optional collectibles, and amusing references. Once you've completed a mission, it becomes available for "free play" mode, which lets characters shape-shift between a larger collection of minifigures with the push of a button. If you're to find all ten artifact pieces hidden in each level, or discover all the concealed packages of power, you'll need to retrace your steps and solve the shrewdly intricate puzzles you lacked the requisite personnel to assail the first time through.

LEGO Indiana Jones isn't without its flaws-the lack of online co-op is almost criminal-but it so beautifully mixes the spirit of a beloved adventure series with the playful heart of cherished childhood toys that it feels like much more than the sum of its angular parts. The tone might be almost overwhelmingly saccharine sweet, with even the caricature Nazis of the films stripped of their insignia and leering malice, but all gamers, young or old, are virtually guaranteed a great time.

Animals aren't just for show. Some can lift heavy bundles that no human could budge, and others can launch you high into the air.

Animals aren't just for show. Some can lift heavy bundles that no human could budge, and others can launch you high into the air.

PROS: Incredibly charming personality, challenging and creative puzzles, tons of collectibles and secret areas, great music.
CONS: Minor respawn and ally AI issues; no online co-op mode is a huge shame.

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