Kombo’s Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don’t waste your time. This is why we’ve split our reviews into four sections: What the Game’s About, What’s Hot, What’s Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.
What the Game’s About
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (or shorthand: Indy Jones 2) is a mash-up between Harrison Ford’s tomb raiding franchise and LEGO’s… well, LEGOs. For those that are familiar with the original trilogy and the head-scratching fourth sequel, you’ll feel right at home if you’ve never picked up the first LEGO Indiana Jones. While the first focused on Indy’s first three films, The Adventure Continues picks up where the good doctor left off – in search of the Crystal Skull.
That said, Indy Jones 2 also rehashes the three adventures from the first game, sticks it with the fourth, and attempts to increase the bang you get from your well-earned buck. While much of the franchise’s narrative framework is present, these LEGO adventures often emphasize on family-oriented material, such as platforming, co-operative team-building, puzzle solving and even at times malnutritioned mayhem-ing.
What’s Hot
Undoubtedly, the single greatest crowd-drawer Indy Jones 2 has going for it is its two-player, drop-in-drop-out co-op mode. From Triple-A titles such as Uncharted 2 and Modern Warfare 2, Miami Vice fans have had their fair share of co-operative fixes this year. While the aforementioned titles are indeed runners for Game of the Year, Indy Jones 2 aims for a refreshingly different dance – the tangos of the casual crowd.
The first LEGO Indiana Jones did let gamers and their siblings swing on one screen, but to the dismay of many, the lack of a split-screen option restricted where you can and can’t go. This time, there are no limitations. As a result, the levels have also been supersized to match the new co-op mechanics. No longer will you need to fit both of your characters in one screen, playing catch up with the other gamer next to you. Instead, the split-screen will (duh) split and converge depending on how close or far you are with the other player. If you’re close, the two screens will merge into one, while being apart means having your own frame for yourself. Not only is the transition surprisingly seamless, it truly does make “doing your own thing” a little easier with your partner-in-crime.
For those that have yet to play the first, this sequel is a no-brainer purchase on the basis of content alone. The following may read like a press release, but six open-play areas with their own separate adventures, ten unlockable bonus levels, the LEGO Level Creator, unlockable characters, vehicles and bonus races speak for the product itself. As Christmas draws closer upon us, for the mere $60 (or less) it’s being offered at, the competition for casual co-op is near to none. Again, though the taunted Level Creator isn’t as easy as it’s made out to be, it’ll increase the already-meaty multiple story modes, undoubtedly valid for a dull Friday night in.
What’s Not
Unfortunately, this re-hashed approach to the game fails for those that ventured in the first foray. Sure, the set pieces are different, and you get to run around in settings you didn’t in the first, but that doesn’t make it refreshingly new either. In addition, the Crystal Skull segment of Indy Jones 2 seems to drag out, and overstays its welcome. Arguably being the only truly “new” content that’s been added, it’s evident that Traveller’s Tale Games decided to stretch its size for the players that have played the first LEGO Indiana Jones. Again, it should be emphasized that the game feels a tad stale for those that have tread these waters the first time round, but should not for those who have yet to pop their LEGO Indy gaming cherry.
The other not-so-hot aspect of the game is the game’s inability to play co-op online. Those without a sibling or friend are indeed stuck playing single-player, and that isn’t half as entertaining as it is with another Indy enthusiast next to you. While they are two completely different games, Indy Jones 2 missed the boat just as Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood did earlier this year. Both consist of co-op segments, yet both failed to see a need for an online-supported buddy system. It’s a missed opportunity, and one that is ultimately detrimental at the cost of the lonesome consumer. For a title that emphasizes on working together, it should be an industry standard to include an online drop-in-and-out feature as much as it does offline.
Final Word
Again, while Indiana Jones 2 isn’t the greatest game in the shed, enough of its proverbial willy-nilly whip hits and crackles. This year may be remembered as the revitalization of co-operative modes, and we’re glad that even family-focussed titles are getting the attention and audience it deserves. While Traveller’s Tale’s latest LEGO venture sets the bar high for co-op-based titles, the recycled material has indeed passed its expiration date.
There simply isn’t enough content to sift through among the four Indiana Jones movies to warrant another sequel, as evidenced by the limited level design and lackluster cast of characters, relative to those seen in LEGO Star Wars. For a title that sells based on platforming with a pal, it was also disappointing to realize that there wasn’t an online co-op mode. That said, the usual LEGO charm, casual puzzles, and broad-audience appeal of the visuals are all present. Strap in, grab your Fedora and buckle up with an (offline) mate, spouse, sibling or even child. For those that missed the first, this Indy adventure is as definitive as it gets. After all, you need to consider yourselves lucky – God forbid a LEGO Twilight in the near future.
