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Indiana Jones and the Emperors Tomb Review - Xbox

It's been 14 years since the last Indiana Jones movie was released on the big screen. But Indy has well and truly passed the test of time and he still remains one of movies all time favourite characters. There have been a few computer game tie-ins since then but most have just fallen short of great titles. In fact, the last great Indy game was Fate of Atlantis- a point and click adventure title released in 1992. Since then LucasArts have made the move to the 3rd person action/adventure genre. Unfortunately they missed the boat somewhat, and a little lady by the name of Lara Croft has swooped in and has stolen some of Indy's thunder. But the time is right for Indy to regain his crown and LucasArts have turned to The Collective, responsible for the excellent Buffy game, to set the record straight. Game on....

Gameplay

As with all of Indy's escapades, The Emperors Tomb tale is one of high adventure with danger at every turn. Set back in 1935, Indy is trying to track down the legendary artifact, the "Heart of the Dragon", a black pearl locked in the Emperors Tomb, which can control minds. The obvious power of the pearl has a lot of people interested- most noticeably, the Nazis and the Chinese Triads. So Indy sets off in an attempt to beat them to it and save the world...again! .

Those of you who have played Buffy will instantly feel comfortable in controlling Indy. The control set up is quite basic and allows you to devote your attention to the action on screen. Indy has always been a rough around the edges brawler and the simple set up is a perfect fit for his street fighting antics. While this set up leads a little towards a button masher, you actually find a bit of enjoyment in dispersing the Nazi's in different ways. Nothing better than grabbing hold of an enemy and giving him a quick few knees before upper cutting him over a nearby cliff.

Of course, your fists aren't the only forms of defence, various weapons can be found through out the levels as well as his trusty whip. As with Buffy, most objects found in the environments can be picked up and used as weapons, from bottles and shovels through to chairs. The guns themselves are usually found after dispatching an enemy but you'll really have to watch your ammo, as it is very scarce. The whip is an integral part of the game and can be utilized in many ways. You can grab a weapon out of an enemy hand, a very handy skill when you consider most of them carry guns, or you can lasso them around their neck, drag them over and send the sprawling across the room with a well-timed uppercut. Very cool.

But Indy isn't all about action and there is a fair degree of puzzles and exploring to be done. The ... (continued next page)