Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb is an example of a licensed game done right, and the PS2 version certainly controls the best, though it looks the worst.
While most licensed titles are no more than electronic marketing decisions, a select few (Goldeneye, KOTOR,) end up being respectable titles in their own right. Such is the case here, as Indy gets the royal treatment with Pitfall-style platforming, and puzzles that would make Lara break a nail.
There can be no denying it – the Dual Shock is the most comfortable controller for action games that require fast, spontaneous, continuous movements, and Indiana Jones is no exception to the rule. Control is more precise and intuitive with the Dual Shock, and seems more natural. Maybe it's the design of the controller, maybe it's the two extra triggers. Whatever the case, the fact remains.
Sadly, the improved control comes at the cost of a great decline in visual performance, as the lush environments that were so taxing on the PC and Xbox hardware just couldn't be replicated as-is on PS2. The level structures are all intact; there is no butchering of mission design, ala Splinter Cell, but the formerly impressive textures and surfaces have a noticeably muddy and washed out effect to them.
Indy's sound, however, remains just as exhilarating as ever, with the actual movie score fueling your virtual adventures. The sound effects also remain dead on, with the snaps and cracks of fists on bone adding tremendously to the already solid combat system.
While it does drag at moments, Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb is one of the better usages of a license in recent history. Anyone who is a fan of the series or action games in general would do well to give it a shot.
-George
Create an Account
Member Login
