Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb Retro Review – Exploration Mayhem

In the realm of action-adventure gaming, few names resonate as strongly as Indiana Jones. The iconic archaeologist, known for his wit, charm, and daring exploits, graced the PS2 in 2003 with Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb, developed by The Collective and published by LucasArts.

Now I would be the first to say that video games taken from movie/tv IPs are normally not good at all. Just look at all the troubles Walking Dead Destinies has had, as well as the Terminator 3 game reviewed here. This game however does break the trend, managing to merge all the quips and flow of the films with a perfectly respectable exploration and puzzle game. 

So, do your fedora and take a look at this review of Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb.

Story

At the heart of any Indiana Jones adventure lies a gripping narrative filled with ancient mysteries, nefarious villains, daring escapades, and multiple exotic locations. The Emperor’s Tomb is no exception, placing players in the midst of a quest to uncover the secrets of the powerful Heart of the Dragon artefact.

The story is set out just like one of the Indiana Jones films. Mission one has you picking through a random ruin in search of an artifact, and in this case, teaches you how to play the game. After swinging, swimming, climbing, and fighting your way to victory, you return to the university where Indy teaches. Then, in typical Indy fashion, you are approached by a shady researcher who sends you on a quest that is too good to refuse. 

Set in 1935, the game unfolds against the backdrop of an impending conflict between the Chinese Nationalists and the Nazis. Indy is tasked with retrieving the mystical artefact before it falls into the wrong hands, leading him on a globe-trotting adventure from San Francisco to Prague, Istanbul, and beyond.

The narrative successfully captures the essence of an Indiana Jones story, complete with double-crossings, ancient conspiracies, and mythical elements. The mythical elements include a fight with an invincible golem, a kraken-esque monster and even a dragon.

The character interactions are well-scripted, with the witty banter and charismatic charm that define Indiana Jones. The game introduces interesting new characters like Mei Ying while also featuring familiar faces, such as Marcus Brody, adding depth and familiarity to the narrative.

Gameplay

Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb offers players an opportunity to step into the fedora of the famed archaeologist, Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr. From the outset, it’s clear that the game aims to deliver a cinematic experience similar to the movies by combining thrilling action sequences with puzzle-solving elements. The gameplay is a blend of exploration, combat, and platforming, a trifecta that embodies the essence of an Indiana Jones adventure. 

Combat in “The Emperor’s Tomb” is interesting. Indiana Jones can utilize an array of hand-to-hand combat moves, from simple punches to acrobatic kicks. The game introduces context-sensitive actions that allow Indy to perform cinematic maneuvers, such as swinging from chandeliers or knocking enemies off ledges. The combat system, though not overly complex, provides a satisfying and immersive experience that aligns with the character’s swashbuckling nature.

The puzzle-solving aspects of the game draw inspiration from the films, requiring players to decipher clues, navigate treacherous environments, and unlock ancient mechanisms. These puzzles contribute to the narrative pacing, providing moments of cerebral engagement between action-packed sequences.

Furthermore, the game seamlessly integrates vehicular sections, with Indy navigating everything from motorcycles to jeeps. These segments add variety to the gameplay, capturing the adventurous spirit of the films and ensuring that players are constantly on their toes.

Surprisingly in my experience of the game (from playing it as a child and replaying it recently for this review) even with the quite complex puzzles and large map areas the game plays really well. I experienced no glitches or bugs or anything like that, the only real downside would be the difficulty…the game can be really hard. 

Difficulty 

In all honestly the first time I completed this game was for this review…if my memory serves me then I only ever completed around 3 missions when playing in my youth. But I still distinctly remembered nearly every detail of those first few missions. The first mission really is a great intro to the game. The flow of how you learn the mechanics for the game is smooth even by modern standards, and the inclusion of an internal monologue to help you through was very innovative. 

For example, in a lot of games of that time, there are only checkpoints at the start of missions and maybe one or two throughout, which adds to the difficulty. You can heal via medkits you find on the map and by drinking from a canteen that you can fill at springs throughout. You can upgrade the capacity of your canteen but only on each level, that upgrade does not carry across. 

Although not the worst at the time, the accuracy of your jumps during platforming sections is tricky, and you will die from fall damage quite a lot. 

Even though the levels are linear, there is a chance for exploration and different approaches, such as Jones obtaining a Nazi Uniform to infiltrate a German submarine station.

Graphics and Sound

For a PlayStation 2 title released way back in 2003, Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb is still fairly impressive with its visual presentation. The character models are well-detailed, and the environments boast a level of intricacy that captures the essence of the locales Indy visits. The game effectively utilises the hardware to render atmospheric lighting and shadows, enhancing the overall visual experience.

The animation work is noteworthy, particularly during combat sequences and Indy’s maneuvers. The character movements are fluid, which contributes to the cinematic quality of the game. This aligns with the dynamic action scenes synonymous with the Indiana Jones franchise.

The environments are diverse and richly detailed, from the busy, bustling streets of Prague to the dark, ancient catacombs of Istanbul. Each locale feels distinct, with attention to architectural nuances that add authenticity to the overall setting. Although the game’s visual fidelity is limited by the technology of its time, it remains commendable, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of Indiana Jones.

Conclusion

Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb for the PlayStation 2 stands as a commendable addition to the Indiana Jones gaming legacy. Its successful integration of cinematic storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and visual presentation delivers an experience that resonates with fans of the iconic adventurer.

The game’s ability to capture the essence of an Indiana Jones adventure, complete with daring exploits, ancient mysteries, and memorable characters, should have ensured its lasting impact in the realm of action-adventure gaming. However, it seems that this game is a bit of an unsung hero and cult classic with no sequel. The lack of a sequel is really a shame, but we can wait and see if the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle by Bethesda can harness this action-adventure series.