Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis

"Cue the theme..."

Ever heard of Indiana Jones? He's this guy who just saved the world from Nazis and crazy religions back in the early 20th century, that's all. With ''Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis'', you get the chance to control our favorite archaeologist on one of his biggest adventures for the PC.

Early in the game, we have the pleasure of meeting one of Indy's old flames. She's kind of a nut, and tends to remind one of Miss Cleo at times, but after discovering (somehow) that they must find the Lost Dialogue of Plato that tells the location of Atlantis, she and Indy eventually find their way into the path of Nazis, crooked jungle businessmen who seem to have a tenacity for their wares (mostly lamps), and snakes & other kooky animals like that. Aren't you excited by now?

GAMEPLAY- 9.5/10
Indy Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is a PC adventure game, as previously stated. Therefore, it gets all the workings of a typical PC adventure game: Use the mouse to click things with an icon, whether it be a mouth (talk), hand (use), etcetera. That's mostly Sierra workings, but LucasArts has made the game very similar to that of the Sierra ''Quest'' series (King's Quest, Police Quest, Liesure Suit Larry). It all works nearly flawlessly, though it could stand to be a bit more refined. However, there's no timer in the game, so feel free to take as long as you want figuring out the game's puzzles and mysteries. Alot of times, you'll be using numerous items (including Indy's good old whip!) to get you through the rather difficult-at-times puzzles. Not only that, but you'll also have company: Indy's galpal, Sofia. She's okay company, though they seem to argue with each other more than lovebirds should. Hah.

GRAPHICS- 9/10
The game has amazing graphics. By this, I don't mean ''ultra 3D oozey graphical candy for my siezure-lovin' eyes'' graphics, I mean graphics that have had alot of thought put into them. The basic graphics such as Indy walking aren't extraordinary, but you'll find yourself wandering through numerous places (temples, jungles, long-dead rock villages) that'll have to going ''check that out.'' It's all very nice, and I'm willing to bet the game designers went a bit farther than usual to get good scenery depictions.

AUDIO- 8.5/10
Personally, my PC sound card is crap. Period. However, even with this problem, the Fate of Atlantis' MIDI sounds still are quite nice to listen to. The tunes set the mood for the area you're in quite well. At times, the music could be a bit more dynamic, like it was in the movies, but oh well. As for sounds, there aren't a whole lot of them. It's MIDI, after all.

CONTROLS- 9/10
As stated before, you use the mouse to control Indy, use items, talk, etc. It all works near-flawlessly, but there's still room for improvement somewhere. It's just not as refined as the Sierra ''Quest'' series' mouse controls. Other than that, everything is okay.

REPLAYABILITY- 8/10
When you beat the game, you're more than likely done with it. I do believe there are a few seperate paths you can take through the game towards the end, but still, it's not enough to keep you coming back for more. However, the game is fun as long as you've still got to beat it, for what it's worth.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY- N/A
Considering it's probably only five to ten dollars these days, pick it up, probably from LucasArts.com. I really don't think you can buy it anywhere other than the official site. I haven't seen it in any game store for quite a while. It's an awfully fun game, and if you liked those Sierra adventure games and you're an Indiana Jones fan in the need of adventure, grab your whip and reel in the Fate of Atlantis as quickly as possible.

OVERALL SCORE- 9/10
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is a near-perfect adventure. The puzzles will have you perplexed and the story will keep you coming back to the game (if you've not beaten it yet). Now if you'll excuse me, adventure is calling, I must go and find the Lost Temple of Dragga Doo. Where's my whip?

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/07/03, Updated 01/07/03