Preview: Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (Wii)
Back in 2003, The Collective managed to do the Indiana Jones universe some justice with its Emperor’s Tomb release. It was so straightforward and effective, taking all the best ingredients and creating a new atmospheric romp that it went down a treat with Xbox owners. Even the haphazard control system and camera were not enough to wipe the smile from Gamestyle’s face. Reflecting upon the game today, the recent Tomb Raider Underworld release owes a debt to the groundwork performed in Emperor’s Tomb.
Sadly this entry in the Indiana Jones series isn’t the high-definition epic we may have envisaged. Activision is bringing this title to the lesser-powered formats such as the PS2 and Nintendo Wii. Perhaps a wise move as we’ve seen with the Persona series, these formats are still popular and have a high penetration in the marketplace. Throw in the added attraction of widespread experience, backwards compatibility for some and the ease of developing for such formats (never mind substantial cost savings), it certainly makes sense. Plus the turnaround times can be much shorter.
Set in 1939, Staff of the Kings begins just twelve months after the events of the Last Crusade. And what is the relic this time around? Well, its certainly a staff and that’s no surprise, but Dr Jones is on the hunt for another biblical icon; the staff of Moses. As with any Indiana Jones adventure, you’ll need to pack your passport, as globetrotting is another given here. From the classic Chinatown skyline of San Francisco to the dense jungle terrain of Panama, the Sudan desert and beyond, Indiana is racking up those air miles once more. This time around the competition comes from no other but Magnus Voller.
The Nintendo Wii version will also include the added incentive of matching the Wii Remote alongside Indy’s signature whip. This instrument is not only a formidable weapon, but as seen in the Emperor’s Tomb opened up a new range of moves to overcome obstacles and puzzles. Eager to introduce some variety to what can become a linear experience, a branching pathway system has been implemented, giving the player some choice and encouraging repeat playings.
In addition to the story mode, A2M have also promised a co-operative option so you can play alongside a friend. An interesting inclusion is the four player versus mode, which looks set to include everything from tanks to biplane as you set out to become king of the hill. Unlockables are a feature of any title released nowadays and the main mode will offer a few worthwhile nuggets for you to aim at. The most generous is the inclusion of the classic PC title Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, that becomes available when the main mode has been completed. Originally released in 1993, when Lucas Arts were a developer to be reckoned with, its point and click method should work well on the Nintendo Wii.
Approved by George Lucas, we’re hoping that this results in a better experience than the dire Crystal Skull. New action heroes can apply next month, when Staff of the Kings is released.
The graphics and sound are excellent by the standards of a third-party Wii game.
Although Heavy Rain is entertaining from the start, there are several flaws that hamper the enjoyment.
A very endearing entry in the series, and another that is well worth checking out.
The first thing you notice when you get this guide in your hands is the quality.
The control gripes aside, Aliens vs Predator is a good game.
Another great competition.
