Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (IJFA) is a point and click adventure by LucasArts featuring the movie character Indiana Jones.
Control Method 8/10- It uses the SCUMM (System of Control Used in Maniac Mansion- I think I've remembered the acronym correctly) interface as also used in games such as the first two Monkey Island games, Day of the Tentacle and the prior Indiana Jones game "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (which I remember being one of the most difficult games ever- but I was eight at the time).
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (IJFA) is a point and click adventure by LucasArts featuring the movie character Indiana Jones.
Control Method 8/10- It uses the SCUMM (System of Control Used in Maniac Mansion- I think I've remembered the acronym correctly) interface as also used in games such as the first two Monkey Island games, Day of the Tentacle and the prior Indiana Jones game "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (which I remember being one of the most difficult games ever- but I was eight at the time). This system involves creating commands by using buttons at the bottom of the screen to produce sentences. For example you may click "Use" then click "Whip" with "outlying rock edge" to instruct
your character to attempt to whip an outlying rock edge. It is a great method of control and is mastered quickly by anyone. It's a shame that the demand for more graphical games meant that SCUMM became commercially unviable.
When talking with someone you have a choice of several dialogue options and simply click the one you wish your character to say.
It is worth mentioning that unlike the Monkey Island games it is possible to die in this game so saving frequently is a necessity!
Storyline 9/10- You play Indiana Jones- an adventuring, whip-cracking, nazi-bashing archaeology professor. If you don't know who this is then you have some great films to enjoy- including one to come out in May this year! It is also possible to control the character Sophie (I forget her surname) if you choose that game path.
The story revolves around the Lost City of Atlantis. Rumors abound that the technology of this civilization surpasses modern technology in some ways. Indy starts as a skeptic but soon discovers that Atlantis did in fact exist... The storyline is great and I won't ruin it for you but it involves defeating Nazis and travelling the world in true Indy style...
The game is well written with a great sense of humor. The plotline is authentic Indy and will keep you playing to find out what happens...
Longevity 9/10- The game can take hours to complete for the simple reason that part of the way through it splits into three games. You have the choice of playing the "fighting" game as just Indy, the "Thinking" game as just Indy or playing as Sophie and Indy. I think I completed the Thinking one and the Sophie one but not the fighting one.... I never really enjoyed the fighting aspects of the game that much- not to say they were bad mind you. Anyhow this splitting allows the game to be completed 3 different ways- well worth saving just before the split! It's obvious when it is.
Graphics and Sound 8/10- Although obviously dated now I remember being impressed at the time. The sound is obviously largely based around the Indiana Jones music from the films.
Overall 9/10- This is a cracking game and any fan of adventure games should love it. It's largely typical of LucasArts adventure games of around that time- a golden age for adventure games I would say.
