Tools for this page
Print

LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

(2008, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E10+, Play it on: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Windows, Xbox 360)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brawl, build, and puzzle with Lego Indy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    You must use logic to figure out the puzzles, which are based on manipulating your environment. You must find hidden switches, use Legos to build steps, and explore all aspects of where you are to find a way to proceed forward.
  • Messages:

    You play as Indiana Jones or one of his sidekicks, and as Indy, you are the good guy. Cohorts do betray Indy.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    There's combat, but it's between Lego characters who simply break into Lego pieces.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Uses Lego blocks, and is based on the first three Indiana Jones movies.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that this game adds a humorous spin to the retelling of the first three Indiana Jones movies. While an understanding of the movies helps you to appreciate the humor in the game, the puzzle adventure game is compelling by itself, so kids don't need to have seen the movies to play. This is good because some of source movies are rated PG-13, whereas this "E+10" game is appropriate for kids as young as 9 (and younger if playing the DS version, which is the only version rated "E"). The "E+10" rating is a result of the cartoon violence; but these are all Lego characters so when you fight and beat up on baddies, they explode into tiny Lego pieces. Some of the fighting can be quite amusing because Indiana Jones will do things like give a thug a noogie until he explodes.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether playing this game made you want to see the Indiana Jones movies. Which of the three adventures did you like best? Is it better to have an actual person play with you or does the game's artificial intelligence do a good job?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

What’s the Story?

LEGO INDIANA JONES: THE ORIGINAL ADVENTURES retells the first three Indiana Jones movies (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) in a tongue-in-cheek manner through short video clips featuring the characters as Lego creations. Players explore the exotic locales of the movie series from the Amazon jungles to the remote mountaintops of India, all depicted in slick blocky Lego splendor. The gameplay combines puzzle play with action-adventure as you explore levels (chapters) from the movies. The object is to figure out how to work all the hidden levers, switches, and ramps so that you can move through the level, all the while fending off bad guys who are trying to stop you.

The game starts in Story Mode, where once you have completed the first level, all three movies are open for you to explore. Each movie has six chapters in the Story Mode, but offers many more secrets when you return in Free Play Mode. You can play as Indy or one of his cohorts, depending on the location, and can toggle between the two on the fly. Each character has his or her own method of fighting and special skills. Indy fights with his whip, which he can also use to latch onto pegs and fly across abysses. In the Free Play Mode, you can select which of 60 playable characters you want to accompany you. In both versions, you will also build with Lego blocks to create gadgets that help you. Close

Is It Any Good?

The game is charming and funny, something even adult gamers can enjoy if they are fans of the movies. But at its heart, this is a family game. The gameplay is never too hard for kids, you have infinite lives, and the fighting, while there, is usually done in a comical manner. For example, you will see Indy grab a thug and give him a nuggie until he explodes into his component Lego blocks. Another family-friendly aspect is the cooperative drop-in-drop-out two-person play where family or friends can always join in (except in the DS version, which requires two cartridges for multiplayer gameplay).

The Wii version is particularly satisfying because you get to flick the Wii remote with your wrist to mimic Indy's whip actions. If you have younger children, choose the DS version because it has less violence and it's easier to play. It also makes good use of the DS controls by having you blow into the microphone to extinguish torches, and draw on the screen to control Indy's whip. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 06/03/2008, price $30-50, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Cartoon Violence)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 21 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Another Lego success

    Another great game by lego. As you run through the levels as Indiana jones, you can relieve the moments from the fantastic movies where it all started. However, Star Wars Lego the Complete Saga is a game that is more likely to entertain younger ones, with the Star Wars movies being more child friendly. And once the game is finished, that's basically it. Another great effort by Lego

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Not bad

    Not bad, but not fantastic either. It has little to no replay value. Once you've finished, that's pretty much it.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 0.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Another great game from LEGO

    Lego Indiana jones is an excellent new lego game. it has 18 levels and great replay value (trying to find all 180 treasure chest). You can pick up weapons and use them to club, shoot, blow up and bazooka enemies but they just fall apart. It is a great lego game that anyone who likes the action/adventure genre.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue

    A real puzzler

    My brother got this. He is 11. And he needed me to help. And i got to say. For a kids game, It is hard. It took me a week to totally beat the game. This is a real puzzle game.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Good game for everyone

    This game is classic. its loads of fun, but can get a bit boring if you play it for extended periods(and is definitely for younger gamers, or those who like puzzles), but it deserves a ***** nevertheless. This really is a great game.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Aliens in the Attic

    Aliens in the Attic

    Silly teens-versus-aliens adventure is sure to delight kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Online Homework Help

    Online Homework Help

    Best Online Homework Helpers

  • Sound Check

    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    Indie music star gives soundtrack single quirky appeal.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy