Undoubtedly, few film franchises have captivated audiences with such thrilling stories as the Indiana Jones series. The adventurous archaeologist, willing to go to great lengths to ensure that the world’s most sought-after relics end up in the museums of his university, has left a lasting impact. However, what has become of his video games?
Indiana Jones has been a pioneering figure in shaping the adventure genre in the world of gaming. Thanks to him, we have iconic characters like Lara Croft and Nathan Drake exploring immersive worlds on PCs and consoles. Interestingly, while Indiana Jones laid the foundation for the genre, his own video game adaptations struggled to keep up with the evolving trends in the industry. Only when they embraced genres such as graphic adventures or action titles with the LEGO brand did his games manage to truly stand out.
Video games that are authentic treasures
With four films already released and a highly anticipated fifth installment on the horizon, we take this opportunity to review the top five Indiana Jones games that, in our opinion, unfortunately never made it to computers and consoles. As we eagerly await the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Fate” in theaters, let’s dive into our selection of the best games featuring the iconic character portrayed by Harrison Ford.
Without further ado, let’s begin our countdown…
5. Raiders of the Lost Ark
No compilation of this kind would be complete without acknowledging the franchise’s inaugural cartridge from 1982. A true classic from the early days of the Atari 2600, although by today’s standards, it may appear rudimentary and outdated. Nevertheless, during its time, it provided countless hours of enjoyment on home televisions, introducing a generation of young players to the thrilling adventures of this charismatic character.
4. Indiana Jones and the Rod of Kings
Released in 2009 for the Nintendo Wii (and PS2), this game marked one of the rare occasions when Indiana Jones ventured into the action-adventure genre. While its story may not reach the same heights as other entries in the saga, it still managed to provide an enjoyable experience. Moreover, considering the time of its release, the graphics were fairly decent.
3. LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
The LEGO formula has been a resounding success for nearly two decades, offering simple puzzles, faithful representation of the source material, and delightful humor. The adaptation of the original Indiana Jones trilogy was a memorable experience for many gamers in the 2000s, serving as their first introduction to the legendary adventures of Indiana Jones. If you’re a fan of LEGO games, this one is a must-play, and you can still enjoy it on PC today.
2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure
Indiana Jones is no stranger to the world of graphic adventures, where he has truly excelled. This particular game was based on the third film in the franchise, released in 1989, and is unquestionably one of the greatest movie-to-video game adaptations ever made. Its success paved the way for future masterpieces like Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle. This Indy game is a true masterpiece, and you can still purchase it for PC today.
1. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Regarded by many as the best Indiana Jones video game, this title introduced a completely original story that didn’t rely on any of the films. It took Indy on a thrilling adventure to the legendary city of Atlantis. Interestingly, there were rumors that this game was based on a script intended for a future film release, but that never came to fruition. Have you not played it yet? Don’t waste any more time, as you can find it available for PC right here.