What license could possibly have more potential for an adventure game then Indiana Jones? With that potential, expectations are raised however as many have great hopes that this Indiana Jones game will take full advantage of the Indy license. Unfortunately, that potential isn’t fully realized for a number of minor to moderate reasons with some of these issues distracting from the gameplay.

Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb starts off well, setting up a believable Indy story. Although it can slow down throughout the game, it creates the right mood for a good adventure game along with enough intrigue to get you through it. From there however problems start to creep into the gameplay, causing some disappoint in addition to slowing down the flow of the game.

Issues like puzzles that give little friction significantly reduce the difficulty and enjoyment of the game and Indy has serious problems here. Although some may require you to think, most revolve around pulling levers or simple tasks. Other issues like graphics that are clearly below Xbox standards also keep the game from becoming great. Even through Indy looks sharp, most of the rest of the game had weak textures and issues with a scattering of clipping problems.

The good news is the platform aspects work well as using his whip to cross ravines and scaling walls bring to mind images of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The combat also holds its own and is helped along with a decent, but somewhat buggy AI. Enemies will run for weapons knocked to the ground when fighting and even use cover occasionally. However, they also tend to get stuck behind things in addition to other problems.

I was a huge fan of IJ games, and can fondly remember playing these games on other platforms. However, Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb is afflicted with a number of issues that will keep it from appealing to a broad audience. It still does enough things right to be considered by fans of adventure games or Indiana Jones, but expectations should be lowered first.