Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, MSX, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Atari Games
- Publishers: Atari Games, Mindscape, Inc., U.S. Gold
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: A Retro Adventure Classic
Released in 1985, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a side-scrolling platformer game based on the 1984 film of the same name. Developed and published by Atari Games, it was released for arcades, the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, MSX, and ZX Spectrum.
The game follows the adventures of Indiana Jones as he travels to India to rescue kidnapped children from the evil Thuggee cult. Players must navigate through treacherous mines, ride mine carts, and explore dangerous temples, all while fighting off enemies and avoiding deadly traps.
Gameplay
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a side-scrolling platformer game. Players control Indiana Jones as he runs, jumps, and climbs his way through various levels. Indy can use his whip to attack enemies, swing across gaps, and climb ladders. He can also pick up and throw objects, such as rocks and bombs.
The game is divided into three types of levels: mine levels, mine cart levels, and temple levels. In mine levels, Indy must whip his way through a mine in order to free children that are held captive. He must use his whip to swing across chasms, climb ladders, ride along conveyor belts, and defend himself against attacks from Thuggee guards, bats, snakes, and the fireball-throwing Mola Ram. Once Indy has freed all of the children, he must escape in a mine cart.
In mine cart levels, Indy must pick the right route through a network of tracks while riding in a mine cart. He must avoid potholes, broken tracks, and guards in carts, and safely reach the end of the track.
In temple levels, Indy must make his way to the altar and grab the Sankara stone while Mola Ram, bats, and Thuggee guards attack him. He must also watch out for lava and other hazards.
Development
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was developed by Atari Games, a subsidiary of Atari, Inc. The game was designed by Howard Scott Warshaw, who had previously designed the hit arcade game Yar’s Revenge. Warshaw wanted to create a game that was more action-oriented than previous Indiana Jones games, and he drew inspiration from the film’s thrilling action sequences.
The game was developed in just six months, and it was released in arcades in November 1985. The home versions of the game were released in 1986.
Reception
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was a critical and commercial success. The arcade version of the game was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1985, and the home versions of the game sold over 2 million copies.
Critics praised the game’s fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics. However, some critics criticized the game’s difficulty and its lack of variety.
Legacy
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is considered to be one of the classic video games of the 1980s. It is still enjoyed by gamers today for its challenging gameplay and its nostalgic appeal. The game has been re-released on several platforms over the years, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Tips for Playing
Here are a few tips for playing Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom:
- Use your whip to attack enemies, swing across gaps, and climb ladders.
- Pick up and throw objects, such as rocks and bombs, to defeat enemies.
- Be careful not to fall into pits or lava.
- Watch out for traps, such as spikes and boulders.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different routes through the levels.
Conclusion
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a classic video game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of Indiana Jones and retro gaming.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
