Replaying this in 2023, I wanted to make a review. I played this game repeatedly when I was younger and the fun never really ran out. If I were to rank it then, it would have easily been a 10/10. Playing now, I still find it quite enjoyable with some minor issues.
The Good The level design, combat, and platforming are all fun with very few issues for the time. I actually found this game to have less issues in movement & parkour than Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, which is a big deal because this game came out earlier and (probably) on a lower budget. There is a good variety of combos to use in combat, with plenty of utility to back you up. The only thing I would change is giving more attacks to the whip, but this could end up being overpowered. Platforming/movement is usually fun, sometimes being accompanied with challenges like swimming away from a giant alligator, or trying to maneuver towards a goal before your "timer" runs out. Last of all that I mentioned was the level design, which is very simple and linear. This means that the player will rarely be confused on what to do or where to go, which is always a plus. Not only is this the case, but the locations are memorable, and are plenty nice to look at.
The Bad The parkour can sometimes be frustrating. Indy doesn't control super fluidly compared to modern games, and so sometimes you'll end up jumping at an angle you don't want to. So I'll be running forward for a straight jump, move slightly at the last second, then jump diagonally. This is an issue on old games with a lack of directional control, such as Ocarina of Time. None the less this is a minor issue and barely changes how I feel about the game, similar to OOT. The second issue is the story pacing, and how you switch locations pretty frequently. One minute you'll be in Germany, and then 30 minutes later you're in China. This is kind of an issue with the fast paced story. This doesn't really detract from the fun, but more so of a good story. I personally don't play the game for this, so I don't mind. Speaking of story issues, there's some inconsistency in setting. Not only does the game switch locations frequently, it also changes story genre towards the end. You go from looking for artifacts as Indy in regular settings to battling a sorcerer accompanied by a dragon. This might be hinted towards early on in all fairness, and how Indiana Jones usually has legends shown true towards the end of their movies. This isn't really a big issue but I've included it for those who care.
The Ugly Not much to say here. Only one problem: you have to go for like 3 levels at the end without healing. Idk if I was missing something, but I was 1hp during the dragon fight. Not too well designed but it wasn't a total nightmare because of my EPIC gamer B) skills.
Anyhow the game is quite good and I had a decent amount of fun. For a PS2 game it plays pretty well in 2023. I wouldn't say it's the BEST PS2 game (probably mgs3 or something), it's up there for me.
The Good The level design, combat, and platforming are all fun with very few issues for the time. I actually found this game to have less issues in movement & parkour than Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, which is a big deal because this game came out earlier and (probably) on a lower budget. There is a good variety of combos to use in combat, with plenty of utility to back you up. The only thing I would change is giving more attacks to the whip, but this could end up being overpowered. Platforming/movement is usually fun, sometimes being accompanied with challenges like swimming away from a giant alligator, or trying to maneuver towards a goal before your "timer" runs out. Last of all that I mentioned was the level design, which is very simple and linear. This means that the player will rarely be confused on what to do or where to go, which is always a plus. Not only is this the case, but the locations are memorable, and are plenty nice to look at.
The Bad The parkour can sometimes be frustrating. Indy doesn't control super fluidly compared to modern games, and so sometimes you'll end up jumping at an angle you don't want to. So I'll be running forward for a straight jump, move slightly at the last second, then jump diagonally. This is an issue on old games with a lack of directional control, such as Ocarina of Time. None the less this is a minor issue and barely changes how I feel about the game, similar to OOT. The second issue is the story pacing, and how you switch locations pretty frequently. One minute you'll be in Germany, and then 30 minutes later you're in China. This is kind of an issue with the fast paced story. This doesn't really detract from the fun, but more so of a good story. I personally don't play the game for this, so I don't mind. Speaking of story issues, there's some inconsistency in setting. Not only does the game switch locations frequently, it also changes story genre towards the end. You go from looking for artifacts as Indy in regular settings to battling a sorcerer accompanied by a dragon. This might be hinted towards early on in all fairness, and how Indiana Jones usually has legends shown true towards the end of their movies. This isn't really a big issue but I've included it for those who care.
The Ugly Not much to say here. Only one problem: you have to go for like 3 levels at the end without healing. Idk if I was missing something, but I was 1hp during the dragon fight. Not too well designed but it wasn't a total nightmare because of my EPIC gamer B) skills.
Anyhow the game is quite good and I had a decent amount of fun. For a PS2 game it plays pretty well in 2023. I wouldn't say it's the BEST PS2 game (probably mgs3 or something), it's up there for me.
