A Journey Through Indiana Jones Video Game History
Today, gamers are fortunate to experience what many consider the pinnacle of Indiana Jones video games: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. While this isn’t the first iconic entry in the series, it raises the question: when did Indiana Jones games truly evolve into something remarkable? A strong contender for this transformation is the 1992 release, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. However, it was a pioneering title from 1985 that laid the groundwork for the engaging adventures of our beloved archaeologist, making them both feasible and enjoyable for players.
Breaking Ground with Temple of Doom
The game in question is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which debuted in 1985, just a year after the movie hit theaters. Developed by Atari Games, it was initially launched as an arcade exclusive. This title marked the third entry in the Indiana Jones gaming series, following the 1982 Atari adaptation of Raiders of the Lost Ark and the 1984 home computer adventure known as Indiana Jones and the Lost Kingdom. Although these previous games exist, they are often overshadowed in the context of Indiana Jones gaming history. The novelty of controlling a stick figure sporting a hat and whip may evoke some nostalgia, but the fondness for the first two games likely stems more from novelty than from any significant gameplay enjoyment.
Innovations in Gameplay and Design
The Temple of Doom, however, was a notable exception. As one of the early games to incorporate digitized speech, it stood out by integrating familiar dialogue into its gameplay, following in the footsteps of the 1983 Star Wars arcade game. The combination of engaging gameplay and authentic Indiana Jones elements propelled this game to new heights. The premise was straightforward: players took on the role of Indiana Jones, who finds himself trapped within the titular Temple of Doom. The game presented three primary objectives: rescue the kidnapped children, navigate the mine cart tracks, and ultimately confront Mola Ram to retrieve the Sankara Stone.
Streamlined Adventure
Unfortunately, the game does not include a level where Indiana dons his white tuxedo to escape the Shanghai nightclub at the film’s beginning, nor does it feature the iconic song “Anything Goes” performed by Kate Capshaw. Instead, the developers opted for a simple approach that resonated with their young audience. In an arcade setting, players are more interested in action than in lengthy plots or intricate puzzles. While modern games like The Great Circle can delve into complex narratives, the decision in 1985 to keep The Temple of Doom focused entirely on the titular location was a brilliant move.
Challenge and Replayability
That said, The Temple of Doom was not without its challenges. Players could lose lives simply by colliding with certain enemies, and defeating Mola Ram in the final confrontation proved to be a formidable task. However, this difficulty was intentional. The arcade game’s design aimed to strike a balance that would keep players engaged while encouraging them to continue feeding quarters into the machine.
The Legacy of the Game
By 1987, The Temple of Doom was adapted for home computers, including popular models like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, quickly becoming a bestseller. Its success in the arcade contributed to its appeal as a home game. Despite the action-adventure theme of Indiana Jones, the essence of these quests tends to be somewhat comforting. Future Indiana Jones titles would often emphasize the puzzle and mystery aspects of archaeological adventures, making Temple of Doom appear somewhat generic in hindsight.
Foundation for Future Titles
Importantly, without the success of this title, the transition from film to video game for the Indiana Jones franchise may not have seemed feasible. While it may not hold the title of the greatest Indiana Jones game ever, in 1985, it represented the first genuinely enjoyable entry in the franchise. As Indiana famously remarked in Raiders of the Lost Ark, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.” The impact that this version of The Temple of Doom has had on the franchise remains significant, even after four decades.
Explore the Classic
For those interested, various platforms offer the opportunity to play versions of The Temple of Doom (1985) online, allowing a new generation to experience this classic adventure.
