LucasArts Games Translates Fantasy to a Small Screen

The fantasies of a game player and the reality of a computer game almost never coincide. We want sound, lights (graphics), story and action. If that sounds a lot like the movies, well, it’s no surprise that LucasArts Games has come so close to our fantasy with the innovative graphic adventure “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis.”

With no announced plans to make another Indiana Jones movie, George Lucas’ company has translated the character and spirit of the originals into the really small screen with an original story for computer gaming enthusiasts.

Here Indy is roped into a search for the mythical city of Atlantis. He doesn’t really believe it exists, but the Nazis are after it so he wants to see what all the fuss is about. Besides that, they are beating up on his girlfriend and stealing stuff from him.

While including game innovations previously introduced by LucasArts (easy character movement and musical scores that change with the mood of each scene), the game takes a major leap with its story.

“Atlantis” is constructed like three games in one. After making the decision to go on his quest, Indy has three solution paths to complete the game. He can go it alone with either his brains or his fists as his only companions, or he can take Sophia (the obligatory almost useless “girl”) and try the team method. Each choice involves a different method of solving the puzzles required to accomplish the traditional goal of saving the world. Finishing the game along one path does not preclude giving it another shot down another.

That’s a significant step in the evolution of computer adventures. And at an average of $50 and more for these kinds of games, bang for your buck is important.

Indiana Jones

Rating: * * * *

IBM or compatibles; VGA/MCGA 256 color; mouse or joystick and hard drive required; LIST: $59.95.

Computer games are rated on a five-star system, from one star for poor to five for excellent.