Today, Bethesda revealed that MachineGames, the developer of the recent Wolfenstein reboot series, is working on a new Indiana Jones game, with Todd Howard producing. Although we know it’ll feature “an original story,” nothing else has been revealed about it quite yet. Here are seven things we hope feature in the new game once it’s out.
Satisfying Whip Gameplay
Indy’s whip is one of the most iconic ‘weapons’ in any medium, so any game would have to do it justice. A single flick of in-game Indy’s wrist will have to feel satisfying to whoever’s holding the controller. I’m thinking Kratos’ Leviathan Axe levels of satisfying as you release and bring it back in one smooth motion.
MachineGames seem like a good choice of developer to make that a reality. While the Laserkraftwerk and other massive guns of Wolfenstein are a little different to the finesse that the legendary explorer’s whip will require, the Swedish studio has a track record of creating combat that’s build on how good the weapons feel to use.
Whether it be melting zombies with lasers or blowing them away with super-shotguns, the first-person shooter series is a smooth experience, which should translate well to Indiana Jones.
It’s unknown whether this game will be first or third-person, which could change whether the game feels more like Uncharted or Bethesda’s other shooters; but MachineGames’ first-person pedigree could suggest the former. Either way, whip gameplay that’s fun is absolutely vital for a prospective Indiana Jones game.
A Cheeky & Charismatic Voice Actor
Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford are one and the same. The actor’s charisma shines through every single one of the series’ films and his cheeky, playful personality ensures he remains likeable throughout.
That’s what Indiana Jones as a series is all about, so it’ll need to continue in Bethesda’s game. Character design is important, but the acting performance might be even more so.
MachineGames will need to find someone who perfectly encapsulates Indy’s personality. Their charisma will need to shine through and they’ll need to accurately replicate the 80s leading man cheekiness that makes the character who he is.
I don’t think it should be a case of finding a different angle for the character. Indiana Jones is a very defined and iconic personality, so it would be a mistake to mess with that too much.
Plenty of Easter Eggs
Being chased by rolling boulders, glowing golden skulls, fast paced car chases, and mine carts are pretty much certainties for an Indiana Jones game. It wouldn’t be right without them.
However, I hope Bethesda’s Indy game goes beyond the obvious. I hope there are throwbacks to certain scenes and conversations that only die-hard fans of the movies would notice.
I’d like to need to keep an eye out for lesser known characters in the background of set-pieces, all while telling an interesting original story. Indiana Jones is a series that’s steeped in nostalgia, so MachineGames should take advantage of that.
That doesn’t mean I don’t want as many mine-cart chases as makes sense though!
A Reason to Explore
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series doesn’t hide the influence Indiana Jones had on it. Nathan Drake and Indy are practically feel like the same person.
If MachineGames’ title is looking to take up the adventurer game mantle now that the PlayStation exclusive series has concluded, it’ll have to match it when it comes to world building and giving the player a reason to explore.
Since Indy’s life and career center around discovery, that’ll have to be passed onto the player to make it feel like an Indy game. There will need to be puzzle, secrets hidden in corners, and maybe even a few different ways to approach levels.
It’ll need to make the player feel like they’re Indy, and exploration is the name of the game.
A Fantastic Score
The Indiana Jones theme is one of, if not THE, most recognizable film theme of all time. It’ll obviously have a part to play in Bethesda’s game, but it’ll need the rest of a score to match it.
It goes without saying that the legend John Williams is a tough act to follow. Whatever is created for the game though, to compliment the theme, will need to match the cinematic style of the original score.
Full of instant ear-worms, flowing orchestral beats, and dramatic crescendos, an Indiana Jones score will need to match the scale of the adventures Indy will go on.
A Fun Cast of Side-Characters & Villains
The Indiana Jones movies, from Raiders of the Lost Ark through to Kingdom of the Crystal Skull are silly, fun adventures. They’re as over-the-top as Indy himself is charismatic, which has made them stand out over the years and maintain a passionate fanbase.
A huge part of that tone is thanks to the quirky side characters and interesting villains. Indy’s partners in crime and angry baddies who rip hearts out of chests, that kind of lighthearted thing.
In all seriousness, while Indy is the star, the series wouldn’t have been the same success it has been without its extended cast.
MachineGames will need to follow the same recipe if their game is to be as good as it can be. Indy needs people alongside him on his new adventure, and new adversaries to overcome along the way.
No Nuke-Proof Refrigerators, Please
As fun as easter eggs that throwback to the movies would be, I don’t want to see a single nuke-proof refrigerator. Pretending that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull doesn’t exist would be the perfect way to go, but that may be asking a little too much.
What do you hope to see from Machine Games and Bethesda’s Indiana Jones game? Let us know in the comments down below.
Images Credit: LucasFilm
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