Another massively important aspect of the game is opening the vast array of collectibles. This game is a veritable toy box of your favorite Lucas characters, treasure chests, artifacts, secret additional content, and a bevy of side quests. There are more than 60 unlockable characters to find or purchase, and you can even create unique characters like you did in the Star Wars saga by mixing and matching the LEGO characters' bodies and accessories.

All of these collectible elements and secrets make for a formula that equates to major replayability. As previously mentioned, many secrets, treasures, and characters can't be acquired on the first play through. It will actually take going back in Freeplay mode and using the abilities of newly unlocked characters in order to access the tunnels and seemingly impenetrable walls that hold the treasures. Moreover, collecting all the characters and unlocking all the content can almost feel like an obsession. You will likely find yourself bashing every mug, table, barrel, cart, and fence post while you greedily gobble up the LEGO gems that fall to the floor. Scavenging for gems is by no means essential. In fact, it slows each segment way down. However, it does allow you to purchase a bunch of unlockables and serves as the game's high-score function.

Finally, I was thoroughly impressed with the game's overall polish. The environments look very good if not completely detailed on the Wii; the new animations and facial expressions make the LEGO characters more lifelike; the textures are realistic looking; but the preponderance of "jaggies" and fuzzy character portraits are disconcerting. Fortunately, the music, sound effects, and voice work are great! Of course, the musical themes are taken right from the films. What I really liked was the way the various portions of the score were attached to appropriate segments of the game. They correspond to that of the movie, which lends a good deal of authenticity. The sound effects are exaggerated much like they are in the films. The familiar punch effects and the crack of Indy's whip help to further the notion that you're inside an Indiana Jones movie. Lastly, the voice over work, much like in the LEGO Star Wars games, is made up of a series of grunts and sighs that somehow perfectly express emotions, motivations, and key moments from the films.

If you're looking for an entirely new gameplay experience from the folks at LucasArts, then you won't find it in LEGO Indiana Jones. However, this is the most polished and enjoyable entry in the LEGO series of games. The great puzzles, platforming mechanics, array of collectibles, and quality presentation make this title an outstanding option for EVERYONE 10+!

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director