Bethesda and Lucasfilm Games have announced a brand new Indiana Jones game coming to next-gen consoles. Fans are of course excited by the announcement, but very little is known about this project thus far. Nevertheless, the studio will of course be looking at the movies and perhaps even the TV show for inspiration.
There are so many iconic moments, memorable characters, and brilliant quotes from across the franchise that it may be difficult to draw from all of them, without disappointing fans or indeed sabotaging an original story. There are a few elements from the movies therefore that could be included to replicate the tone of these cinematic successes, without copying them.
Complex Puzzle Solving
Taking the action-adventure element of the Indiana Jones movies and putting them into a video game means that some kind of gameplay mechanic has to be included to represent the tone of these cinematic experiences.
Problem-solving games immediately come to mind. After all, having to retrieve an ancient object comes with it some challenges that only an experienced adventurer could overcome. Whether it's avoiding booby traps or uncovering clues, the puzzle-solving of the movies would really play well in a video game.
An Animal Threat
Some elements of the movies may not have aged well. Villains might be a little cheesy, or the special effects might not quite hold up. One thing that will always be terrifying to viewers though is the venomous and dangerous creatures Indy comes across in his travels.
No one could forget the iconic moment he comes face to face with a deadly snake. The video game should surely try to bring back the fear factor with some carefully placed animal foes to face off against.
Educational Elements
The anthology series about a younger Indiana Jones, as well as some other spin-off materials, took quite an educational approach to the franchise. Even the main movies partially served as a way into history for some kids.
The games may be able to achieve something similar. Basing its plot on real-life history could intrigue players to learn a lot more about Indy's own research. Whether there are facts and information in the game, or whether it points kids in the right direction, the educational side of the series shouldn't be ignored.
A Mystery To Uncover
Solving ancient mysteries is probably on Jones' resume, considering he has spent most of his career uncovering the truth about some of the strangest and most bizarre folk tales known to man. The video games can continue to follow on from these investigations.
There's surely yet another mystery that forces Indy back out of retirement and into the midst of danger once again. After all, the most mysterious of storylines are often the most compelling.
A Great Sidekick
Indiana Jones has faced off against some genuinely tough villains. These foes might be terrifying, but he has always had a little help. In the history of the franchise, there perhaps hasn't been a sidekick more loyal or helpful than the young Short Round.
Fans have been clamoring for his return for some time. He might not make it into the movies again, but there's every chance that a younger or older version of Short Round can be a perfect sidekick as players go on their adventures.
Mystical Elements
The best scenes of any Indiana Jones film come when the great explorer has finally come across what he's been searching for after so long. But it's never that straight forward. There's always another element to this mystery that viewers might not expect.
Indy may be used to historical problems. He also has to adapt to something a little more mystical. The character has come face to face with aliens, seen biblical powers in action, and witnessed unexplainable situations. Hopefully, those who play the game can do the same.
Diverse Locations
The Indiana Jones films always manage to take Indy to new locations. Each movie sets him on a completely different path. Sure it would be fun to revisit some of the old places that he once visited.
It's in the true spirit of the movies though for Indy to continue to explore the globe and discover ancient mysteries on every continent. That would be a way to replicate the feel of the originals while bringing something new to the table.
Old Artifacts
Plenty of action-adventure games in the style of Indiana Jones have ancient artifacts that must be discovered as part of the overall narrative. Indy has come across a fair few in his time, like the Holy Grail or the Crystal Skull.
For the video game to really resonate with audiences, a new mythical artifact has to be created, which links to the mystery that Indy is investigating. Natural places to start often seem to be anything regarding Atlantis or the Bermuda Triangle, as well as links to ancient civilizations.
Returning Characters
There are some great characters from across the Indiana Jones franchise. From his hapless yet intelligent and well-meaning father to the previously mentioned Short Round, anyone from Indy's past could be brought back in the video game.
There's a lot of great people to work with and even if they make small and subtle cameos, there are really many possibilities available to the game developers. Hopefully, they use this opportunity to give a nod to old favorites.
The Iconic Score
Would an Indiana Jones game be complete without the incredible score created by John Williams? Hopefully, they can rely on the talents of the great composer once again to create an original score that honors the original and builds on it.
It just isn't an Indiana Jones adventure without his iconic theme blasting out as players use their whip to scale buildings, punch their way through Nazis, or don that trademark fedora as they get ready to take on a brand new mission.