The latest Indiana Jones game, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” has earned considerable praise. Some have called it the “real” fifth Indy film, contrasting it with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” In fact, some have said it feels like a “missing” Indy film with its charm, atmosphere and writing. But this isn’t the first time people have that kind of praise for an Indiana Jones game. Before intense graphics and action-filled gameplay, there was “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis,” a point-and-click adventure and one of the best of the genre.
Released in 1992 by LucasArts, “Fate of Atlantis” was developed off the heels of the popular point-and-click adaptation of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” released in 1989, and alongside other point-and-click classics like “The Secret of Monkey Island” and “Day of the Tentacle.” The game’s visual design still holds up incredibly well. Part of that is the high-quality pixel art that never quite goes out of style, but a strong art design also works in its favor.
Indiana Jones as a character lends himself well to this sort of adventure puzzle game. He’s an archaeologist, using his intelligence and wit to solve ancient mysteries and overcome obstacles just as often as his fists. “Fate of Atlantis” embraces this side of the character, bringing the problem-solving adventurer into full focus as he travels the globe solving riddles and uncovering shadowy plots. The game also throws in some action along the way, keeping the pulp tone of the original films intact as you’re brought to exotic locales and dusty ruins, one-liners at the ready.
On that subject, the humor in “Fate of Atlantis” is impressive. The sharp writing excels at capturing Indy’s signature charm and biting wit. The interactions between Indy and supporting characters like Sophia Hapgood, a past flame and supposed psychic, are filled with entertaining comments and a delightful back-and-forth tension. The game’s opening title sequence features a well-executed gag that could have come straight from the storyboards of a film. Considering how much of the humor in the most recent Indy film falls flat, it was a refreshing change of pace.
The puzzles themselves are well-designed, rarely veering into the frustrating territory typical of the genre. While they can occasionally slow the pace, they build mystery. As you solve more puzzles, you feel a genuine sense of getting closer and closer to unlocking the archaeological mystery of Atlantis. Some puzzles also have alternate solutions, which adds fun replayability.
Voice acting deserves credit where it’s due. While Doug Lee’s portrayal of Indy isn’t a near one-to-one impression of Harrison Ford, like Troy Baker’s take in “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” it brings its own charm to the character. Likewise, the rest of the voice acting does its job well. Combined with the game’s atmospheric score and sound design, it’s easy to get lost in the feeling of an authentic Indiana Jones escapade.
Looking back, it’s not shocking that “Fate of Atlantis” is hailed as one of the best Indy stories — not just in games, but in the entire franchise. It respects its source material and delivers a narrative that quickly stands on its own, even while nodding to nostalgia. It also works remarkably well on modern systems thanks to ScummVM and the good people over at GOG. Frequently going on sale for as little as $2, Fate of Atlantis is one treasure worth excavating yourself.
Overall: 10/10. A perfect Indiana Jones adventure that balances sharp writing, nostalgic atmosphere, and engaging puzzles. Next time I decide it’s time for a rewatch, I’ll be playing this game right after “Last Crusade.”