When it comes to action, this adventure hero doesn’t always monkey around, although you could say Indiana Jack is a "chimp" of the old block in terms of genre cliches.

Indiana Jack, a PC release from Big City Games, Techland and Encore, is an arcade adventure in the style of Rayman or Spyro. The tale revolves around a chimpanzee who must use his wits, and limited fighting abilities to negotiate harsh lands, and collect 10 artifacts to foil the schemes of the ancient Evil Force.

It appears that said Evil Force has cast a spell which has turned all the creatures of the planet wild and dangerous. Indiana Jack must traverse 10 varied game levels, bonk the wildlife on the head to temporarily stun them (or hit them with his fist or even throw a banana at them), bash open crates, and collect powerups.

To its credit, Indiana Jack is a colorful game, though the gameboards are extremely linear in nature. There is one path through the game, and while you will be challenged to avoid dangers, or jump over obstacles, the game is rather easy to negotiate through.

Like some arcade games, you can earn extra lives, but once you use them all up, you are finished. The game also contains save points along the way, which allows players to avoid that dreaded restart from the beginning of the game.

Indiana Jack has some failings, which can stall enjoyable gameplay. The game has a tendency to stimulate a lock-up between sign-in and game load. On several occasions, the game appeared frozen, and only after the escape key was hit did the load screen activate.

There is also no control reference in the manual. The game does allow you to customize the controls, and reveals just what they are, but unless this is the only game you play, you may need to visit the options screen to revisit the setup.

The game sound is adequate, and consists of various animal squeaks, squawks, growls and cheesy music. The sound effects are light and hokey, but generally seem to keep with the light nature of the game.

Graphically this game is solid. The animation is well done and the environments are lush and colorful.

Indiana Jack does not feature the most original storyline and the gameplay is rather cliché for the genre, but still this is harmless fun. Game players looking for more challenge may want to pass on this game. Those new to the genre or looking for a light experience can check it out.

Gameplay: 7
Once into a level the game moves smoothly, but the load screen has some issues. The game does pursue a linear path through the maze although the power-ups can change locations.

Graphics: 7.2
This game is lush and colorful, and the animations are solid.

Sound: 6.8
The music is a little cheesy, and the environment sounds are adequate.

 Difficulty: Easy
This game is not overly complicated to play, and the control elements are kept simple.

Concept: 6.5
This game does not chart any new water in the genre, and tends to retread the stock routes of other games.

Overall: 6.9
Not the most original game, Indiana Jack does have solid graphical elements. The game pursues a linear path that may not appeal to veterans of the genre. Younger players may enjoy the look and simplistic feel of the game though.