THE PSP VERSION

Developed by Amaze as opposed to A2M (who did the other three versions), it’s unsurprising to find that the PSP version of Staff of Kings is radically different from the others. This is both good news and bad news, as in some places it’s superior to the other versions, and in others far inferior.

Going by general Indyness, there’s definitely an improvement here over the Wii/PS2 versions. Indy has his satchel (and just to show off, occasionally adjusts it). The Germans are properly called Nazis (although the swastika still isn’t present, but I can accept that one). Indy and Maggie O’Malley’s relationship is written and acted much better, and they argue beautifully. John Armstrong has far better writing to work with here, and whenever he gets angry with Maggie he sounds just like Harrison Ford. She gives a good as she gets as well.

To further complement the Indyness, although many cutscenes are still missing each level has linking narration read by Armstrong, which is a great alternative. At least they’ve not just hidden away the plot in text on the Journal screen like in the non-handheld versions. You can even skip the logos at the beginning.

The downside of the PSP version is that the levels aren’t really levels. We just get to play “sections” of levels, sometimes just in one room. While this works quite well on a handheld, where the gameplay is meant to be pick up, play for a short time, put down, if you do make this your only copy of the game you’ll breeze through it in no time at all. These stages only last about 10 minutes each, and that's if you're taking your time.

Combined with the fact that there’s still a lot of places missing, with areas like Sudan and the Star of the Orient being completely absent and the exclusive 1922 level being a cut-down copy of a later stage, there’s a definite feeling that more could have been included. It seems that all versions suffer from laziness, or a very brief time schedule. With the PSP version about 20% more stages would’ve been very welcome, and could have been done easily.

I Like Ike

There are extras, like Time Trials, short chases based on the films, and plenty of in-game challenges including artifacts and “do this mission in a certain time” demands, but there still could’ve been more. At least treasures show up in-game as they’re supposed to be, and not as glowing floating fedoras.

What there is though is very fun. The game controls very like Emperor’s Tomb, even getting the option to use the gun with a limited number of bullets. These fights are almost as enjoyable as the Wii version, usually with several amusing ways to take down enemies, although it’s annoying you can’t hit them after whipping them over.

Apart from fights there are puzzles, platforming moments, and a couple of chase scenes which are far better without motion controls. Saving is usually very generous, almost Lego Indy-style spawn straight away, and I’m sure no one would’ve minded too much if they were absent considering how short the stages are. Oh, and the in-game cutscenes are skippable too once you've seen them once. In your face, A2M.

Graphics are quite good too. While the levels aren’t gigantic, at least there’s none of that fuzzy bloom effect that permeates the Wii version, nor the rubbish graphics of the DS. Characters all look pretty good, although the lip-synching is awful.

If you play this as a handheld game you get out during lunchtimes, it’s great. The stages are just right for this type of environment. However, if this is going to be your only version of Staff of Kings and you’re a big gaming Indy fan who’s going to play it constantly, you’ll be disappointed how abrupt everything is.

As I’ve got the Wii version I view this as a companion piece, a way of filling in some of the story gaps. They play like completely different Indy games with no repetition at all between them, and with this version being far truer to the Indiana Jones spirit (hell, even the Staff of Kings is correctly referred to as the Staff of Moses in this version) I can happily recommend it. Just don’t only get the PSP version, and you’ll be happy. If you can get it for a cheaper price, then definitely.

SIDE NOTE: THE DS VERSION

The DS version’s a bit of a dark horse in these proceedings. On one hand, the storyline is told a lot better as the comic book-style cutscenes were always intended to be exclusive, there’s an extra level set in the Paris catacombs, levels are proper levels and not just “sections”, and the fight on the tram in San Francisco (advertised in LucasArts’ 2006 videos) is actually present at last.

On the other, the game is riddled with bugs, like some people who claimed to have fallen through the floor. There’s also no voice-acting, the graphics are obviously rubbish, and the control system is utterly atrocious, utilising buttons as well as touch-screen control, which on the DS is a big no-no.

It should be obvious that, with A2M working mostly on the Wii/PS2 versions as well as their upcoming first original game Wet, the DS version was probably the least important to them. I can’t tell you to avoid it or recommend it as I haven’t played it, but don’t say I didn’t warn you if want to give it a go.

FINAL SCORES

The Wii Version:

INDYNESS: 2.5/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

The PSP Version

INDYNESS: 4/5
OVERALL: 3/5

They may not be that impressive, but Staff of Kings is certainly a fun game for Indy fans. However, cost-cutting and brutal scheduling has badly affected what could have been the best ever Indy game. Let's hope it doesn't happen to the next one, but for now we should be thankful for an okay game at least!