Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings Unveiled

After the launch of a trailer and of several screenshots, LucasArts has finally announced the initial details related to its newest title, called Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings.

The game is set to be released for the Nintendo Wii, the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation Portable and the Nintendo DS. The choice of platforms seems to indicate that the game will be aimed at players interested in the franchise who don't necessarily expect to see Indy presented in the full glory of current gen console graphics.

The game will take Indiana Jones back to the roots of the franchise, in 1939. Just as World War II is preparing to engulf the world, the famous archaeologist is searching for the legendary Staff of Mosses, which is also being hunted by a Nazi scientist, named Magnus Voller. The quest for the relic will take the characters from Chinatown to Panama and, of course, to Egypt.

The Wii version of the game will rely heavily on gesture-based controls. Punching, which is Indiana Jones’ signature movement, will be controlled by movement, as will use of the whip Indy employs to get out of tight spots. The Wiimote will also play a role in the action sequences where it will be used to aim to and to shoot targets on the screen. On the other platforms, gesture combat is not an option, and the game will be controlled via more classic control methods.

The game will also challenge players with puzzles and with Hot Set environments, where they will need to manipulate the area around them to neutralize ancient traps while also preparing kill areas for the enemies to step in.

The excitement factor will be driven up by the fact that vehicles will be available and there will also be elephants to ride and rafts to control on raging rivers. It also seems that, at one point, players will be able to “throw an octopus.” Han Solo might have shot first, but Indiana Jones will surely be the one to throw the octopus first.