Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1985 video game)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a title referring to several distinct video game adaptations of the 1984 film of the same name. These games, released across various platforms in 1985 and 1986, typically presented side-scrolling or overhead action gameplay, tasking players with guiding Indiana Jones through levels inspired by scenes from the movie.
The most well-known version, released by Atari Games for arcades, is a side-scrolling platformer employing a unique control scheme using a trackball for movement. Players navigated Indy through mines, temples, and rope bridges, collecting treasures and rescuing enslaved children. The arcade game featured multiple branching paths and endings depending on the player's performance.
Separate versions were also released for home computers such as the Commodore 64, Apple II, and ZX Spectrum. These versions, often developed by different companies, varied significantly in gameplay and graphics, offering platforming or overhead perspectives. The objectives generally remained consistent: navigate dangerous environments, defeat Thuggee guards, and recover the Sankara Stones.
The reception of these Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom video games was mixed. The arcade version was noted for its innovative trackball controls and challenging gameplay, though some found the difficulty frustrating. The home computer versions garnered varied reviews, with some praised for their faithful adaptation of the film and others criticized for their simplistic graphics or repetitive gameplay. Overall, these games represent an early example of licensed movie tie-in video games during the arcade and early home computer era.