Lego Indiana Jones: Which is the best handheld version?

The great thing about multi-platform releases is that gamers have the option of playing a game on one of many possible systems. The difficulty is choosing which system to get a blockbuster game for. We faced this problem with the recently released LEGO Indiana Jones, which is available for both the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, as well as every current home console. Unable to decide between the two portable options, we decided to get both — and report back here on which version we liked best. It is difficult to choose a clear winner, because both handheld consoles handle the game well, and each version has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. If you are still on the fence about which one to buy, read on for the specific details and our verdict on each release.

The DS Version

Players who opt for the DS version are in for a slightly different gameplay experience. Unlike the console and PSP versions, Lego Indiana Jones on the DS makes a few sacrifices in image quality and level size, but brings new features to the table. At many points in the game, players must use the “wind” feature of the microphone to activate certain platforms and puzzles. DS owners with friends can still play in cooperative multiplayer mode over local wifi. The DS version also features touch functionality, although this is somewhat unnecessary and redundant since the same input can be achieved by pressing one of the face buttons. The DS version also predictably adds some touch-screen minigames not found on any other system.

Graphically, the game can not compare to the PSP and console versions, but it delivers a strong performance nonetheless: levels are filled with colorful textures and player characters are clearly distinguishable, even on the small screen. The framerate is also noticeably better than last year’s Lego Star Wars. The only really substantial difference is that the DS version cuts back the total number of levels in the game, leaving out some of the content found on other systems, while still retaining the overall spirit and fun of the franchise.

The PSP Version

The PSP version of Lego Indiana Jones is much closer to its larger console brethren, and almost perfectly recreates the PS2 experience on the small screen. The PSP presentation doesn’t have all of the fancy effects of next-gen systems, but it does a good job with player characters, animations, and background scenery. Everything that players would find in the console versions is here, including vehicle driving sections, puzzles and unlockable content. As fans of the previous games are aware, half of the fun is in returning to previously beaten levels to collect new stuff after the main storyline is finished, adding to the immense replayability of this title. The only glaring omission from the PSP version is cooperative multiplayer, something that might turn off folks who enjoy playing with a friend. Follow this link to check out a trailer of the PSP version.

Our Verdict

Both versions of Lego Indiana Jones are superb on their respective portable systems. The DS version focuses on more of a pick-up-and-play style, while the PSP version tries — and succeeds — at reproducing the home console experience. If co-op multiplayer is definitely your thing, then we stongly recommend the DS version. If you absolutely must have the complete single player experience, including all levels and unlockables, then the PSP is the way to go.