GameSpy:: First off, tell us why you chose The Collective's game engine technology to power Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb? What does it give the developers that other engines don't provide?

Nate: We chose The Collective's engine for a few reasons. First and foremost, we felt that the functionality they have captured lends itself extremely well to the Indiana Jones franchise and really brings to the table some great features that one would expect from an Indiana Jones title. Their engine is also allowing us to bring Indy to next generation consoles (for the first time) and really provide highly detailed characters, environments, and gameplay elements.

Being the robust 3D engine that it is, we are really able to concentrate on story and gameplay elements that bring the Indiana Jones franchise to life and deliver a game that has all the qualities you'd expect from a high quality 3D action / adventure game as well as delivering on the expectations of the Indiana Jones property.

GameSpy: Tell us about the storyline of this game. When does it take place (before or after the last motion picture)?

Nate: Indiana Jones and the Emperors Tomb takes place in pre WWII 1935. In the Indy timeframe, this is just prior to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Where Temple of Doom begins in China, our game ends in China.

GameSpy: Indiana Jones has apparently been brushing up on his hand-to-hand combat skills since the last game. Give us an idea of what kinds of moves this game will give him.

Nate: Indy has all sort of moves in this title. The type of moves you'd expect from Indiana Jones. The combat system consists of two buttons, which, when pressed in any order, will perform a number of punches, kicks, and grabs. Combos are generally three button pushes in a row. A quick tap on either button will throw right and left jabs, and most combos work off of those.

He does uppercuts, haymakers, two-handed haymakers, punches to the gut, kicks to the gut, kicks to ... it hurts to think about it. He can grab opponents and punch them, knee them in the gut, throw them to the ground, throw them off of buildings... and that just the stuff he does with his two hands.

GameSpy: The trusty whip is in the game and enhanced to boot. What can Jones do with the whip now that he couldn't in previous games?

Nate: Indy can use his whip in many ways, mostly to swing across impassable chasms, gaps, traps, and other dangerous and life-threatening areas. The most notable inclusions in this game are his abilities to disarm opponents as well as grab them and pull them towards him with the whip.

GameSpy: How linear is the gameplay? Does the game force you to follow a certain plot path or is it open-ended?

Nate: There is definitely a plot to this game, and the player progresses through the levels with specific objectives for each part of each level. The player can roam around parts of the world, but the story is laid out for the player to follow.

GameSpy: On the adventure side of things, what kinds of puzzles and problem solving will players have to deal with? How difficult are the puzzles in this game?

Nate: The bulk of the puzzles and problems are navigational puzzles -- trying to figure out how to get from A to B. There are also plenty of traps along the way, ranging from loose coverings over treacherous pits to hallways full of buzz saws and spiked logs. There are also more "traditional" adventure puzzles that revolve around items to be used at certain times, perhaps something to be used to trigger an event, for example.

GameSpy: Tell us a bit more about the "Heart of the Dragon." What is it, who wants it, how many pieces are there and how easy will it be to put it back together?

Nate: The Heart of the Dragon is a single black pearl that has been buried with the first Emperor of China. The heart of the dragon lies with the Emperor's body. It's gaining access to the tomb that is the trouble, since the key to the tomb is in three pieces and scattered across the globe. The key is being sought after by Indy, The Black Dragon Triad, and the Nazis.

GameSpy: How in-depth is the storyline for Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb? Will it offer a lot of plot twists and surprises for gamers?

Nate: The storyline for this game is very well thought out. We've taken into account many aspects of Chinese history and folklore to make the story recognizable and deep. There will definitely be some surprises along the way...

GameSpy: What are some of the differences between the various versions of the game? Does one version shine over the rest in terms of technology or would you say they are all on equal footing?

Nate: There will be no differences separating the various versions.

GameSpy: How is the game shaping up at this point? What are some of the things your working on now?

Nate: The game is looking great! Right now we're working out nebulous "fun factor" items such as tweaking levels to make them more dynamic and exciting, tweaking AI, polishing art, and so on.

GameSpy: Will the game feature an accurate physics system?

Nate: Yes, the game features a fairly accurate physics system for jumping, swinging, falling etc...

GameSpy: Give us a percentage on how much of the gameplay is adventure and how much is action. Do you think you've found that delicate balance between both?

Nate: That's a tough one. There's a great balance between the two. The game is action-packed from beginning to end and the adventure aspects are woven throughout the action. 100% of both? Think of an Indiana Jones movie -- that's the pace and balance we've tried to capture.

GameSpy: Are there powerups or pick-ups in the game like health and ammo?

Nate: Indy will gain several different weapons throughout the game, and he will also pick up ammo for these various weapons from time to time. Health is a little different, as Indy drinks from his canteen to regain health. There are freshwater fountains scattered throughout the levels where Indy can refill his canteen.

GameSpy: Besides your fists, a gun, and a whip, are there any other items or tools that Jones can pick up during the course of his adventure?

Nate: There are plenty of weapons, and items the Indy can use along the way. He'll pick up shotguns, machine guns, dynamite, and underwater charges in addition to the others. Indy can also pick up a number of improvised weapons along the way such as chairs, table legs, bottles, and shovels. Then there are also of course mission and story critical items...

- by James Fudge