One of the best, most underrated television shows of the early 1990s was The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles on ABC (and, later, The Family Channel). Just as it sounds, the series focused on the early years of one of film's most beloved adventurers, Indiana Jones. Attempting to capitalize on whatever popularity the failed series did muster, an NES version of the show was created. Unfortunately, the game's quality falls well short of the series'.

When I started playing The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, I was immediately reminded of Castlevania. The gameplay, in fact, was almost exactly the same. You jump with one button and use your whip -- in the same motion no less -- with the other. Fortunately, the game is only a Castlevania clone until you get your first weapon, which -- for better or for worse -- replaces the whip. I came to full realization that I wasn't playing as Simon Belmont when my weapon was stripped after being hit once, and I died after only having my fists to fight with. In other words, the lack of times you can take hits makes the game frustratingly hard.

I really can't say that I'm a fan of the "we'll-take-away-your-weapon-when-you-get-hit" feature, especially since it leads to something totally illogical. Think about it. It takes about five shots from a gun to kill the first boss. Guess how many punches it takes? Five! Now, I know Indy is in good shape and everything, but I'm convinced he's either fighting with a Red Rider BB gun or has a long-lost brother living in Metropolis.

As much as I appear to be blasting this game, I must admit that I was glued to it for a good while. It kind of gives you that "I know I can make it farther this time" feeling, only you usually can't because you run out of continues by the time you're good enough to make it back to the trouble-spot. As a result, you eventually get tired of having to battle through the same thing over and over again. I know I've already used this word, but it needs to be said again: FRUSTRATION!

Whew . . . that feels better.

The only way I could really recommend this game is if you have a ton of time on your hands and don't mind countless trips through areas you've memorized -- or if you just want to play a game that can't decided whether or not it wants to be a Castlevania rip-off. ~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide

The graphics during gameplay are decent, while the cut scenes' are quite good. ~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide

Nothing extraordinary here. Pretty basic, actually. ~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide

Once you get to a rough spot, any enjoyment you may get from the game will eventually result in frustration. ~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide

The enemies run in the same patterns, so once you know how to beat them there's really no point in doing it again. ~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide