Those who loved Fate of Atlantis can now finally get a look at the sequel that could have been.
LucasArts fans who have been silently holding out hope that a studio will one day find a way to release another entry into the classic line of LucasArts Indiana Jones adventure titles got something of an unexpected treat and a painful tease recently, as former LucasArts developer Aric Wilmunder released some previously unseen concept art and design documents that reveal what the next Indiana Jones game would have looked like.
Yes, it appears that at one point LucasArts was working on a follow-up to their acclaimed 1992 adventure title, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. Titled Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix (great name), this sequel would have reportedly followed Indiana Jones' attempt to foil the Nazis from finding the famed Philosopher's Stone (yes, that Philosopher's Stone) and reviving Hitler.
What happened? Well, according to former LucasArts developer Hal Barwood, it seems that some of LucasArts' German partners weren't too keen on the idea of releasing a game that dealt with Nazis that continued to live in Germany past WWII. They threatened to essentially ban the game in their country, which LucasArts felt would have greatly impacted the success of the title. As such, they took the political high road and called the project off due to the potential controversy.
What's so very amazing about this decision is how far along the game appeared to be based on the work that Wilmunder recently shared. Much of the script seems to have been written, and the team was even worked on many of the game's levels and puzzles. It's very odd to think that they had put in this much work without anyone consulting the partners regarding the subject matter and, to be entirely honest, it's a bit painful to see how great the game could have been had it been able to see release.
Still, the reasons for its cancellation are certainly understandable, and Mr. Wilmunder should be thanked by all LucasArts fans for giving us our best ever look at what the next Indiana Jones adventure game would have been like, even if it is kind of a bitter pill to swallow.
