When it comes to classic LucasArts adventures, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is so good that many people still consider it the true fourth Indy film. A game that can be replayed every couple of years because the story is that good. And LucasArts knew it too, where work on a sequel called 'Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix' continued for a number of years before being cancelled. And now thanks to LucasArts vet Aric Wilmunder, we have an artifact worthy of being in a museum.

The 60-plus page design document for Indianda Jones and the Iron Phoenix from 1993.

During the mid-90s LucasArts was a studio in transition. After avoiding the Star Wars license for over a decade, and alongside the advent of 3D graphics, the studio began creating games that opted to recreate the cinematic aspirations of its benefactor as opposed to creating new IP. Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix was a troubled project for a number of reasons, its technology kept changing to try and take advantage of new animation techniques, even green screen, and those that worked on it often found themselves moved to different projects.



But that's not to say that the story within the game was at fault, as the tale which takes place in the 1950s sees Indiana Jones searching for the Philosophers Stone long before Harry Potter was put on the case. A mythical object that not only had the power to turn iron into gold, but to also bring the dead back to life. Alongside dealing with the Russians, in this tale Indy would also stumble onto a plot featuring ex-Nazi's that were looking to use the Philosophers Stone to resurrect Adolf Hitler.

Crazy sure, but also pretty damn cool.

Even though the story for Indianda Jones and the Iron Phoenix was recently adapted into a comic series by Dark Horse, one that opted to go the full Zombie Hitler route, this design document features the story that was originally intended to be told by LucasArts. The document itself mostly reads like a GameFAQs walkthrough so it's an easy read. Plus the fact that it has the title Indy 5, is just perfect.

Also, be sure to check out the story behind the development on the project over at The International House of Mojo.