Bethesda has unveiled an exciting new chapter in the world of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle with the release of its DLC expansion, The Order of Giants. This latest adventure invites players to delve deeper into the Italian landscape, specifically the catacombs beneath Rome, where the iconic archaeologist embarks on a quest for a legendary Crusader helmet once belonging to the Nephilim giant, Gibborim. However, Indy soon finds himself entangled with a mysterious cult intent on resurrecting a long-dormant force.
Exploration and Puzzle-Solving
Returning to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle through this DLC prompted reflections on the original game. Often, tight deadlines hinder a thorough exploration of every hidden treasure and optional task scattered throughout the game. While I did stray from the main storyline occasionally, many of these side quests remained untouched, primarily due to the lack of incentive to engage with them during the primary narrative.
The Order of the Giants presents itself as a more fleshed-out side quest, complete with its own title card and a richer storyline. The concept of releasing further adventures in this format is intriguing, and one can only hope for additional DLCs that continue to expand upon this universe.
This DLC integrates seamlessly into the main game, becoming accessible after completing the Vatican level and scaling with the player’s abilities. Offering an additional four to five hours of gameplay, it features cutscenes, intricate puzzle rooms, and a formidable new boss encounter.
Having taken the time to collect books that enhance Indy’s abilities after finishing the main game significantly enriched my experience. Although enemies adjusted to match my improved skills, the added stamina and health allowed me to embody the action hero persona more effectively than in my initial playthrough.
While Indy still relies on his trusty fist and whip, this chapter emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving. Among the puzzles, two involve navigating networks, with one requiring real-time adjustments to guide a burning ball along a track to activate statues. Though the challenges are engaging, they occasionally tread the line of being overly clever, leading to moments of frustration.
The new environments primarily unfold underground, with Indy maneuvering through Rome’s famed sewer system, the Cloaca Maxima, accessed via a traversable section of the Tiber River after exploring a labyrinthine tunnel network.
Similar to the original game, the expansion suffers from the tendency to overlook optional elements that could provide substantial gameplay. Unfortunately, these valuable nuggets are often overshadowed by more mundane collectibles, which may not warrant the effort of retracing steps. A more effective system for alerting players to nearby side quests would enhance the overall experience, rather than relying on constant journal navigation.
On PC, the expansion takes advantage of graphical enhancements introduced since the original release. Running the game with an RTX 4090, the visuals achieve an almost photo-realistic quality, particularly in the interiors. Marbled floors reflect the subtle hues of their surroundings, while subterranean walls glisten with moisture, illuminated by the flickering light of a torch. The new locations in the expansion fully leverage the game’s advanced graphics capabilities.
Troy Baker continues to excel in his portrayal of Indiana Jones, capturing the essence of Harrison Ford’s iconic character with remarkable accuracy. While there are rare moments where his performance slightly misses the mark, the overall execution of the DLC embodies the spirit of Indiana Jones.
The Order of Giants DLC stands out as a commendable addition to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, delivering the thrills and excitement that fans have come to expect from this beloved franchise. With any luck, this will be just the first of many expansions to come.
