Many gamers, particularly those who grew up in the golden age of video games, harbor a certain skepticism towards titles that are based on established franchises. The history of such adaptations is littered with both missed opportunities and outright failures. From the infamous Superman 64 of the late ’90s to the more recent missteps like Suicide Squad, it seems there is no shortage of license holders eager to capitalize on beloved properties without the requisite care and attention. This is where Machine Games steps in with their upcoming title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, taking the helm of a franchise that has seen its share of mismanagement in recent years.
The original Indiana Jones trilogy, featuring Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist, not only solidified Ford’s status as a cinematic legend but also inspired a generation of creators across various media, including video games. Titles like Tomb Raider and Uncharted owe a significant debt to the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones. However, the more recent films in the franchise have struggled to recapture the magic of their predecessors, leaving fans yearning for a return to form.
Scheduled for release on December 9, 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be available exclusively on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows gaming PCs, with a PlayStation 5 version following in 2025.
Machine Games understands the essence of Indiana better than Hollywood does
In my initial hours with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I was struck by a sense of authenticity and nostalgia that has been largely absent from the franchise’s recent cinematic outings. Machine Games has taken on the formidable task of capturing the essence of Indiana Jones, and from what I have experienced so far, they seem to have succeeded admirably.
The game is set in 1937, nestled between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. True to Machine Games’ style, the antagonists are rooted in historical fascism, with the Nazi regime and Mussolini’s PNF serving as the perfect adversaries for our hero. The game opens with Indiana awakening in the familiar surroundings of Marshall College, only to find himself amidst a break-in that leads to a confrontation with a towering, leather-clad figure wreaking havoc on an exhibit.
After a rough encounter, Indiana teams up with Marcus Brodie to investigate the theft of an ancient Egyptian burial vase. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the Vatican’s archaeological commission may have a role in the mystery, prompting Indiana to embark on yet another thrilling adventure.
Machine Games has meticulously recreated Marshall College, and the voice acting by Troy Baker, channeling Harrison Ford’s iconic tones, adds a layer of depth to the experience. But what truly sets this game apart is its commitment to immersing players in the world of archaeology and investigation, elements that are quintessential to the Indiana Jones experience.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is designed to be incredibly interactive. While Machine Games is known for the high-octane action of titles like Wolfenstein, they have successfully balanced this with the core attributes that define Indiana Jones. The gameplay emphasizes investigation and exploration, ensuring that players feel engaged in a world that rewards curiosity and creativity.
From manipulating objects to deciphering manuscripts, the tactile nature of the game draws players into Indiana’s world. The first-person perspective enhances this immersion, allowing players to interact with their environment in meaningful ways. Light and shadow play pivotal roles as players navigate catacombs and military bases under the cover of darkness. The act of acquiring seemingly simple items, like a lighter, opens up new areas and puzzles, reminiscent of the metroidvania style of gameplay.
Completionists can expect around 30 hours of gameplay, filled with hidden objectives, mini-puzzles, and side quests. The demo showcased the Great Pyramid of Giza, where players can uncover secrets while contending with the Nazis’ relentless pursuit of supernatural artifacts. The puzzles are genuinely challenging, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in solving them.
If Tomb Raider is Indiana Jones as action adventure, The Great Circle is Indiana Jones as an immersive action simulator
The translation of video games to film and vice versa has often been fraught with challenges, particularly for franchises like Indiana Jones. Unlike many protagonists, Indiana is not a super soldier or a spy; he is an archaeologist equipped with little more than a bullwhip and a revolver. This premise could easily lead to a lackluster gaming experience, yet Machine Games has managed to craft a title that defies expectations.
At its core, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a stealth game that incorporates elements of immersive simulation. Players are encouraged to think creatively, utilizing the environment to their advantage while navigating combat scenarios. The game rewards ingenuity, allowing players to employ a variety of tactics to overcome obstacles and adversaries.
Combat is characterized by a blend of stealth and improvisation, with players using everyday objects as weapons. The satisfaction of dispatching foes with a shovel or a frying pan echoes the charm of the films, while sound design enhances the experience with familiar auditory cues from the original trilogy.
While combat is a significant aspect of the game, it is not the sole focus. Indiana’s iconic whip serves multiple purposes, from traversal to combat, adding layers of strategy to gameplay. The game encourages players to explore and experiment, fostering a sense of discovery that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Indiana Jones.
Despite the limited time spent with the game, it is clear that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers a rich tapestry of interactions and experiences. The design philosophy mirrors that of immersive simulation titles, allowing for dynamic and emergent gameplay that feels both cinematic and engaging.
Many questions remain
While my brief experience with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has raised numerous questions, it has also ignited excitement for the full release. The demo showcased a wealth of creative possibilities and intriguing puzzles, suggesting that this game could serve as a fitting continuation of the Indiana Jones legacy.
Though the demo had its rough edges, such as occasional graphical inconsistencies and NPC quality disparities, these are minor concerns in the grand scheme. As the game unfolds, players will likely seek additional tools and options to enhance their experience. However, these inquiries will be addressed in the full review, anticipated before the game’s launch on December 9, 2024.
If the demo reflects the final product, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle promises to be a significant addition to Xbox’s lineup, joining other anticipated titles like STALKER 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops 6. With its exclusive launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows gaming PCs, followed by a PlayStation 5 release in 2025, the game is poised to make a substantial impact in the gaming landscape.
