It has been over 10 years since Indiana Jones has found his way to gaming consoles. His last appearance was as a Lego back in 2009. MachineGames along with Bethesda Softworks and Lucafilm Games bring back the legendary character with a fresh adventure full of exciting locations, interesting quests and of course a lot of fantastical depictions of history. But was it worth the wait? Here’s our review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
**This is a Spoiler Free Review**
[Related: What is the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release Date?]
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review
Our review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle evaluates the game across four key categories: Gameplay, Graphics, Music, and Story. Let’s dive into what makes this game a standout adventure.
Gameplay
Initial concerns about the switch between first and third-person perspectives proved mostly unfounded. While it occasionally felt awkward, it generally enhanced the immersive experience of playing as Indiana Jones in what could easily be mistaken for one of his classic movies. The game feels like Uncharted, but in the way an Indiana Jones game should have always been, capturing the essence of the adventurer who inspired the modern action-adventure genre. It’s as if this game reclaims its rightful place, showing what Uncharted might have looked like if it had come after, not before.
The whip mechanics were surprisingly polished, feeling intuitive and responsive. Combat, while solid, played it safe, perhaps reflecting a commitment to the source material. The stamina bar added a layer of strategy, keeping climbing, running, and fighting tense and engaging. However, it sometimes felt overly punishing, even with in-game boosts.
Enemy encounters were challenging due to sheer numbers and firepower rather than individual difficulty. Unfortunately, boss fights fell into predictable patterns, detracting from their impact despite some unique mechanics. One was particularly memorable though due to having to fight in the dark. There was an added layer of horror that you see in most Indiana Jones movies which made for a pretty unforgettable experience.
Navigation and exploration were mixed. While the open-world design struck a balance between scope and accessibility, finding signposts occasionally left something to be desired, making travel frustrating at times.
The stealth mechanics were incredibly important and while there were some issues, for the most part this game did a great job of making stealth enjoyable. There were parts where you would wonder how in the world someone saw you or did not see you and when your partner character was running around they made a good design choice in making it so that they did not give you away.
Graphics & Maps
The visuals were generally stunning, with the Xbox Series S delivering smooth performance most of the time. Minor issues, such as transitions from cutscenes to gameplay, occasionally disrupted the flow, but these moments were rare.
Other than that, everything was beautiful and handcrafted with a lot of love and care. All of the cutscenes were amazing. The maps of the six different locations were lush and full of life, well except for one, which you will see what I am talking about when you get to that location. Whether it was the people or the scenery, it all was incredible. They even added such details to building in the areas that you only would have seen during that time period. Each of the six locations were beautifully detailed, from the bustling streets to the desolate ruins. The environments felt alive, and period-specific details added depth and authenticity.
Facial animations were particularly impressive, the emotions of characters were very visible and it really felt like you were as close as you could be to watching a movie.
Music
John Williams laid the groundwork and built a temple on it and Gordy Haab preserved it while making a few of his own additions. He did a great job throughout the game making sure to mix in themes you knew and ones that felt as Indiana Jones as you could get.
Between the subtle horns and flowing string with the percussion allowing you the feel the impactful moments, the music of this game will not be one that I will forget anytime soon.
I do not blame Gordy Habb for this but I would have loved even more of the main theme for Indiana Jones. It is perfectly strewn throughout but a few moments felt like they could have used even more of the original theme.
Story & Missions
The story feels like it could have been one of the original trilogy movies, paying perfect homage to them. Not only are many characters from those films referenced, but some play significant roles in the narrative without ever appearing on-screen. This fits seamlessly into the overarching Indiana Jones timeline as the game explores the reasons behind some events from the movies. If you’ve watched all the films, even the newer ones, you’ll recognize these connections. The game also hints at Indy’s future, showing how the decisions he makes here lead to the life he’s about to live.
Returning to the Nazis as the main villains was a fantastic choice. Everyone hates them, and it feels satisfying to fight, beat, or even kill them. The game does an excellent job highlighting the geopolitical tensions of the prelude to World War II. Without spoiling too much, the Axis powers are already plotting in 1937, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle immerses you in the ominous atmosphere of what’s to come.
The quests and sub-missions, called Fieldwork, can feel confusing at first but are incredibly important. I wish the game had emphasized how essential they are to driving the story early on. In the three major areas, these missions allow you to not only explore the regions more deeply but also uncover details that enrich the main story. They fill in many blanks without detracting from the central narrative.
The side quests, while mostly skippable, offer a few gems. I would have liked to go back and finish some but ran out of time. Fortunately, the game allows you to revisit areas after completing the main story, making it possible to tie up loose ends or explore missed content.
We’ve touched on the story repeatedly, but it’s worth emphasizing that this is a new Indiana Jones epic. The game takes around 10 to 20 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle. At its core, the plot begins with an encounter that sets Indy on a journey to uncover why it happened. It’s the quintessential Indiana Jones adventure, full of mystery, action, and intrigue where he inserts himself into something that maybe he could have stayed out of.
Most of the new characters are fantastic and the ones from the previous movies are given their time to shine. The villain stands out as particularly intriguing, far surpassing the less memorable antagonists of the past 20 years. Gina’s character arc felt underdeveloped, strong at first but losing momentum as the story progressed. I would have loved to see her doing a bit more and finding her own identity, but it felt lost at times, especially after one very impactful scene.
One standout character is Dame Nawal, whom you meet about halfway through the game. Intelligent and grounded, she provides a much-needed balance to the story, making every scene she’s in compelling and engaging.
The story takes you across the globe while keeping the narrative tightly connected—a remarkable feat considering the six vastly different locations. The way The Great Circle ties Indiana Jones’ mission of saving the world to the historical events leading to World War II is nothing short of incredible.
I could go on, but I fear spoiling the experience. The ending is as Indiana Jones as it gets, blending mystical, mythical, and religious elements with plenty of excitement. Add a dash of romance and introspection, and you’ve got Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
“Fortune & glory kid. Fortune & glory”
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was well worth the wait and brings you into a world where myths and the unknown still played a major part in people’s lives. Troy Baker should win awards for his portrayal of Indiana Jones as it feels like Harrison Ford himself is voicing our hero.
There are very few complaints about this game. Especially with how many AAA games feel incomplete or lacking in the story department, Indiana Jones offers an incredible experience with a well-rounded and enjoyable story with very little of the game feeling like it did not get enough attention.
As a self-admitted history nut and major Indiana Jones fan I was worried that this would be another forgettable attempt to bring back one of the legendary adventurers in fiction but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle only adds to his legacy.
I do not know if there will be another Indiana Jones game made by MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks but all I know is that once the credits rolled, I was ready for another Indiana Jones lead adventure.
Final Rating
9/10
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