Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: An In-Depth Review

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, has been one of the most anticipated titles in recent years. Combining classic Indiana Jones storytelling with immersive first-person gameplay, this action-adventure game delivers a cinematic experience worthy of the legendary archaeologist. Released in December 2024 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 5 version expected in Spring 2025, The Great Circle is an homage to fans of the franchise and action-adventure enthusiasts alike.

In this article, we explore every facet of the game—from its engaging narrative and stunning visuals to gameplay mechanics, environments, and overall experience. Let’s uncover whether Indiana Jones and the Great Circle succeeds in capturing the magic of Indy.

1. Story and Setting

A Classic Indy Adventure. Set in 1937, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle takes place between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The developers have created an original story that aligns perfectly with the tone and style of the films, offering an epic, globe-trotting adventure. Players take on the role of Indiana Jones as he investigates ancient sites that form a mysterious geometric pattern, the “Great Circle,” spanning the globe.

The narrative wastes no time in introducing the stakes. A shadowy faction, led by the Nazis, seeks to unlock the secrets of the Great Circle, believing it holds untold power. Indy’s goal is clear—to uncover the truth behind these ancient sites while ensuring their secrets don’t fall into the wrong hands.

The Mystery of the Great Circle

The Great Circle is a fascinating and mysterious concept. It ties together multiple ancient sites—each based on real-world archaeological locations—that form a perfect circle when mapped. This intriguing premise adds a sense of wonder and urgency to the plot as players piece together clues to reveal the secrets of the circle.

Key Locations in the Game

The game is truly global, taking players to diverse and beautifully rendered environments:

• The Vatican – Players explore underground catacombs, crypts, and hidden chambers within one of the most iconic locations in history. Rich with detail and atmosphere, this section blends exploration with religious and historical lore.
• Thailand – Dense jungles and ancient temples set the stage for deadly traps and intricate puzzles. The overgrown ruins feel alive, with dynamic wildlife and treacherous pathways.
• Egypt – Indy ventures into long-forgotten tombs beneath the sand. These segments feature labyrinthine corridors, hieroglyph puzzles, and traps reminiscent of classic Indiana Jones films.
• Shanghai – A stark contrast to the ancient sites, Shanghai is fast-paced and vibrant. Here, players experience thrilling chase sequences through the crowded urban environment, blending stealth and action.

The combination of real-world inspiration and fictional embellishments creates a sense of authenticity while keeping the mystery fresh and engaging.

2. Gameplay Mechanics

Exploration: The Joy of Discovery

Exploration is the heart of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game rewards players for their curiosity, encouraging them to interact with the environment and uncover hidden secrets. Whether you’re using Indy’s whip to swing across ravines or carefully prying open ancient chests, every corner feels ripe for discovery.

The whip is one of the standout mechanics. It serves multiple functions:

• Traversal: Swing over gaps, pull down obstacles, and access hard-to-reach areas.
• Combat: Disarm enemies, stun foes, or trip them up during fights.
• Puzzle Solving: Activate levers or retrieve distant objects.

The whip’s versatility ensures it remains an integral part of gameplay, not just a gimmick.

Puzzles and Traps: Engaging Challenges

MachineGames has done an excellent job designing puzzles that challenge players without being overly frustrating. Players must observe their surroundings, manipulate ancient mechanisms, and solve riddles to progress. Traps are equally well-implemented, keeping players on their toes with rolling boulders, spike pits, and pressure-sensitive platforms.

Examples of puzzles include:

• Hieroglyph Matching: Decipher ancient scripts to unlock doors.
• Light and Shadow: Use mirrors or torches to direct light onto specific symbols.
• Environmental Manipulation: Rearrange objects in the environment to create pathways or open hidden chambers.

The combination of puzzles and traps delivers an experience that feels quintessentially Indiana Jones.

Combat System: Balance Between Action and Stealth

While exploration and puzzles take center stage, combat provides a welcome layer of excitement. The game employs a mix of first-person shooting and melee combat:

• Revolver and Tools: Indy’s revolver is reliable for quick, precise shots. Players can also use improvised tools, like torches or debris, during combat.
• Whip Tactics: Disarm enemies, pull them closer, or trip them up to gain the upper hand.
• Stealth: Players can opt for a quieter approach, sneaking behind enemies for takedowns or avoiding encounters altogether.

The combat may not be as deep as some dedicated shooters, but it fits well within the game’s overall design philosophy.

3. Graphics and Visuals

The visuals in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are nothing short of breathtaking. MachineGames uses a modified id Tech engine to deliver environments and character models that are both realistic and highly detailed.

Environmental Design

Each location feels alive, thanks to meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the flickering torchlight in the Vatican’s catacombs or the lush greenery of Thailand’s jungles, the environments are immersive and atmospheric.

• Dynamic Weather and Lighting: Changing weather conditions and time-of-day effects add to the realism. Sunlight pierces through temple cracks, while torchlight creates dynamic shadows.
• Interactive Environments: Players can interact with destructible objects, levers, and gears, making exploration feel rewarding.

Character Design

Indiana Jones is rendered with exceptional detail. His iconic outfit—fedora, leather jacket, and whip—is instantly recognizable, while facial expressions bring Indy’s character to life. Supporting characters, including villains and allies, are equally well-designed.

4. Sound Design and Voice Acting

Sound plays a significant role in immersing players in Indy’s world.

• Music: John Williams’ classic Indiana Jones theme makes a triumphant return, accompanied by original orchestral tracks that elevate the game’s emotional highs and tense moments.
• Voice Acting: Troy Baker’s performance as Indiana Jones is pitch-perfect. He balances humor, wit, and grit, capturing the essence of the beloved character. Supporting characters, including villains, are voiced with equal care.
• Sound Effects: Environmental sounds—like creaking wood, distant whispers, and the crack of Indy’s whip—add to the tension and atmosphere.

5. Immersive Environments

The environments are more than just backdrops—they are integral to the gameplay and narrative. Each location is filled with rich visual storytelling:

• Vatican: Crypts and catacombs reveal long-forgotten secrets hidden beneath centuries of history.
• Thailand: Overgrown temples teem with wildlife, deadly traps, and mystical carvings.
• Egypt: Labyrinthine tombs test players’ skills with traps and environmental puzzles.
• Shanghai: The city’s narrow alleys and rooftops offer thrilling chases and stealth opportunities.

6. Replayability and Collectibles

Replayability is one of the game’s strongest aspects.

• Collectibles: Hidden artifacts, journals, and relics encourage players to explore every nook and cranny.
• Alternative Routes: Levels offer multiple paths, allowing players to approach challenges in different ways.
• Difficulty Options: Higher difficulties add new challenges, including tougher enemies and more complex puzzles.

7. Performance and Technical Aspects

The game runs smoothly across all platforms, with excellent optimization for modern hardware. Highlights include:

• 4K and Ray Tracing: High-resolution visuals with realistic lighting effects.
• 60 FPS Performance Mode: Stable frame rates ensure smooth gameplay.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Immersive and engaging narrative that captures the spirit of Indiana Jones.
• Stunning visuals and meticulously designed environments.
• Challenging and satisfying puzzles with clever traps.
• High replayability with collectibles and alternative routes.
• Excellent sound design and voice acting, led by Troy Baker.

Cons:

• Combat mechanics, while functional, lack depth compared to other action games.
• Occasional pacing issues in longer exploration sections.
• Limited variety of enemy types, leading to some repetitive encounters.

8. Final Verdict

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle successfully captures the essence of the Indiana Jones franchise. Its combination of exploration, puzzles, and narrative-driven gameplay makes it a standout title in the action-adventure genre.