Bethesda and MachineGames are taking on the iconic Indiana Jones franchise with a high-budget adaptation that looks as good as it plays.
Indiana Jones might not hold the same cultural status as Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings, but his legacy has had a lasting impact on video game history.
From Tomb Raider to Uncharted, countless games featuring ancient temples and hidden treasures owe a debt to Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.
Although the Lego adaptations have been entertaining, a truly great action title based on his adventures has been elusive.
However, the point-and-click LucasArts games from the early ’90s, especially Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992), remain fan favorites, often considered more enjoyable than recent films.
Now, after spending around three hours with MachineGames’ latest project, The Great Circle, it’s safe to say that the long-standing Indiana Jones game “curse” has finally been broken.
The Great Circle stands as both a faithful adaptation of the film series and a strong game in its own right.
The Great Circle embodies the signature style of MachineGames, a developer known for its story-rich first-person shooters with small open-world environments.
In these settings, players can interact with characters, complete side quests, and take on missions, as seen in titles like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness.
Their work on the Wolfenstein games follows a similar structure, and The Great Circle is no different. In the three segments we experienced, the game opens with a thrilling scene where Indy catches an intruder stealing an artifact at Marshall College.
The setting captures the film’s atmosphere beautifully, from the familiar look of the college to Troy Baker’s impressive portrayal of Indiana Jones, whose voice work, though not a perfect mimic of Harrison Ford, quickly immerses players in the role.
Despite initial concerns about The Great Circle being a first-person game, MachineGames’ expertise shines, and the experience feels natural.
Certain actions, like climbing, switch to a third-person perspective, and numerous cutscenes add a cinematic touch, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the realm of simple arcade gameplay.
The first section acts as a tutorial, guiding players through combat basics, which are straightforward but engaging.
The whip, iconic to Indy, functions as a grappling hook, while combat involves picking up nearby objects, from bottles to frying pans, to fight off enemies, including Nazis. Classic sound effects, like the iconic Lucasfilm punch, add to the nostalgic thrill.
The second part of the demo takes place in Vatican City, where Indy meets a priest ally while evading fascist guards.
Stealth plays a significant role here, with players encouraged to knock out or avoid enemies.
The game’s stealth mechanics require players to move bodies and carefully choose their targets, adding complexity to the approach.
Going through desks and drawers reveals items for skill upgrades—some skill points are linked to books Indy finds, including one allowing a quick recovery if Indy’s hat is replaced after being knocked down. Other upgrades enhance health, power, and melee moves, adding depth to gameplay.
Each area includes optional side quests and hidden secrets. In the Vatican, Indy’s camera works like the scanner in Metroid Prime, allowing players to photograph important areas and gather clues.
This tool becomes especially useful in the third section, set in Egypt. In this expansive open-world area around a Nazi excavation site near the Sphinx, Indy can roam freely in disguise, engaging in side quests and forming alliances.
As he searches for ancient Egyptian stelae, Indy’s adventures echo the feel of Raiders of the Lost Ark without overloading on nostalgic callbacks.
Visually, The Great Circle is stunning and brimming with small touches that make it clear no expense was spared in development.
Classic Indiana Jones elements, like shadows cast on walls and creepy critters, add authenticity to the adventure. Fans and newcomers alike are likely to enjoy the gameplay, but the success of the puzzle mechanics remains to be seen.
While not as intricate as Fate of Atlantis, the puzzles in The Great Circle demand more thought than typical blockbuster titles, avoiding excessive guidance and ensuring players are challenged.
MachineGames has a stellar track record, and The Great Circle feels like a promising evolution of their style.
Although the franchise’s reputation took a hit with the latest film, The Great Circle could redeem Indiana Jones in the gaming world and, potentially, set a new standard for faithful cinematic adaptations, challenging even Alien: Isolation for the title of most authentic movie adaptation.
