REVIEW: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Few franchises are as iconic as Indiana Jones. The whip-cracking archaeologist has captured the love of audiences for decades with daring escapes, ancient mysteries, and a trademark mix of wit and grit. MachineGames, the studio behind the fantastic Wolfenstein series, faced the monumental task of bringing this beloved character into the modern gaming era. With Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, they have not only met expectations but exceeded them, delivering a thrilling, unforgettable experience that stands toe-to-toe with the original film trilogy.

Story

Set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game sees Indy on the trail of an artefact stolen from the Marshall College museum. The trail leads him to the Vatican, where he finds that the theft is connected to a Catholic conspiracy, Italian Fascists, and the Nazis. As for ‘The Great Circle’? It’s not an artefact as much as a map of mysterious sites connected through a perfect circle around the globe. All in, it’s quite the globetrotting escapade and a great addition to the stellar Indy adventures of all.

The script is a triumph, filled with sharp dialogue and genuine character depth. Troy Baker delivers a masterful performance as Indiana, capturing the sharp wit and world-weariness of Harrison Ford’s portrayal while adding his own nuance. Baker’s delivery makes Jones feel alive, especially during interactions with the rest of the game’s cast, including a feisty art historian and a morally ambiguous rival treasure hunter. The stakes are personal and global, with moments of quiet introspection balanced by exhilarating set pieces that rival anything seen in the films.

MachineGames has woven a narrative that doesn’t just evoke nostalgia but builds upon the legend of Indiana Jones in meaningful ways. Fans of the series will relish the nods to the films, while newcomers will find a story that’s accessible yet richly layered.

Gameplay

If the story is the heart of The Great Circle, the gameplay is its beating pulse. MachineGames has cleverly blended exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat to create a well-rounded experience. Each of the game’s semi-open-world areas, such as Vatican City or the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, invites players to channel their inner archaeologist. These locations aren’t just set dressing; they’re intricately designed playgrounds brimming with secrets, collectibles, and environmental storytelling. Every corner urges exploration, whether it’s uncovering a hidden mural in a crypt or piecing together clues from ancient manuscripts.

The puzzles strike a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. Using Indy’s trusty whip, players can swing across chasms, activate levers, or disarm traps, all while deciphering clues to unlock the next piece of the mystery. Combat, meanwhile, is punchy and dynamic. The hand-to-hand brawls feel visceral, with each punch landing with satisfying weight, and the gunplay, while secondary to exploration, is tight and responsive. The whip adds a unique flair to encounters, allowing for disarms, grappling enemies, and creative environmental takedowns.

What truly sets the gameplay apart, however, is the way it captures the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re outrunning a crumbling temple or sneaking through enemy lines under moonlight, every moment feels like stepping into the boots of Indiana Jones himself. It’s a testament to MachineGames’ understanding of what makes this character’s escapades so enjoyable.

Visuals

Visually, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is nothing short of stunning. Running at a smooth 60fps on the Xbox Series X, the game utilises ray-tracing technology to deliver lighting effects that are, at times, jaw-dropping. From the way sunlight filters through stained glass in Vatican City to the flickering torchlight illuminating an ancient catacomb, the attention to detail is extraordinary. Each environment feels alive, rich with texture and atmosphere, pulling players deeper into the world.

Character models are equally impressive. Indiana himself is rendered with incredible detail, from the weathered leather of his jacket to the faint lines of weariness on his face. NPCs are equally well-crafted, with expressive animations that bring their personalities to life. The voice acting, spearheaded by Troy Baker’s uncanny portrayal of Jones, elevates the experience further. The dialogue feels natural and the performances add depth to the characters, particularly during emotionally charged scenes.

Special mention must be made of the set pieces. One standout moment involves navigating a crumbling aqueduct as water cascades around you, with the dynamic lighting and fluid physics creating a spectacle that’s as nerve-wracking as it is beautiful. These sequences demonstrate the power of modern gaming hardware, pushing the Xbox Series X to its limits while maintaining impeccable performance.

Conclusion

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a triumph. MachineGames has crafted a game that not only captures the magic of the films but expands upon it, delivering a story, gameplay, and visual experience that feels both fresh and timeless. The semi-open-world design encourages exploration in a way that feels natural and rewarding, while the stunning visuals and superb voice acting immerse players in an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones himself.

This is a game that celebrates the joy of discovery, the thrill of danger, and the power of storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, The Great Circle is a must-play and easily one of the best games of 2024. MachineGames has truly outdone themselves, and for that, we can only tip our fedoras in admiration.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Pricing & Availability

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC and is coming to PS5 in early 2025. The title is also available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers but, if you want to pick it up on its own, pricing starts from €69.99 on Steam.