It’s been quite some time since we last saw Indiana Jones cracking his whip in a video game, but Bethesda is bringing him back in style with The Great Circle. This isn’t just another action game with Indy slapped on the cover. This time, you are Indy. MachineGames has taken the bold leap of crafting a first-person adventure that promises a modern spin on the franchise. So, does it soar like Raiders of the Lost Ark, or does it fumble like Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Let’s dig in.
A forgotten chapter between adventures
First, let’s clear something up. The Great Circle isn’t just a game, it feels like a brand-new entry in the movie franchise. Set right after the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark, it’s best described as one of Indy’s “lost adventures.” By choosing this period, the developers have captured Indiana Jones in the prime of his career, and it shows. It feels like stepping into his world during his most iconic years.
Fans of the original films will be thrilled to experience the opening moments, where you replay one of the legendary scenes from Raiders through Indy’s eyes. It sets the tone perfectly for the journey ahead.
The story itself, which I’ll avoid spoiling too much, revolves around stolen artifacts, breathtaking locations, intense puzzles, and countless hidden secrets. It stands out as one of the game’s greatest strengths, feeling more like a true Indiana Jones movie more than just a game, which is a massive compliment. The voice cast plays a big role in this. While Harrison Ford doesn’t return, Troy Baker does a fantastic job as Indy. At times, I had to double-check if it wasn’t Ford himself.
A special shout-out goes to Tony Todd, who opens the game as a towering villain. His performance is a highlight and a fitting tribute to the actor, who sadly passed away recently. Seeing his legacy honored in such a way is genuinely moving. If you’re a fan of the classic films, the humor, action, and pacing will feel like a love letter to the series.
Travel the world
An Indiana Jones game wouldn’t be complete without globetrotting, and The Great Circle delivers. You’ll visit a variety of locations, from the Vatican to lush jungles and scorching deserts. And yes, you’ll follow that iconic red line on a map as your plane travels from one destination to the next. It doesn’t get more classic than that.
What makes these environments special is how they’re more than just backdrops. Each location ties into the gameplay in meaningful ways. In the Vatican, you’ll hunt for mysterious puzzles with your trusty camera, while other areas have you navigating pitch-black corridors with a small but effective light. The gameplay variety is directly tied to where you are, and it keeps things fresh throughout the adventure.
The visuals are a real highlight. Every area is beautifully detailed, and seeing it all through Indy’s eyes in first-person adds to the immersion. The world truly feels alive, and even though there are occasional visual hiccups, they didn’t distract me too much. The mix of first-person gameplay and cinematic cutscenes strikes a great balance, constantly reminding you that you really are Indy.
Exploration is also a joy. Many of the more open-world sections invite you to dig deeper, uncovering hidden items and side quests. Taking your time to thoroughly explore each location is highly rewarding. For example, taking a detour might lead you to discover an underground boxing match. These little moments show the developers’ love for detail and make the game feel like a truly authentic Indiana Jones adventure.
Stealth or guns
While exploration and clever environmental puzzles are the main focus, combat does play a role. It’s important to note that Indy isn’t Batman. He’s more of a scrappy survivor than a powerhouse when it comes to fighting. You’ll often use makeshift melee weapons like hammers, candlesticks, or even metal rods to take down enemies. However, these aren’t always available, so stealth is often the smarter approach. Sneaking past enemies is usually more practical than trying to fight them head-on.
Of course, Indy’s iconic whip plays a role. In exploration, it’s used to swing across gaps, pull levers, or reach higher platforms. In combat, it’s more of a utility tool to briefly stun enemies or fend off threats like aggressive dogs. While some may find its use in combat a bit limited, I appreciated that it wasn’t overpowered. It felt true to the character, keeping combat grounded in Indy’s resourceful nature.
For those who prefer more direct approaches, guns are an option. MachineGames, known for their Wolfenstein series, brings their experience with first-person shooting here, and the weapons feel responsive and satisfying. That said, I found myself avoiding guns as much as possible. Indy rarely uses firearms in the films, and it just didn’t feel quite right to lean on them too heavily. For me, the challenge of sneaking or improvising with found objects was much more fitting for the character.
Small hiccups
As much as I loved the game, it’s not without its flaws. Enemy AI can feel inconsistent at times. Up close, enemies sometimes look a bit off, and their behavior isn’t always realistic. On normal difficulty, sneaking past them can feel a little too easy. Combat, while enjoyable, took some time to grow on me. The first-person melee system feels slightly clunky at first, and I had trouble adjusting to the rhythm of it. It does get better with time, but it never quite became my favorite aspect of the game. There are also occasional visual bugs, particularly when the game shifts between first-person and third-person perspectives during certain puzzles or exploration segments. While these moments don’t ruin the experience, they can briefly take you out of the immersion, which is a shame given how well the rest of the game pulls you in. That being said, the rest of the game is so strong and offers so much greatness that you easily look past these small hiccups.
Conclusion:
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle feels like a worthy entry in the iconic franchise as it combines everything that made the original movies so much fun with a thrilling first-person adventure game. It’s one of those games that I couldn’t put down and I simply enjoyed every second of it, even with its minor hiccups, this game is one you need to play for sure.
