Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Indiana Jones, an amazing story, in an amazing format (videogames).

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, made by MachineGames and brought out by Bethesda, hit the shelves on December 9, 2024, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X. This first-person action-adventure game lets players step into the well-known shoes of Dr. Indiana Jones, who sets off on a global mission to stop Nazi foes from grabbing a powerful artifact.

The game cleverly mixes exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, much like classic Indiana Jones tales. Gamers explore different places, from the lively streets of Cairo to the mysterious halls of the Vatican. They find hidden treasures and solve complex puzzles. Indy’s famous whip helps in moving around and fighting, making the game world feel alive. Stealth is key, with choices for non-lethal takedowns and disguises to avoid enemies' eyes. But some critics pointed out that hand-to-hand combat can be hit-or-miss, sometimes feeling too easy or too hard without a middle ground.

Set between "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Last Crusade," the story shows Dr. Jones and reporter Gina Lombardi facing Emmerich Voss, a Nazi officer hunting for occult powers for Hitler. The plot is made richer with great dialogues and strong acting, especially Troy Baker’s take on Indiana Jones, capturing the heart of the beloved explorer.

The game’s locations are carefully crafted, offering large, open areas that invite players to explore. The attention to detail in making historical places adds to the immersive feel, making players feel like they really are Indiana Jones. However, some reviews mentioned that the game’s focus on cinematic scenes sometimes takes away control from players, making it a bit more guided.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle got mostly good reviews and a solid Metacritic score. IGN gave it a 9/10, calling it “an irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt, and far and away the best Indy story this century.” TheGamer praised its closeness to the original movies, saying it’s “a globetrotting adventure worthy of the Indiana Jones title.” Yet, some feedback pointed to issues with the combat and the mix between movie-like scenes and player control.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle captures the essence of the famous series, delivering a gripping story, fun puzzles, and a believable world. Though some parts, like combat and player control, could be better, the game is a standout in the action-adventure genre. Fans and newcomers alike can enjoy an exciting journey with the legendary archaeologist.