Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review: A Unique Blend of Acquired Taste and Timeless Adventure Classic

Mention Indiana Jones, and people immediately think of a few distinct images. Some envision him as the brilliant professor, delving into history’s secrets and unraveling ancient mysteries. Others picture action-filled escapades: the iconic whip crack, outsmarting opponents, and the audacity to take down a Nazi atop a moving tank. Both perspectives are spot on, capturing the dual essence of Indy. However, translating this complex character into video games poses a unique challenge.

Take James Bond, a direct influence on Indy’s film adventures. GoldenEye 64 is universally loved, hailed for its nostalgic value. But at its core, it’s a 90s DOOM-like experience sprinkled with spy elements. Video games tend to focus on action and explosions, naturally sidelining other aspects of such characters. Indy faces a similar dilemma; his multifaceted personality makes it tough to encapsulate him fully in gaming. Historically, he’s either been the hero of action games or the star of adventure games, never truly merging the two.

That’s where Indiana Jones and the Great Circle changes the game. Its greatest feat isn’t merely being among the top licensed games in recent memory but in genuinely capturing Indiana Jones in totality—adventurer, scholar, charmer, action hero. This achievement crafts a game I’d call a resounding classic.

I suspect this game will spark diverse opinions. While reviewing, I typically avoid letting others’ views sway me, yet here, it’s clear: some players will be thrilled, while others might find its appeal lacking. Your enjoyment hinges on your gaming preferences. If you’re someone who delights in exploring details and savoring what MachineGames has crafted, you’re in for an extraordinary experience.

At its heart, the game defies easy classification. It draws on elements from immersive sims’ explorative nature, Hitman’s improvisation, a dash of Riddick’s flavor, and echoes of MachineGames’ work on Wolfenstein. Ultimately, it’s a captivating blend of genres, delivering both a familiar and refreshing experience, steeped in the Indiana Jones lore we know and love.

The game structure is straightforward yet inviting: you’re dropped into sprawling zones like Vatican City or the Pyramids of Gizeh. Here, Dr. Jones is free to roam. Each area offers a wealth of activities, prominently marked story missions, and the deeply rewarding moments when you wander off the main path to fully explore.

Each zone bustles with opportunities—discovering artifacts, solving puzzles, lending a hand to the occasional NPC. You can infiltrate fascists’ bases to score upgrade books and cash. The latter buys books from unique vendors, enriching your map to uncover collectibles, which are crucial for activating the upgrade books. Alternatively, you might just let your instincts guide you. This web of interlinked content makes each zone richly rewarding.

During my explorations, I sometimes stumbled into key story moments ahead of time. Often, a puzzle I assumed was a side task proved essential to the narrative. Any game letting you accidentally advance the story through sheer exploratory zeal and puzzle-solving gets a nod from me.

With the first zone explored, the game’s rhythm quickly drew me in. I found myself darting across Vatican City, adopting a priest’s disguise, evading detection, incapacitating foes, and occasionally getting into fights. Fleeing was sometimes necessary, but it felt right. Despite access to guns being easy, though limited, six to seven hours passed before I fired one. This restraint in gameplay feels authentically true to Indiana Jones’ character.

This game’s standout success lies in achieving an authentic Indiana Jones experience. Many licensed games aim to make players feel like iconic characters—be it James Bond, a Jedi, or Batman. But few live up to that promise as remarkably as The Great Circle. It channels the spirit of Indiana Jones as the Arkham games do for Batman, seamlessly blending gameplay with Indiana’s many facets.

In Arkham, Batman’s detective prowess is celebrated in a game focused on combat. Conversely, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle prioritize adventurer, then brawler. It emerges as the biggest-budget adventure puzzle game yet. Many hours may pass in exploration without combat—although some stealthy takedowns are necessary—as you uncover secrets and feel clever solving puzzles crafted to challenge you.

The game’s design shines through its puzzle mechanics and adjustable difficulty. Players can choose separate levels for combat and puzzle challenges. Whether you prefer tough battles with easy riddles or the opposite, the game accommodates. It allows you to experience Indiana Jones in a way that matches your personal nostalgia.

No matter which difficulty settings you choose, the puzzles remain clever and fulfilling. The difficulty only adjusts how much assistance the game offers. Those who dislike abrupt hints will appreciate this option. The camera Indy gains early on becomes a pivotal tool: when stuck, snapping photographs can slowly unlock verbal hints, ensuring players in various mindsets find satisfaction.

However, it wouldn’t be fair not to address the game’s combat—a bit of a chink in the armor. First-person melee combat is tricky, and this game doesn’t significantly alter that trend. It’s engaging enough, most so when you’re grabbing improvised weapons to dispatch foes. Yet, it often promotes avoiding trouble altogether.

Even that avoidance is a puzzle. Disguises, essential for stealth, are genuinely hidden, discovered only through brave exploration as Indy. Trusting players with such discovery shows an uncommon faith in players, especially in a high-profile title.

The stealth mechanics complement this design well, even if enemy awareness in recognizing Indy could be tweaked. This perceptiveness, though, adds to the overall cinematic feel. Indy’s character, prone to scrapes but triumphing with charm and wit, blends perfectly with the unpredictability woven into stealth and combat.

Once that vibe clicks for you, the game’s rhythm is effortless. It’s easy to lose track of time, suddenly finding yourself engrossed until the wee hours. But who can fault such immersion? From traversing diverse global locations (more plentiful than you’d expect) to cracking new puzzles and secrets, it’s like being in a thrilling treasure hunt. The richness of content is rewarding, yet never overwhelming, making time slip away like magic.

Calling this game ‘magic’ might seem cliche, yet it fits Indiana Jones. The films mix mysticism and cinematic wonder. Here, the game echoes that sense of enchantment, embracing a quintessentially “video gamey” nature in a delightfully fitting way.

The playful, larger-than-life elements sync with the adventurous spirit of the films. Costume changes or whimsical puzzle solutions feel just right, fitting Indiana’s world. This blend of authenticity and artistic freedom exemplifies video gaming’s potential to truly honor Indiana Jones’ legacy.

In making this adaptation, MachineGames poured dedication into their craft. Accurately recreating the 1930s, as interpreted in 1980s cinema, calls for meticulous research. Reanimating the iconic Indiana Jones character, capturing a prime Harrison Ford, is handled with finesse.

Notably, Troy Baker as Indy deserves acclaim. While reminiscent of Ford, his take is more than mimicry—it’s a nuanced performance. Baker’s thoughtful portrayal respects Indiana’s narrative journey and complements the game’s compelling storyline, supported by striking visuals and engaging dynamics.

Yet, I’ll admit this experience might not resonate with all players. It isn’t a universally appealing masterpiece suited to everyone. Based on what I’ve shared, you might already sense if it’s your kind of adventure. If it is, you’ll find yourself returning to one of the year’s standout games repeatedly.

Occasionally, a game catches you off guard, surprising with its depth and charm. As a fan of Indiana Jones (especially the initial trilogy), my curiosity was piqued from the start. I expected a diversionary blockbuster, something fun but fleeting. However, the impact of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is profound, affirming it will linger in my thoughts long after.

Mark your calendars: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle hits PC, Xbox, and Game Pass on December 9, with a PlayStation 5 release scheduled for Spring 2025. This review is based on the PC version provided by the publisher.