The holiday season is bringing a wave of excitement with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, arguably one of the most anticipated gaming titles of the year. Developed by Sweden’s Machine Games and published by Microsoft’s Bethesda Softworks, the game is set to launch on December 8 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 5 release scheduled for spring 2025. Alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, it’s a critical addition to Microsoft’s lineup this season, combining stealth, action, story, and exploration for a rich gaming experience.
A Machine Games Adventure
Machine Games, known for their acclaimed Wolfenstein series, might seem like an unconventional choice for a family-friendly Indiana Jones title. However, the team has embraced the challenge, promising a game that aligns with the franchise’s iconic tone, balancing action and humor. Jens Andersson, a designer at Machine Games, emphasized their focus on creating a true Indiana Jones adventure, steering away from their traditional shooter mechanics.
Story and Setting
The game’s narrative takes place in 1937, nestled between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). It follows archaeologist Indiana Jones, voiced by Troy Baker, as he uncovers the mystery of the Great Circle—a series of interconnected global sites forming a perfect circle when mapped.
Indy teams up with Gina Lombardi (voiced by Alessandra Mastronardi), an Italian investigative reporter searching for her missing sister. Together, they race against rival archaeologist Emmerich Voss (Marios Gavrilis), who works with the Nazis to exploit the Great Circle's secrets.
The story hops across iconic locations, including Rome, Egypt, Thailand, Shanghai, and the Himalayas. Players experience gameplay through a mix of first-person exploration and third-person cinematic moments, immersing them in a world of puzzles, combat, and intrigue.
Gameplay Mechanics
Players wield Indy’s signature whip to stun enemies, navigate obstacles, and solve puzzles. Stealth mechanics allow for sneaking past guards, while direct combat lets players engage enemies with combos and parrying. A range of tools, such as Gina’s camera and Indy’s journal, enriches the experience. The journal evolves as players collect clues, creating a detailed archive of their journey.
Exploration is key, with adventure books, hidden lore, and completionist points adding depth. Disguises and strategic thinking play a role in evading detection, reminiscent of the Hitman series.
Preview Highlights
I explored two major levels: a Vatican heist in Rome and an adventure near the pyramids of Gizeh.
Rome and the Vatican: The mission involved navigating Castel Sant’Angelo to reach the Vatican via stealth and vertical traversal. Using the whip to scale walls and outwit guards was a highlight. The level felt linear but atmospheric, with detailed environments evoking 1937.
Egypt and the Pyramids: Set near the Great Pyramids, this level offered a broader map with a bustling marketplace and Nazi encampments. The mission combined stealth, puzzle-solving, and combat in underground environments. Disguises added an element of strategy, as suspicious enemies heightened the challenge.
Attention to Detail
Machine Games has painstakingly recreated the 1930s world of Indiana Jones, down to chalkboards, vintage maps, and relics. The environments feel authentic, immersing players in the era. Jens Andersson highlighted the extensive research involved in capturing this period, ensuring fans feel like they’re stepping into Indy’s world.
Final Thoughts
While the preview offered only a glimpse of the game, it left a strong impression. Some rollercoaster set pieces, a hallmark of the series, weren’t showcased, but the trailers suggest these thrilling moments are present. The game’s structure supports varied playstyles, with plenty of content for completionists.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle pays homage to its roots while drawing inspiration from games like Uncharted and Tomb Raider, which themselves were influenced by the original Indiana Jones. Fans of action-adventure games will find much to enjoy here. Mark your calendars—it’s an adventure worth embarking on.
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