Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Review

December 9, 2024 Off By Markus Norat

For as long as I can remember, Indiana Jones has always held a special place in my heart and imagination, as the Indiana Jones game for the Super Nintendo (title: Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures) was one of the games I played the most on my beloved 16-bit console when I was a kid. The film series’ combination of action, mystery, and exploration never lost its shine for me, and the SNES game followed the storyline of the films exactly. So when Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was announced, I admit I was torn between excitement and caution. After all, adapting such an iconic figure from film and video games is no easy task. However, after spending hours immersing myself in this incredibly detailed and immersive world, I can safely say that the game’s producer not only captured the essence of Indiana Jones, but also delivered one of the coolest games of the year. Let’s break down this experience in detail.

Mechanics and Gameplay

The heart of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is its gameplay. From the very first moment, I felt like I was controlling Dr. Jones himself, and that’s a rare compliment in adaptations of iconic franchises. The game is in first person, a choice that initially seemed strange to me, but which turned out to be one of the game’s greatest achievements. This perspective not only increases immersion but also makes each discovery personal and visceral.

Exploration is the game’s highlight. The main areas, such as the Vatican and the Pyramids of Giza, are vast, rich in detail, and absolutely fascinating to explore. Every corner seems to hide secrets, and the puzzles are wonderfully challenging. They require careful observation, logical reasoning, and a good dose of creativity. At one point, I found myself photographing ancient inscriptions and scribbling notes in a real notebook to solve a particularly intricate puzzle. This interaction with the game world transported me straight into the Indiana Jones universe.

The melee-focused combat is simple but satisfying. Each punch has weight, and the distinctive sound of the blows is a nostalgic treat. The use of improvised weapons – such as hammers, brooms and even paintbrushes – adds a layer of humor and authenticity. On the other hand, the stealth is functional but basic. The game encourages stealth, but never makes it mandatory, allowing the player to improvise their solutions, something that perfectly suits Indy’s style.

The whip deserves a special mention. It’s not just a weapon or tool; it’s an extension of Indy. Using it to disarm enemies, reach inaccessible areas, or solve puzzles is intuitive and extremely fun. MachineGames has done a great job of making it central to the gameplay.

Graphics

Graphically, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a visual spectacle. Each scene looks like a living painting, with an attention to detail that borders on obsessive. During my exploration of the Vatican, I was impressed by the precision of the textures and lighting, which captured the grandeur and mystery of the place.

The sets are so detailed that I often found myself stopping just to admire the view. From the ornate hallways of the Sistine Chapel to the vast sands of the pyramids, everything is incredibly authentic. The characters, especially Indy himself, are meticulously animated. Troy Baker, who lends his voice and movements to Jones, gives such a convincing performance that it’s easy to forget we’re not watching Harrison Ford.

The cutscenes flow seamlessly into the gameplay, maintaining immersion. However, some secondary animations, such as rockfalls or explosions, could be more refined. These are minor details, but noticeable in a game with such an ambitious production.

Sound

If the graphics are a feast for the eyes, the sound is a symphony for the ears. The soundtrack blends classic John Williams themes with original compositions that seamlessly integrate the experience. Whether I was running from a deadly trap or solving a puzzle in an ancient tomb, the music always enhanced the mood.

The sound effects are another strong point. The sound of the whip cutting through the air, the footsteps echoing in stone corridors and even the characteristic crack of punches transport the player directly to the world of Indiana Jones. The voice acting, led by Troy Baker, is exceptional. His interpretation captures the essence of Indy – the humor, the determination and the occasional tiredness – masterfully.

Fun

Few games manage to balance fun and challenge as well as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle . Every discovery, every puzzle solved, brought a sense of achievement that is rare in modern games. The narrative is engaging, mixing moments of tension with others of lightness, without ever losing its rhythm.

In addition to the main campaign, side quests add even more depth. Often, while following the main storyline, I stumbled upon secrets that would distract me for hours. The feeling of discovery is constant, and the freedom to explore at my own pace made the experience even more enjoyable.

Performance and Optimization

Running on an Xbox Series X, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle performed virtually flawlessly. The game maintains a stable frame rate of 60fps, even in denser areas like the Vatican. However, I did notice minor stuttering in some cutscenes, something that I expect will be fixed in future updates.

Loading times are minimal, and transitions between areas are fluid. The game also includes a wide range of accessibility options, allowing for adjustments to combat and puzzle difficulty, as well as colorblind settings and customizable controls.

Conclusion

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is, without a doubt, one of the best games of 2024. It faithfully captures the essence of the character, delivering a cinematic and interactive experience that honors the legacy of Indiana Jones. From the intuitive gameplay to the stunning visuals and immersive soundtrack, every aspect of the game has been carefully designed to immerse the player in a true adventure.

If you’re a fan of the franchise or simply enjoy mind-bending games that offer memorable moments, this is a must-have title. Despite its minor technical flaws, the game shines in virtually every aspect, proving that MachineGames deeply understands what makes Indiana Jones so special.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an unmissable adventure that will make you feel like Dr. Jones himself. Grab your hat, ready your whip, and embark on this unforgettable journey!