Indiana Jones and the Great Circle brings the iconic archaeologist back to gaming with a fresh take on his classic adventures. Developed by MachineGames, this game takes place after Raiders of the Lost Ark. It features worldwide exploration, challenging puzzles, and dangerous encounters with Nazis.
As someone who’s rewatched the original trilogy countless times, I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to hold Indy’s whip and step into his world. From the start, the game brought back memories of those exciting adventures. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle doesn’t feel like just another adaptation—it felt like I was stepping into the shoes of a childhood hero. Set in 1937, this adventure combines stealth, exploration, and puzzles as Indiana Jones races against time and a ruthless rival. Subtle nods to the series, from familiar musical stings to clever references that fans will recognize. With MachineGames’ reputation for storytelling and action, The Great Circle has a lot to live up to.
Join me as we look at how Indiana Jones and the Great Circle handles its story, gameplay, and technical challenges. Is it a worthy addition to Indiana Jones’ legacy? Let’s dive in and find out!
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle details
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): MachineGames
Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A world of secrets and danger
Set in 1937, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle seamlessly fits between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Doom. The story begins with a break-in at Marshall College, where a mummified cat tied to an ancient secret is stolen. As a result of this theft, Indy’s investigation reveals a larger conspiracy involving Emmerich Voss, a Nazi archaeologist working to recover powerful artifacts capable of reshaping the future. What starts as a simple theft quickly escalates into a race against time to stop the Nazis from gaining the upper hand.
You’ll visit locations like Vatican City, the pyramids of Gizeh, and the jungles of Sukhothai, each connected to the artifacts’ strange powers. In particular, the Vatican level stood out for me as I made my way through hidden passageways in a priest’s disguise. Sneaking past guards felt like stepping right into one of Indy’s classic adventures. The supporting cast adds to the story’s emotional weight. Gina Lombardi, an Italian journalist searching for her missing sister, makes the stakes more personal. Her interactions with Indy balance humour and heartfelt moments. Emmerich Voss, the villain, is clever and intimidating, keeping the tension high throughout the game.
What really stood out for me was the way the game ties its story to the gameplay. From daring escapes to historical puzzles, it feels like a true continuation of Indy’s adventures. It avoids relying on nostalgia, blending action, mystery, and humour in a way that feels fresh.
Adventuring through action and strategy
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle balances stealth, exploration, puzzles, and combat to create a gameplay experience worthy of its name. As Indy, you’re encouraged to think on your feet, using the environment, tools, and your trusty whip to outsmart enemies and overcome challenges. Stealth plays a significant role, with levels designed to offer multiple ways to approach objectives. In one mission, I found myself sneaking through a heavily guarded excavation site. Using my whip, I disarmed a guard, tossed a nearby bottle to distract another, and slipped into a tent to retrieve an artifact. Sneaking past patrols was nerve-wracking, but pulling it off felt satisfying.
Combat is less frequent but still impactful. Hand-to-hand fights require timing and stamina management, as you block, dodge, and counter enemies. Weapons are scarce, and using guns often draws unwanted attention, making them a last resort. In one chaotic encounter, I relied on a sledgehammer to knock out an enemy, followed by a whip strike to disarm another. The unpredictability of these moments makes combat exciting, even though it can feel awkward at times.
Puzzles stand out with a variety of tasks that range from aligning ancient symbols to solving riddles based on journal clues. One puzzle had me deciphering inscriptions to unlock a hidden door, blending logic with exploration in a satisfying way. The game’s semi-open world design gives you plenty to discover. Each level is packed with hidden artifacts, journals, and tools that reward curiosity. Adventure Books scattered throughout levels allow you to unlock new abilities, such as increased stamina or better whip control, adding a sense of progression.
From stealthy escapes to intricate puzzles, The Great Circle never feels dull. Every challenge fits seamlessly into the adventure, making you feel part of Indy’s world.
A cinematic experience in every frame
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle brings the world of Indiana Jones to life with beautiful visuals and thoughtful design. Each location feels distinct, with environments like the Vatican’s halls, the pyramids of Gizeh, and Sukhothai’s jungles standing out. The lighting brings each area to life, from shadowy tombs to bright desert landscapes, creating a strong sense of place.
Character models are lifelike, with Indy’s iconic look faithfully recreated. Small details, like his movements during combat or the way his whip coils at his side, add authenticity. Troy Baker’s voice performance captures Indy’s personality perfectly, blending charm and grit in a way that feels true to the character. The antagonist, Emmerich Voss, is equally memorable, with his sharp dialogue and intimidating presence giving the story its edge.
The game’s audio includes familiar musical cues from John Williams’ iconic score. They are blended into new arrangements that feel fresh but nostalgic. The sound design complements this, with satisfying punches, the crack of Indy’s whip, and ambient noises like rustling leaves or dripping water in ancient tombs.
Performance on the Xbox Series X was generally smooth. However, occasional pop-in and a minor NPC glitch slowed things down at times. Thankfully, these issues were rare and didn’t detract from the overall experience. From its cinematic cutscenes to its detailed environments, The Great Circle captures the spirit of Indiana Jones. While minor performance issues occasionally occur, its visuals and sound create a sense of being part of a grand adventure.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a true adventure worth taking
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is more than just a game—it’s an adventure that captures the essence of the franchise. MachineGames has managed to translate the thrill of Indiana Jones’ adventures into an interactive experience that feels faithful and fresh. From the carefully designed locations to the clever puzzles and engaging challenges, it’s clear a lot of thought went into making this game feel authentic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The game captures the spirit of Indiana Jones with its exciting adventures and challenging puzzles. | Combat mechanics can feel awkward and clunky at times. |
| The voice acting, especially Troy Baker’s portrayal of Indy, is spot-on. | The occasional pop-in during loading new areas can be distracting. |
| The mix of stealth, puzzles, and combat keeps the gameplay varied and enjoyable. | Traversal and movement could be smoother, especially during platforming sections. |
| The semi-open world design offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. |
Moments like swinging across chasms with the whip or sneaking through the Vatican disguised as a priest really stood out for me. These moments felt like living scenes from an Indiana Jones movie, and they’re exactly what I’d hoped for. The mix of stealth, exploration, and puzzles kept me interested throughout the campaign. However, combat felt awkward at times and movement could be smoother in certain areas.
Performance on the Xbox Series X was mostly smooth, though occasional pop-in and minor glitches slowed things down at times. Still, these issues didn’t take away from my overall experience. The visuals, sound design, and Troy Baker’s performance as Indy make up for any technical shortcomings.
Overall assessment of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.4/5 (88%)
If you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or just looking for an action-adventure game that respects its source material, The Great Circle delivers. While it’s not flawless, it’s a game that understands what makes Indiana Jones special—blending action, humour, and a sense of wonder into one exciting package. By the end, I felt like I’d just finished one of Indy’s classic adventures, and I can’t think of higher praise than that.
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