MachineGames, known for their exceptional work revitalizing the Wolfenstein franchise, ventures into a new realm—sort of—with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. With a storied legacy as iconic as Indiana Jones, the game has a lot of eyes on it. Clearly, MachineGames aimed to blend the thrills of the blockbuster adventure series with the satisfaction of puzzle-solving mechanics. While the game succeeds in some areas, it ultimately stumbles due to inconsistent mechanics, tonal missteps and gameplay frustrations that weigh down its more significant moments.
At its core, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers what franchise fans want: a globe-trotting adventure with Indy. The journey takes Indiana Jones from the distrusting halls of the Vatican to the sun-scorched sands of Giza, before plunging players into the foreboding depths of a mysterious, untamed forest. Each locale is crafted in intricate detail, offering expansive environments that transition into intimate areas, pocketed throughout the open sections, capturing the sense of wonder and danger synonymous with Indiana Jones.
The Vatican’s open-world section feels like stepping into an untrustworthy temple of secrets. Elaborate tapestries, vaulted ceilings and ancient texts create an air of reverence and secrecy, perfectly setting the stage for dark discovery. Giza’s desert landscapes are equally compelling, blending harsh, open terrain with claustrophobic tombs where danger lurks around every corner. Finally, the forest presents a hauntingly beautiful location, with dense foliage and shafts of sunlight creating an oppressive yet awe-inspiring atmosphere.
“At its core, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers what franchise fans want: a globe-trotting adventure with Indy.”
The story is a classic Indiana Jones narrative, complete with twists, betrayals, and the ever-present evil of Nazi villains. MachineGames, known for delivering some of the best first-person shooter stories centered around Nazi villainy, brings its expertise to this tale. While the narrative is engaging and fitting for an Indiana Jones adventure, it suffers from tonal inconsistency that detracts from its impact. For the record, what works well for an Indy tale told over 90 minutes doesn’t translate as effectively over 20 hours.
Some moments balance dark themes and campy humour, as is customary in Indiana Jones stories, but the execution is uneven and lacks the finesse seen in the films. Scenes featuring the Nazi antagonist Emmerich Voss are particularly problematic, often veering into cringe-worthy territory when attempting to mix slapstick humour with sinister implications like torture and executions.
The main antagonist, Voss, is at the heart of the story’s tonal issues. A slimy, detestable villain, he checks all the boxes for an Indiana Jones antagonist. However, his menace is frequently undermined by poorly timed comedic beats that feel forced and out of place. Instead of maintaining the menacing presence expected of such a character, Voss often comes across as unintentionally silly, diminishing the story’s stakes.
One of the game’s standout aspects is its voice cast and their performances. Leading the charge is Troy Baker, who steps into the role of Indiana Jones with surprising ease. He captures the character’s dry wit, rugged charm, and occasional vulnerability, delivering a performance that feels authentic to the beloved adventurer. Baker also does a fantastic job emulating Harrison Ford’s voice, adding a layer of familiarity that enhances the experience.
Alessandra Mastronardi’s portrayal of Gina, Indy’s companion, is equally memorable. Gina isn’t just a sidekick; she’s a fully realized character with clear motivations and a central role in the story’s emotional arc. Her dynamic with Indy is one of the game’s highlights, offering fun, tension and genuine camaraderie that add depth to the narrative.
Tony Todd also delivers a memorable performance, bringing gravitas and charisma to his role. His commanding presence and nuanced delivery elevate his character, adding intrigue and complexity to the story.
“Troy Baker steps into the role of Indiana Jones with surprising ease, capturing the character’s dry wit, rugged charm, and occasional vulnerability.”
MachineGames approached gameplay in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle by blending first-person and third-person perspectives depending on the player’s actions. While this approach is innovative in theory, in practice, it results in a disjointed experience that struggles to find its footing.
For most of the game, players control Indy from a first-person perspective, which works well for exploration and puzzle-solving. Wandering through ancient ruins, deciphering cryptic texts, and uncovering hidden treasures feels immersive and intuitive in this view. However, the first-person perspective falters when it comes to combat.
Combat isn’t exactly a hallmark of Indiana Jones’ adventures. While it happens, it’s never been the focal point of the series. In the game, it feels awkward and unrefined. Punches lack impact, animations are stiff, and encounters often devolve into repetitive fisticuffs rather than strategic brawling. Gunplay is slightly better but suffers from unresponsive handling, with lacklustre weapon feedback. These shortcomings are especially disappointing given MachineGames’ pedigree with the Wolfenstein series.
The frequent shifts to a third-person perspective add to the game’s inconsistency. These transitions occur during specific actions, such as climbing, swinging or navigating tight vertical spaces. While the cinematic quality of these sequences is appreciated, the abrupt perspective changes disrupt the gameplay flow and make the return to first-person jarring—especially when combat or stealth quickly follows.
The gameplay truly shines in its puzzle design. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle embraces the series’ puzzle-solving roots, offering challenging and rewarding puzzles. From deciphering ancient texts to solving intricate mechanical contraptions, the puzzles are a masterclass in design.
What sets these puzzles apart is their variety and depth. Some are straightforward, requiring quick thinking, while others are intricate enough to demand pen-and-paper note-taking. These moments are deeply satisfying and embody what it means to be Indiana Jones. Integrating puzzles into the narrative and environments feels seamless, making them a natural extension of the adventure rather than a series of disconnected challenges. Often, the bigger puzzles involve Gina, which helps to further the story and strengthen her role.
“Visually, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is stunning, with environments expertly crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and danger.”
Visually, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is stunning. The game’s environments are a feast for the eyes, with each open location expertly crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and danger. The lighting, textures and attention to detail create rich, immersive worlds that immediately draw the player in. Character models are impressive in cutscenes, but the in-game animations can feel stiff, particularly during combat sequences.
The audio design is equally exceptional. The game’s score pays homage to John Williams’ iconic Indiana Jones themes without directly replicating them, capturing the adventurous spirit of the franchise. Sound effects—such as the crack of Indy’s whip or the scuttle of scorpions in the dark—are well-executed, enhancing the immersion.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a game full of charm and ambition. While its flaws prevent it from achieving greatness, it still manages to win players over. The narrative is uneven but offers enough intrigue and excitement to keep players engaged. The puzzles stand out as the most rewarding aspect of the game, truly capturing the essence of Indiana Jones’ adventures.
The frequent perspective shifts, while ambitious, feel jarring and unnecessary, disrupting the game’s flow. For fans of Indiana Jones, this is likely what you’d expect from a game in the franchise. However, for newcomers or those following MachineGames’ work, the game’s shortcomings make it harder to recommend.
MachineGames’ attempt to bring Indiana Jones into the modern gaming landscape is noble but ultimately falls short of greatness. While the game delivers moments of brilliance—particularly in its puzzles and performances—it’s weighed down by uneven mechanics and tonal missteps. For die-hard fans of the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is worth experiencing. For everyone else, it’s a much tougher sell.
