Indiana Jones is back, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be a fitting tribute to the franchise’s legacy. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, this action-packed adventure takes everything fans love about Indy and brings it to life in a beautifully crafted game. With its December 9, 2024 release date approaching, we’ve had an early look at the game, and here’s what stands out in our first impressions.
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Set in 1937, between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle plunges players into a treasure hunt like no other. Indy is on a mission to track down the Great Circle, an ancient relic tied to myths that could reshape the course of history. The game kicks off with a cryptic message from an old friend, pulling the adventurer into a globetrotting journey filled with danger, mystery, and classic Indy-style antics.
From South America’s lush jungles to the majestic halls of the Vatican, the game transports players to breathtaking locations that feel alive and immersive. Longtime fans will recognize plenty of nods to Indiana Jones’ cinematic roots, from references to previous adventures to the familiar humor woven into the narrative. Meanwhile, newcomers are treated to a gripping tale filled with action, wit, and intrigue that feels accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the films.
The story doesn’t shy away from high stakes, delivering twists and turns that keep players engaged. By combining history with mythology, The Great Circle manages to create a narrative that feels fresh while staying true to the essence of the franchise.
One of the first things you’ll notice about The Great Circle is how quickly it pulls you into the action. Forget long tutorials or complex menus—this game respects your time. From the moment you take control of Indy, you’re thrust into a world of challenges that demand quick thinking and fast reflexes.
Swinging across perilous gaps, solving ancient puzzles, and cracking your whip in combat feels intuitive and rewarding. The controls are smooth, making every action feel fluid. Whether you’re deciphering riddles or dodging traps, the game nails the balance between challenge and accessibility. Combat mechanics add another layer of excitement, offering variety through punches, Indy’s signature revolver, and whip-based attacks. Each encounter feels fresh, keeping you on your toes as you navigate through enemy camps or ambushes.
Exploration is another standout feature. Hidden collectibles and secret pathways are scattered throughout each level, encouraging you to step off the beaten path. These discoveries make you feel like a real adventurer, piecing together the secrets of the Great Circle. The pacing is spot-on, seamlessly transitioning between heart-pounding action sequences and quieter, puzzle-driven moments that let you catch your breath.
Visually, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is nothing short of stunning. The game’s environments are richly detailed, from the vibrant greenery of South American jungles to the shadowy grandeur of the Vatican. Each location is distinct and immersive, capturing the atmosphere of Indy’s adventures with remarkable fidelity.
The South American jungles feel alive, with sunlight filtering through dense foliage and wildlife darting across the screen. Meanwhile, the Vatican exudes mystery and history, with grand architecture and shadowy corners that invite exploration. The attention to detail is staggering, making every scene feel like it was lifted straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
The sound design is equally impressive. The iconic crack of Indy’s whip, the subtle echoes in ancient ruins, and a musical score inspired by John Williams’ legendary compositions all work together to create an immersive experience. Whether you’re swinging over a deadly pit or piecing together a puzzle, the soundscape draws you into the adventure.
While the game excels in many areas, performance is where it shows some rough edges. On our high-end Intel i7-8700K with an RTX 2080Ti setup, the game ran like a dream, delivering smooth frame rates and zero technical hiccups. However, on our AMD Ryzen 7 6800H with an RTX 3050, the experience was less polished. The game defaulted to low settings, and attempting to push it to medium or high resulted in crashes. These issues are frustrating, especially for players without top-tier hardware, but with the official release still ahead, there’s hope that these problems will be addressed in patches.
What sets Indiana Jones and the Great Circle apart is its dynamic gameplay elements. The inclusion of weather effects and day-night cycles adds a layer of realism to the environment. These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they can affect gameplay as well. For instance, certain puzzles or paths might only be accessible during specific times of the day, forcing players to adapt and strategize.
Additionally, the game offers a variety of difficulty settings and accessibility options, making it approachable for players of all skill levels. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy the thrill of being Indy.
Customization also plays a role in the experience. Players can unlock alternate outfits and gear for Indy, each offering unique perks or abilities. Whether it’s a classic leather jacket or something more specialized for a specific mission, these options add a personal touch to the adventure.
What truly stands out about The Great Circle is how much it feels like a love letter to Indiana Jones fans. The game doesn’t just rely on nostalgia—it builds on the franchise’s legacy, delivering fresh ideas while respecting its roots. From cinematic action sequences to clever puzzles, every element feels like it belongs in Indy’s world.
The game also takes its time to flesh out the supporting cast, giving depth to characters beyond Indy himself. Each ally or antagonist brings their own motivations and backstories, adding complexity to the narrative. These details enhance the storytelling, making the journey feel richer and more engaging.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on Steam on December 9, 2024, with pre-orders already live. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the game will be available on day one, making it even easier to jump into the action. With its promise of breathtaking visuals, thrilling gameplay, and a compelling story, this is shaping up to be a must-play title for adventure fans.
Based on our early look, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers everything you’d want from an Indiana Jones game. It captures the spirit of the films while introducing modern gameplay mechanics that feel polished and engaging. While performance issues on certain setups are a concern, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Whether you’re swinging across chasms, solving ancient riddles, or battling enemies, every moment feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. For fans of the franchise and lovers of adventure games alike, The Great Circle should be at the top of your list.
Stay tuned for our full review, where we’ll dive deeper into the game’s features and evaluate its overall performance. For now, though, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be the treasure-hunting experience we’ve all been waiting for.
Watch our initial thoughts of the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle here:
