As the closing credits rolled after spending nearly 30 hours with Indiana Jones and the Great CircleI can say that this is one of the most exciting action-adventure games I have ever played. There couldn't have been a better studio than Machine gamesmodern developers Wolfenstein games, to take on an explosive Triple A game featuring one of the most famous characters in pop culture. Punching Nazis and fascists, solving intriguing puzzles and fighting your way through historical ruins has never been more exciting, especially as Indiana Jones.
The mystery begins with Indy investigating a break-in at the archeology museum at Marshall College, Connecticut, where he works as a professor. Realizing that an important artifact has been stolen, Indy then discovers that the unknown thief is somehow connected to Vatican City, leading him into the type of the globe-trotting adventure we love in his films.A
But it's not just Indiana Jones that makes this game worth playing, as the supporting characters also surprisingly grab your attention. You meet several allies and enemies who play their own roles in the story and, to some extent, Indy's life, such as investigative reporter Gina Lombardi and the mysterious Locas. It's like witnessing every step of an important relationship, good or bad. And compile that with solid writing, the story unfolds naturally enough to keep you captivated and in suspense the whole time.
Unlike other action-adventure franchises like tomb Raider And Unexplored, The Great Circle manages to differentiate itself by placing players under Indy's famous hat via a first-person POV. The game stands out because it wants you to step into the shoes of Indiana Jones and experience his action-packed journey. The strangeness of Troy Baker's performance also aids immersion. He looks so much like Harrison Ford that it almost gave me whiplash.
Combat is very fluid, meaning players can choose their own way to approach an objective. For example, I relied solely on stealth when infiltrating heavily guarded compounds by adopting disguises to blend in. Other times, I would openly brawl with Nazis and fascists in the streets. But each strategy has its own difficulties. If you are caught sneaking or the other enemies find a corpse you forgot to hide, they will actively change their habits and become more aggressive in their search. Brawls, on the other hand, are very tricky, especially if several enemies jump on you at the same time. Indy must time his block and counterattack perfectly, as his stamina bar steadily decreases if you keep pressing the punch button. Once the stamina bar is empty, Indy is too tired to throw a punch. It took me a long time to find my rhythm, but once I did, melee combat felt more invigorating.
Want to use a fly swatter to take down a Nazi? Or a nice shiny guitar? How about a toilet plunger to take on a fascist? Everything around you is a weapon. Desperate times call for desperate measures and it shows as Jones can grab any object around him and use it to deal melee damage. However, these items have limited uses and can break quickly. But don't worry, the game gives you plenty of items to choose from in all areas. While shooting enemies is an option, I didn't use it much because gunfire alerts virtually every enemy in radius, and in the end you might find yourself surrounded.
Of course, the most complete item in Jones' inventory is his trusty whip. It can stun enemies when they're surrounded, knock weapons out of their hands, or even scare away those pesky attack dogs. But it's primarily used for two things: traversal and puzzle solving. Indy's adventure takes him to volatile locations around the world, and venturing into the unknown regularly presents a challenge. His whip allows him to climb, zipline, and swing in out-of-reach areas. It can also be used to shoot mechanisms placed high above the ground to solve puzzles. No matter how you use it, listening to the crack of the whip is rewarding every time.
The story of Indiana Jones has always been one of the triumph of good over evil. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also follows this tradition. Now, I rarely hate video game villains. Sometimes they take me by surprise and I even end up liking their arc, but this particular game does the exact opposite. The game's main antagonist, Emmerich Voss, is a high-ranking Nazi archaeologist who rivals Indy's skills and knowledge. What sets them both apart is the goal. While Indy is determined to uncover the truth, Voss is driven solely by the need for power. He is a character who embodies the most evil part of humanity, responsible for countless atrocities. Knowing the history of MachineGames and Indy, it makes perfect sense that the game would include a villain who is everything Indiana Jones hates, a Nazi. And there must be no other reason.
With adventures calling around every corner, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is intended to give players the adrenaline rush they crave. From the bustling Vatican City to the unforgiving sands of Giza, The Great Circle has plenty to explore and keep players occupied. Besides the main missions, Indy may encounter small mysteries to solve in the form of difficult puzzles or field work that requires investigating something out of the ordinary. There are also discoveries to be discovered in the form of collectibles and photos to click from its shiny camera. Completing one of these side activities usually earns you Adventure Points which can be used to upgrade Jones' abilities. Of course, these are optional activities, but I recommend doing them as they come up. Not only are they a great way to explore ancient cities and ruins, but many of these side quests also tie into the main story and help you understand the story better.
The launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle It seems like a timely coincidence given everything that's happened this year. Even though the story is set in the late 1930s, it's no surprise that some aspects of the story are still relevant today. But one thing is certain: eliminate Nazis and fascists in a video game has never felt better, especially as everyone's favorite archaeologist.
“Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” Review: A Heartbreaking Adventure of a Lifetime
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle feels like a new take on the franchise while maintaining its familiarity, making the game an enjoyable experience for old and new fans. Taking down Nazis and fascists in a video game has never felt so good, especially as everyone's favorite archaeologist.
Well written and adventurous story.
Yes, punching Nazis and fascists is so satisfying. I could do this for hours.
The first person POV adds more immersion where you are literally Indiana Jones.
Freedom in how players can approach certain situations.
Exploration and side quests provide hours and hours of fun gameplay.
There were some bugs and performance issues, especially towards the end of the game.
