Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review: A Masterful Return to Form in Gaming and Storytelling
Over three decades after I nearly wore out my VHS copy of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a new entry in the franchise has reignited the spirit of adventure that first captured our imaginations. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, is not just another licensed video game adaptation. It is a love letter to fans, a triumphant return to what makes the Indiana Jones character timeless, and arguably the most compelling Indiana Jones story of the 21st century.
Set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, this first-person, narrative-driven game delivers on nearly every front. It combines atmospheric environments, clever puzzles, meticulous detail, and a powerful soundtrack, all wrapped around a thrilling globe-trotting quest.
A Game That Honors the Legacy, While Carving Its Own Path
Rather than falling into the trap of mimicking Uncharted or Tomb Raider—series that were themselves inspired by Indy—The Great Circle confidently charts its own course. From its opening tutorial, a nostalgic nod to Raiders, to its richly detailed campus tour through Marshall College, the game immediately establishes a tone of reverence and originality. It’s not just an Indiana Jones game—it feels like an Indiana Jones experience.
The decision to present the game from a first-person perspective is a stroke of genius. Whether you’re staring up at the pyramids in Egypt, infiltrating a Nazi base in the Himalayas, or navigating the watery ruins of Sukhothai, the sense of scale and immersion is unmatched. You don’t just play as Indy—you are Indy.
Puzzle Solving that’s Intuitive and Immersive
Much of the game’s brilliance lies in its puzzle design. Light yet thoughtful, these challenges often require manipulating artifacts, deciphering ancient texts, and piecing together clues. There’s even a built-in hint system tied to Indy’s in-game camera: take a picture of the puzzle, and the game will gently nudge you in the right direction. This feature avoids breaking immersion and keeps players focused on the experience rather than jumping to Google for help.
MachineGames has gone to impressive lengths with environmental details. From candle wax slowly dripping to dust motes catching rays of sunlight through shattered stone, every scene oozes authenticity. These aren’t just backdrops—they’re living, breathing historical spaces crafted with an almost obsessive attention to detail.
Storytelling That Rivals the Silver Screen
The narrative is a strong centerpiece, bolstered by convincing performances and a script that channels the best of Indy’s cinematic legacy. Troy Baker steps into Harrison Ford’s iconic fedora with uncanny precision, delivering lines with just the right blend of wit, grit, and vulnerability. David Shaughnessy is pitch-perfect as Marcus Brody, and Marios Gavrilis delivers a delightfully venomous performance as the villainous Nazi archaeologist, Emmerich Voss.
Set in 1937, the story feels like a natural bridge between the original trilogy’s two best films. It takes Indy on a quest tied to a mysterious archaeological concept known as “The Great Circle,” providing a credible reason to visit diverse, stunningly realized locations. These include:
- The catacombs beneath Vatican City
- The shadow of the Great Sphinx
- A Nazi-controlled base in the Himalayas
- The jungle-ensnared ruins of Thailand
Each locale is not only visually distinct but also offers unique gameplay mechanics and environmental puzzles, ensuring the experience remains fresh throughout its 15-20 hour runtime.
Combat: Satisfying, But with Minor Hiccups
While The Great Circle isn’t a shooter at heart, the melee combat is well-designed and satisfying. Fisticuffs play out in a visceral, weighty style reminiscent of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (which isn’t surprising, given the shared DNA between the two development teams).
You’ll engage enemies using timed blocks, parries, and power punches, while Indy’s iconic whip can disarm or stun foes. The sound design deserves particular praise here—every punch lands with the exaggerated but lovable “thwack” familiar from the films.
That said, the stamina system feels like an unnecessary limiter. It forces downtime during high-intensity moments, and while it can be upgraded, it adds little besides artificial difficulty. Additionally, Indy’s revolver is disappointingly underpowered, especially when compared to its mythic cinematic portrayal. Rather than a last-resort savior, it feels more like a pop gun.
Another minor gripe involves the disguise mechanic, particularly in Vatican City. The idea is sound, but it breaks immersion when guards can magically see through Indy’s priest disguise. It’s a familiar trope from games like Hitman, but it’s a bit too silly here.
Flexible Difficulty and Replay Value
The Great Circle provides robust difficulty customization. Instead of a single slider, you can tweak enemy health, awareness, and density independently, allowing for a tailored challenge. The stealth gameplay is generally forgiving, with enemies having narrow vision cones and predictable patrols. Once you understand the mechanics, sneaking becomes fairly straightforward—but the flexibility ensures replayability.
You can also revisit previously completed levels to finish side missions, unlock secrets, and collect artifacts. There’s a lot of extra content to enjoy post-story, and with some paths only accessible with late-game upgrades, it’s worth diving back in.
A Soundtrack That Channels John Williams’ Spirit
The musical score, while not composed by John Williams, clearly honors his legacy. Swells of brass and strings punctuate action scenes, while quieter, mysterious melodies accompany exploration and puzzle-solving. The music enhances every moment without overpowering it, perfectly mirroring the tone of Raiders and The Last Crusade.
The game’s final act is a masterclass in pacing and storytelling. It follows the blueprint of the classic films with a satisfying crescendo, complete with booby traps, last-minute escapes, and an unexpected twist that still manages to feel right at home in Indy’s world.
Final Verdict: The Best Indy Story in Decades
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn’t just a good video game—it’s a great Indiana Jones experience. It understands the character, respects the source material, and delivers a new adventure that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s cinematic without being a copycat, nostalgic without being stale, and daring without losing its sense of fun.
For fans of the franchise, this is the Indiana Jones game you’ve been waiting for. And for everyone else, it’s simply one of the most immersive, well-crafted action-adventure games in recent years.
Rating: 9.5/10
If you’re craving a treasure-hunting epic filled with perilous puzzles, atmospheric locations, and whip-cracking action, then Indiana Jones and the Great Circle belongs at the top of your must-play list.
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