Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Review – A Masterpiece Worthy Of A Museum
The legendary adventurer Indiana Jones has long captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide, a cultural icon synonymous with daring exploits, ancient mysteries, and the thrill of discovery. Yet, despite his pervasive influence on popular culture and numerous iterations across various media, the video game realm has historically struggled to truly encapsulate the magic of Dr. Jones. Previous attempts have often fallen short, failing to capture the unique blend of action, puzzle-solving, and charismatic charm that defines the character. However, with Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, developed by the acclaimed Machine Games, the studio behind the critically successful Wolfenstein series, this long-standing deficit is not only addressed but spectacularly overcome. This isn’t just another game; it’s an authentic, and remarkably fresh, adventure that stands as a powerful contender for the video game sequel fans have yearned for since the golden era of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Great Circle is a meticulously crafted experience, so rich in detail and faithful to the spirit of its cinematic progenitor that it truly deserves a place of honor, worthy of a museum.
Our comprehensive evaluation of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle was conducted on the Xbox Series X/S, with the game also available on PlayStation 5 and PC. Published by the renowned Bethesda Softworks, this title is a testament to Machine Games’ exceptional talent in breathing new life into beloved franchises.
A Timeless Narrative in a Familiar, Yet Fresh, Era
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle masterfully positions itself between the iconic events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This strategic placement allows players to step into the shoes of a younger, yet undeniably familiar, Dr. Jones. The narrative plunges players headfirst into a globe-trotting chase, a desperate quest to recover a stolen museum artifact intrinsically linked to an ancient, world-altering mystery. The sheer joy of seeing an in-game likeness of a younger Harrison Ford is amplified tenfold by the phenomenal voice performance of Troy Baker. Baker’s portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the essence of Ford’s iconic delivery with uncanny accuracy. So convincing is his performance, that without prior knowledge, one might easily suspect the use of advanced AI. He embodies Indy’s signature grumpy charm, his moments of sheer panic (particularly his well-documented fear of snakes), and the underlying academic gravitas that makes the character so enduring. Baker’s interpretation imbues the adventure with a profound sense of authenticity, making it feel every bit like a lost sequel from the franchise’s most celebrated period.
The narrative journey takes players through a dazzling array of meticulously realized locales, from the hallowed, art-filled halls of the Vatican to the sun-scorched, enigmatic sands of Giza, and numerous breathtaking destinations beyond. The Great Circle excels in its ability to seamlessly blend the zany, high-octane popcorn action that defines the films with a pervasive, lighthearted comedic sensibility. The narrative is punctuated by truly memorable story moments, and the dynamic between Indy and his new companion, Gina, is a particular highlight. Gina, a charismatic and strong-willed journalist, is a truly welcome addition to the series. Her presence is so natural and compelling that she easily stands as Indy’s best sidekick and potential love interest since the indomitable Marion Ravenwood. Her integration into the narrative feels so organic that it’s a genuine disappointment to consider the likelihood of never seeing her brought to life in a live-action film. The supporting cast further elevates the experience, with the primary antagonist, Emmerich Voss, emerging as a genuinely despicable and unhinged threat. Voss serves as a perfect foil to Indy, his malevolence and twisted motivations providing a formidable and captivating antagonist.
The Thrill of First-Person Fisticuffs and Creative Combat
My initial apprehension regarding the shift to a first-person perspective for playing as Indiana Jones evaporated the very instant I delivered a satisfying punch to a Nazi assailant. The melee combat in The Great Circle possesses a delightful impact and weight, making each blow feel visceral. The inclusion of blocking, parrying, and grappling mechanics adds a layer of tactical depth, fostering a fluid and engaging rhythm to the close-quarters brawls. The developers have wisely incorporated memorable sound effects from the films, an effective auditory flourish that further immerses players in the Indiana Jones universe. Machine Games has also ingeniously devised a multitude of opportunities for players to dispatch enemies in hilarious and inventive ways. The environment is often brimming with objects that can be repurposed as makeshift weapons, from sturdy chairs to precariously balanced crates, allowing for a truly improvisational approach to combat. I particularly enjoyed the sensation of channeling Jackie Chan as I navigated cluttered rooms, using the most unconventional items to subdue opponents. The sheer joy of sneaking up on unsuspecting fascists and unceremoniously pushing them off cliffs or down treacherous tomb shafts never failed to elicit a chuckle.
While Indy is equipped with a trusty pistol, I found myself rarely resorting to firearms outside of strictly necessary, on-rails shooting sequences, such as a particularly thrilling boat chase. The gunplay itself is competent and functional, but the game’s brilliance lies in its ability to allow players to progress through so much of its content without firing a single shot. This design choice perfectly aligns with my personal association of Indiana Jones with daring fisticuffs and resourceful improvisation rather than prolonged, intense shootouts. Naturally, Indy’s signature whip is a crucial and versatile tool, employed with devastating effect in a variety of situations. It’s used to yank targets towards him, to disarm opponents by whipping weapons from their hands, and even to intimidate hostile hounds into submission. The sheer utility and iconic nature of the whip are fully realized, making it a constant and satisfying companion in gameplay.
An Enemy AI That Embraces the Absurdity
While it is undeniable that the enemy AI in The Great Circle can be characterized as rather unintelligent, this perceived weakness ironically serves to enhance the overall fun and playfulness of the experience. It cleverly plays into the series’ established penchant for portraying fascists and Nazis not as terrifyingly efficient adversaries, but rather as bumbling, easily outsmarted boneheads. I recall one particularly amusing instance where I single-handedly cleared an enemy outpost by meticulously scaling a watchtower. I then patiently waited as soldiers, one by one, attempted to ascend a single ladder to reach my platform, only to be met with a swift whip-crack that sent them tumbling to their deaths. Astonishingly, despite the growing pile of fallen foes directly below, another soldier would invariably attempt the same ladder route rather than opting to simply shoot me from a safer distance. The stealth mechanics are remarkably forgiving, with the act of sneaking up on unsuspecting soldiers proving to be remarkably easy. The game’s implementation of enemy peripheral vision is, to put it mildly, rudimentary, making players virtually invisible unless directly in their line of sight. Even a fully alerted camp will readily forget your existence if you simply lay low for a few minutes, a design choice that I personally prefer. The Indiana Jones films have always been, at their core, check-your-brain-at-the-door popcorn flicks, and I found immense satisfaction in approaching this adventure with the same carefree, unburdened mindset.
Puzzles That Challenge and Delight the Intellect
While combat offers ample opportunities for unrestrained action, the game truly shines in its array of largely clever and engaging puzzle-solving sequences. These moments provide a more substantial and rewarding test of the player’s wits and observational skills. Some puzzles are elegantly disguised, well-executed variations on classic archetypes, such as the familiar yet satisfying challenge of bouncing light off aligned mirrors to activate mechanisms. Others, however, are far more creative and intricate, demanding players to decipher tricky Nazi cipher codes or even to direct human pawns across an ancient board game, replicating the intellectual rigor of the films. What is particularly impressive is the inclusion of substantial and entertaining story-driven sidequests that feature their own bespoke riddles. These optional challenges are as elaborate and inventive as the main campaign puzzles, demonstrating a remarkable depth to the game’s design. Indy is, at his core, a scholar and an archaeologist, and Machine Games has demonstrably understood and honored this crucial aspect of his character. The abundance of genuinely enjoyable brain teasers that made me feel demonstrably smarter upon solving them is a testament to their meticulous craft.
A World Teeming with Discovery and Detail
The act of traveling the world in The Great Circle immerses players in large, open hubs brimming with activities and secrets to uncover. The visual presentation is consistently fantastic, with immaculately detailed sights that will leave players awestruck. This includes a jaw-dropping recreation of the famed Sistine Chapel ceiling, a breathtaking testament to the game’s fidelity, alongside a myriad of eerie and atmospheric temples and tombs. Beyond the primary questline and the aforementioned puzzle-focused sidequests, players can spend their time unearthing ancient artifacts, a satisfying collectible pursuit. Engaging in eavesdropping on citizens to fulfill smaller, often humorous, requests adds another layer of immersion. Furthermore, the opportunity to compete in underground fighting rings provides a welcome change of pace and a chance to test Indy’s brawling prowess. The game offers a flexible approach to engagement; players can dedicate as much or as little time as they desire to this optional content. Thankfully, the game allows for revisiting previous destinations, ensuring that any incomplete tasks can be addressed at a later stage.
However, it is worth noting that the story pacing can experience dips, particularly in the early hours of the game. This is largely due to the lengthy time spent exploring the first major section, the Vatican, which, while visually stunning, can feel somewhat drawn out. While I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative as a whole, its momentum experiences noticeable rises and falls, which, at certain points, can feel jarring. Fortunately, the game concludes on an undeniably high note, delivering a perfectly crafted final act that resonates with the epic scope and emotional satisfaction of the best Indiana Jones films.
The Verdict: A Triumph for Adventure Gaming
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle may not fundamentally reinvent the action-adventure genre. In a curious, almost retrospective sense, it can be viewed as a first-person iteration of franchises like Uncharted or Tomb Raider, games that, ironically, owe a significant debt to the very existence of Indiana Jones. The overall excursion, while familiar in its core mechanics, is executed with such exceptional craft and polish that it transcends mere imitation. Its greatest triumph lies in its absolute mastery of its esteemed license. I emerged from my experience with The Great Circle feeling more invigorated and excited about the future of Indiana Jones than I have in years, certainly more so than after the most recent cinematic outings. This game serves as a powerful reminder of why I, and millions of others, first fell in love with Dr. Jones. It sets a new benchmark and should serve as a definitive template for how future interactive stories within this legendary series should be conceived and brought to life.
Score: 9
This 2025 review reflects our comprehensive thoughts on the game’s current state at the time of its publishing. As such, any significant post-launch updates were thoughtfully factored into the final score, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of the complete player experience.
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X/S
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Machine Games