Uncovering the Mysteries of Indiana Jones: A Kotaku Dive
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a game that defies expectations. When I first heard about it, I feared it would mimic Uncharted, but set in the '30s with more Nazis. Thankfully, it offers something entirely different. Combining elements of Hitman-like stealth, Dishonored-like first-person gameplay, and escape room puzzles, it creates a unique experience that feels fresh yet unmistakably like Indiana Jones.
A New Adventure Awaits
Set in 1937, between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game opens with a thrilling tutorial sequence. It captures the iconic opening of Raiders, complete with the boulder chase and a digital Alfred Molina. This fan-service moment serves to introduce the game's mechanics and sets the tone for the adventure.
MachineGames made a bold choice with the first-person perspective, and it pays off. For the first time, you truly feel like Indiana Jones. It's not just about punching Nazis or solving riddles; it's about living the fantasy of being the world's greatest archaeologist.
An Open-Ended Experience
Great Circle isn't a linear action game. Instead, it offers a sandbox experience similar to Deus Ex or Dishonored. You explore large, detailed maps filled with collectibles, side quests, and mysteries. The first big map, set in the Vatican, can take eight to nine hours to fully explore.
This design choice creates an Indy sandbox that's both glorious and engaging. The game is rich in mechanics, allowing you to interact with nearly every object. Use your whip to swing across chasms or stun enemies, and employ a lighter to illuminate dark areas or ignite torches.
Improvisation and Interaction
The game's interaction level is impressive. You can pick up objects and use them as weapons or distractions. This improvisation is key to the Indiana Jones experience. You might sneak into an enemy base, take down guards, and use a bottle as a distraction, only to have plans change on the fly.
- Pick up and use objects as weapons or tools
- Whip for swinging, stunning, or solving puzzles
- Lighter for lighting dark areas or igniting torches
- Outfits for disguises and sneaking past enemies
Failing is part of the fun, as it forces you to improvise your way out, just like Indy does in the movies. This game nails that aspect of the franchise.
Adventure Points and Progression
As you progress, you'll earn Adventure Points to unlock new abilities. Discover new tombs, solve puzzles, or help those in need to earn these points. However, you won't earn points for fighting, emphasizing that Indiana Jones is an explorer first.
A Cinematic Experience
While I won't spoil the story, I can say it's like experiencing a new Indy movie. The game captures the essence of the films with its camera angles and lighting. The main villain, Emmerich Voss, stands out as a memorable character, adding depth to the story.
By the end of Great Circle, I realized it wasn't just one of the best games of 2024, but perhaps my favorite Indiana Jones adventure since Crusade. It doesn't rely solely on nostalgia or fan service, making it a must-play for fans of immersive sims and stealth-action games.
Join the Adventure
If you're a gamer, streamer, or just a fan of Indiana Jones, don't miss out on this incredible experience. Join Streamers Visuals to stay updated on game news and explore our collection of emotes, sub badges, overlays, and more designs. Dive into the world of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle today!
