Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review

Release Date: December 9, 2024
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox X|S
Developer: MachineGames
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Overview

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a first-person action-adventure game that puts you directly into the boots of the iconic archaeologist. Set in the 30’s, the story takes Indy across the globe—from dusty tombs to sacred temples—unraveling a mystery tied to the enigmatic concept of the "Great Circle." The game blends exploration, puzzle-solving, stealth, and combat, all while capturing the spirit and tone of a classic Indiana Jones adventure. It feels like stepping into one of the films, but with the added immersion of being right there in the thick of the action.

Story

The story feels like a lost Indiana Jones film—in the best way possible. Indy is written true to character, and the supporting cast brings solid energy, especially Gina, who makes for a sharp and capable companion throughout the journey. The plot is packed with globe-trotting intrigue and ancient mysteries, though a few twists felt a little predictable and the pacing dragged in the middle. Still, I enjoyed the blend of history and myth, and it all builds to a satisfying, cinematic finale.

Gameplay

Mechanics: The core gameplay mixes first-person exploration, puzzle-solving, stealth, and some light combat. It doesn't reinvent the genre, but it does a good job stitching together familiar elements into something that feels true to the Indiana Jones experience. I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking, but using the whip for traversal, disarming enemies, and environmental interaction adds a fun, unique flavor.
Controls: The controls felt smooth and intuitive right from the start, with most actions mapped in a way that just made sense. Switching between traversal, puzzles, and combat was fluid, and I rarely had to think twice about what button to press. There were a few moments where aiming or climbing felt a bit stiff, but nothing that seriously got in the way of the experience.
Difficulty: The game strikes a pretty balanced level of challenge, never feeling too punishing but still keeping me on my toes during key moments. There are multiple difficulty settings, which is great for players who want either a more relaxed story-focused run or a tougher, more intense experience. Some puzzles made me stop and think for a bit, but nothing ever felt unfair or frustrating.
Replayability: It’s a pretty linear, story-driven experience, so there isn’t a ton of reason to replay it once you’ve finished the main adventure. That said, there are a few hidden collectibles and optional paths that I missed the first time around, which might be fun to go back for. Personally, I enjoyed the ride, but it’s not the kind of game I see myself replaying right away.

Graphics

Visual Style: The game goes for a grounded, realistic visual style that fits the historical adventure vibe. Environments are richly detailed, from ancient ruins to busy city streets, and the lighting adds a nice cinematic touch. Character models look true to their era, giving everything a lived-in, believable feel.
Technical Performance: Performance was mostly solid in my playthrough, with a consistent frame rate and sharp resolution throughout most areas. I ran into a couple of minor texture pop-ins and one odd animation bug, but nothing that broke immersion. Load times were quick, and overall stability felt polished.
Art Design: The art direction captures that classic pulp adventure tone perfectly, blending real-world architecture with mysterious, mythological elements. Each location has its own distinct atmosphere, and the visual storytelling helps bring the world to life. I appreciated how the environments were packed with detail without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.

Sound

Soundtrack: The music has that sweeping, adventurous energy you'd expect, and it really helps elevate the cinematic feel of the story. It blends orchestral themes with quieter, atmospheric moments that kick in during exploration or puzzle-solving. The score always seems to hit at the right time, whether it’s building tension or celebrating a big discovery.
Sound Effects: Sound effects are crisp and well-placed, from the satisfying crack of the whip to the subtle creaks of ancient doors opening. Environmental sounds help sell each location, whether you're in a dense jungle or a quiet underground chamber. They did a great job making everything feel tactile and alive through audio alone.
Voice Acting: The voice acting is strong across the board, with Indiana Jones sounding surprisingly close to what fans would expect. The supporting characters are also well-performed, adding personality and charm without going over the top. Emotional beats and humor land well thanks to solid delivery and good direction.

Multiplayer (None)

Modes: The game does not feature a multiplayer mode. The game is designed as a single-player experience, focusing on the narrative-driven campaign.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Strong Pacing: The story moves smoothly from one location to the next, giving each chapter a distinct feel without dragging things out.
Cinematic Set Pieces: Big action moments are crafted with flair, offering memorable sequences that feel like they belong in an Indiana Jones film.
Rewarding Exploration: The game encourages players to look around, often hiding lore, collectibles, or shortcuts off the beaten path.

Cons:

Inconsistent AI: Stealth encounters can lose their tension when enemies behave unrealistically or fail to notice obvious actions.
Clunky Platforming: Some traversal mechanics feel a bit awkward, making jumps and climbing less fluid than they should be.
Low Replay Incentive: Outside of collectible hunting, there’s not much reason to return once the main adventure is finished.

Final Verdict

This game delivers a classic adventure that captures the spirit of Indiana Jones while giving players the chance to step into his world firsthand. It might not push the genre forward, but it hits the right beats with charm, atmosphere, and some genuinely fun moments. A few rough edges hold it back from being truly great, but it’s still a solid, story-driven ride that fans of action-adventure games will likely enjoy. If you’re here for the treasure-hunting thrills and cinematic flair, you’ll find plenty to dig into.

My final verdict for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is 4 leaves out of 5.