Preview: Xbox and MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has way more depth than expected

Preview: Xbox and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has way more depth than expected

As a seasoned video game analyst with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve witnessed the evolution of gaming from pixelated beginnings to the immersive worlds we enjoy today. The latest sneak peek into Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has me brimming with excitement like Indy himself when he discovers a hidden artifact.


Using his reliable journal as a guide, renowned explorer and archaeologist Indiana Jones discovers his next hint near the colossal Great Sphinx of Giza. With calculated precision, he swiftly subdues a patrolling guard using a snap of his trustworthy whip, then readies himself to face another’s punch. A short yet intense boxing match ensues, ending with Indy overpowering his adversary and tossing him off the edge. A third guard appears, but is swiftly dealt with thanks to a well-aimed shot from Indiana Jones’ revolver.

As a long-time fan of the Indiana Jones franchise, I’ve eagerly anticipated the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the upcoming adventure game from Swedish studio MachineGames and publisher Bethesda Softworks. The snippet “So goes just one brief segment” in the news article piqued my curiosity, reminding me of the thrilling and immersive experiences I’ve had with previous titles in the series. With the rich storytelling, intricate puzzles, and captivating visuals that MachineGames is known for, I can hardly wait to embark on this new adventure!

1. Lately, I attended a preliminary demonstration of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle gameplay without actually playing it myself, along with participating in a joint discussion with some of the game’s creators. Based on what was presented, this title appears to offer a richer experience than initially anticipated, featuring detective-style missions and intricate puzzles in addition to the anticipated Nazi-fighting, whip-using scenes that were previously revealed.

A globetrotting adventure with danger and mystery

Preview: Xbox and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has way more depth than expected

In 1937, following the exploits of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the storyline of The Great Circle begins with a daring heist at Marshall College, where Indy finds himself witnessing a valuable artifact being swiped. The narrative then swiftly progresses worldwide as Indy teams up with Italian journalist Gina. As revealed by game director Jerk Gustafsson and creative director Axel Torvanius, MachineGames decided on the destinations for the game early on, intending to transport players to exotic locations such as Egypt, the Himalayas, and the Vatican.

According to audio director Pete Ward, the emphasis in this game lies on an exciting journey. As you delve into the unknown, our aim is to make the experience of exploring genuinely fulfilling.

A significant aspect involves Indy’s journal, which serves as a means to record discovered clues and hints throughout the game. As the game progresses, the journal accumulates scribbled notes and details, including images taken by Indy’s camera. I appreciate the concept of chronicling a player’s adventure and making it feel unique, and the journal effectively accomplishes this goal.

Preview: Xbox and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has way more depth than expected

In an Indiana Jones game, there’s no shortage of enigmas, and that’s where the intricate puzzles come into play. Scattered throughout the game are numerous brainteasers, with minor riddles subtly hinting at solutions and grand puzzles guarding hidden secrets. As I watched a sneak peek, Indy was shown breaking down a wall, aligning mirrors for reflections, and precisely tossing a trident to secure his safety by swinging on his whip. According to Gustafsson, the level of puzzle difficulty can be adjusted independently from the rest of the game, so players can choose whether they prefer more (or less) mental challenges beyond combat situations.

Regarding the fighting aspect, it’s clear that Indy’s skills as a fighter have been skillfully maintained in this game. Ducking and weaving enemy blows while landing your own punches is essential to the game’s rhythm, which can be enhanced using the whip, revolver, or any other item you can grab hold of. During the demo, MachineGames demonstrates Indy taking out guards with a shovel, a rolling pin, and various other objects.

In this game, you aren’t necessarily forced to charge in guns blazing, but it can be advantageous to adopt a more discreet strategy. You might find that many (but not all) of the game’s confrontations can be handled without resorting to combat. By wearing disguises, you could potentially infiltrate enemy bases with caution, and stealth can help you remain unnoticed. The game mechanics on display are quite impressive, offering a variety of outcomes and paths that have me thinking creatively about how to approach the missions.

Plenty to explore off the beaten path

Preview: Xbox and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has way more depth than expected

As I delve into this captivating world, I’ll find some paths to be quite direct, leading me through tombs and ancient ruins. However, there will be instances where the game expands, offering hub-like areas ripe for exploration. These open spaces provide a variety of optional quests and intriguing puzzles to solve at my leisure. If I fancy myself an explorer, I can uncover hidden mysteries off the typical pathway, earning rewards such as currency that can be exchanged for goods in a bustling bazaar.

In your pursuit of mysteries, solving puzzles and capturing suitable photos will not only enrich your experience but also accrue Adventure Points. These points can then be exchanged for various abilities. For instance, as displayed in the preview, one such skill is True Grit. This ability grants Indiana Jones a second lease on life during combat; should he fall, he’ll have the chance to rise once more after being knocked out in a fight.

1. Based on how much time you spend on your journey, it could be significantly shorter or longer, but regardless, you’re in for a substantial trip. As per Gustafsson and Torvanius, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is MachineGames’ most expansive game to date, surpassing their previous Wolfenstein titles, even when players strictly follow the main route.

An in-depth story and quest

I was already looking forward to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and my anticipation has definitely increased after seeing this sneak peek. The intriguing side plot and puzzle aspects have piqued my interest, and I’m eager to find out just how far they’ll go. What really caught my attention is the journal feature, which serves as a narrative device for the game and documents Indy’s adventures within it. This should give the game a more immersive and engaging feel.

Instead of Indiana Jones being a bloodthirsty, gun-blazing character like in the Wolfenstein series, it appears that there’s still a lot of exciting action, enriched by simulation-like aspects, making for an enjoyable gaming experience.

As an analyst, I find myself with a few lingering queries, yet I am inclined to set them aside for the moment, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into this adventure more deeply once I have direct access to it.

The adventure game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is set to release simultaneously on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC platforms on December 9, 2024, as announced at Gamescom. Similar to other Xbox first-party games, it will be available for play on day one through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions. Additionally, a PlayStation 5 version is planned for release in Spring 2025.

Read More

2024-08-20 23:09