Why Uncharted Fans Shouldn’t Skip Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5

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It’s fair to say that the success of modern PlayStations as a game creator and first-party publisher is significantly linked to the “Uncharted” series by Naughty Dog. Initially, this action-adventure game series was seen as a mix of classic “Tomb Raider” elements and the emerging trend of Gears of War. The debut game, “Drake’s Fortune,” while garnering moderate critical and commercial success, did not hint at the series’ future greatness. However, anyone familiar with the franchise or PlayStation knows the story – after “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves,” Naughty Dog took its skill in blending cinematic storytelling with tightly designed, linear action-adventure gameplay to new heights. The studio’s name became virtually synonymous with PlayStation games, and other Sony studios began emulating Naughty Dog’s approach.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been captivated by the evolution of Naughty Dog’s mastery. With the Last of Us series, they took everything brilliant from the Uncharted games and refined it to a gleaming pinnacle, crafting some of the most exceptional titles ever produced in our beloved medium. However, despite my ardent admiration for the Last of Us games – yes, I genuinely believe that The Last of Us Part 2 ranks among the best games ever made – they are starkly distinct from the Uncharted series in terms of atmosphere, tone, and visual style.

If you’re yearning for a thrilling journey across continents, filled with swashbuckling adventures, historical intrigue, and perhaps a hint of supernatural mystery, then let me assure you, the Last of Us games are decidedly not what you seek. They offer an entirely different experience.

Surprisingly few things can compare to others as it happens. Earlier, I pointed out that Tomb Raider served as an influence for Uncharted within the realm of video games, and it’s true that when it comes to similar experiences, Tomb Raider stands head and shoulders above most. For those who enjoy Uncharted, there are potentially three other games in the new Tomb Raider trilogy that they might find quite captivating, if they haven’t already played them. These games have revitalized the franchise by drawing inspiration from Uncharted generously (how the roles have reversed!). Although none of the latest Tomb Raider games reach the heights of Uncharted’s greatness, they are still very good in their own right. If you’re looking for more games with a similar feel, they are definitely worth exploring further.

However, it should be noted that the games themselves are quite old now, and the Tomb Raider franchise has been relatively quiet when it comes to new releases, much like Uncharted has been active. Given that seven years have passed since the release of the final game in the modern Tomb Raider trilogy, it’s fair to say that any Uncharted fan seeking more games similar in style would likely have already explored those older Tomb Raider games by now. Thus, suggesting Tomb Raider as an alternative may not be particularly helpful in this context.

For fans of Uncharted, hope may seem like an unlikely prospect given the circumstances, but this month brings an unexpected twist. Microsoft is set to release MachineGames’ exceptional Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5. Initially launched in December 2021 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, the game now makes its way onto the PS5 as part of Microsoft’s ongoing multiplatform publishing strategy. It may seem amusing that a Microsoft title could fill the shoes of a prominent PlayStation franchise, or that Indiana Jones, the predecessor to Uncharted and Tomb Raider, has managed a last-minute victory – but the game’s excellence is undeniable. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a brilliant single-player action-adventure game that perfectly captures its tone and aesthetic, transports players to various global locations on an epic treasure hunting journey, offers a central plot and mystery steeped in historical fiction, and delivers compelling storytelling – all of which are hallmarks of MachineGames.

The games are not exact replicas of each other. For instance, “Indiana Jones” is primarily a first-person game, which significantly alters the sequence of gameplay moments. Additionally, it places less emphasis on combat compared to the “Uncharted” series. The “Uncharted” franchise, in contrast, heavily emphasizes combat, leading to popular memes about its protagonist, Nathan Drake, being a prolific killer. This combat focus has even sparked discussions on ludonarrative dissonance and its implications in video games. Fans of the Indiana Jones movies are well aware that such intense violence is not typical for the titular character. Consequently, “The Great Circle” focuses less on action.

The game, The Great Circle, is structured more like an open-ended simulation rather than a traditional one. Instead of leading players through sequential levels with combinations of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, this game offers small, semi-open sandbox areas where the objectives are presented, but it’s up to the player to decide how to accomplish them. Essentially, it’s a lighter version of an immersive sim. In any given area, Indiana Jones will often find himself facing numerous armed adversaries. However, instead of engaging in prolonged shootouts, this game focuses on stealth and melee combat. It also highlights puzzles, exploration, and discovery within the game environment to help players advance.

This game, The Great Circle, differs significantly from Uncharted in terms of gameplay. If you’re seeking linear, action-packed experiences with thrilling set pieces and intense combat encounters – elements that define Uncharted – then The Great Circle may not satisfy that need (although it does boast some impressive set pieces). Ultimately, it’s not intended to deliver that type of experience, so if you’re after a new game that mimics the style of Uncharted, I’m afraid your search for something fitting that description will have to carry on.

For enthusiasts who crave the thrilling, swashbuckling spirit that Uncharted is known for, with its blend of factual and fictional globe-trotting adventures, The Great Circle could be an excellent choice. It manages to create a cozy niche for itself in the realm previously dominated by Naughty Dog and Uncharted for nearly two decades. This is quite an impressive accomplishment, and if MachineGames has the opportunity, they might expand upon this in future installments of the game.

Regarding Uncharted, here’s hoping we get another installment soon! Fortunately, there’s something fresh and exciting that shares some similarities – MachineGames’ version of Indy offers its own unique twist (which is part of what makes it so excellent, without being just a copycat). It doesn’t quite replicate the magical formula that made Uncharted one of gaming’s most cherished franchises. As for when the next game will arrive, only time will tell – it’s been nearly a decade since the last release in the series. Fingers crossed for a new adventure before then!

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

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2025-04-16 03:41