Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review (Xbox)

Indiana Jones has been an iconic figure in cinematic storytelling for decades, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle finally offers a game that captures the spirit of the films while carving its own path. High time for one of the biggest action adventure franchises ever. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, this temporary Xbox/PC-exclusive blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and action, crafting a faithful tribute to the whip-wielding archaeologist. While the game’s execution can be uneven, it embraces its adventurous tone and is a must-play for Indy fans.

Set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the narrative thrusts players into a global journey to uncover the mystery of the Great Circle, an ancient power that could reshape the world. The story is undeniably engaging, drawing players into its mix of historical intrigue, supernatural elements, and nods to familiar characters and locales. From the halls of Marshall College to sunken temples and the Egyptian pyramids, the game captures the globe-trotting spirit of Indy’s big screen adventures. However, the narrative pacing occasionally falters, with some stretches over-relying on exposition at the expense of more dynamic storytelling.

Gameplay strikes a balance between linear narrative progression and open-area exploration, encouraging players to indulge their inner adventurer mostly from a first person perspective but with enough cutscenes to show you that you are indeed classic Indy (with Harrison Ford’s looks). The game’s areas are filled with secrets, environmental puzzles, and ancient traps that evoke the perilous excitement of the films. The puzzles, while varied and visually impressive, can sometimes veer into trial-and-error territory, disrupting the flow of the action. On the other hand, the dynamic mix of stealth, melee combat, and gunplay provides thrilling set-pieces, though some mechanics feel underdeveloped. For instance, the whip – obviously Indy’s trademark tool – is a joy to use for traversal and disarming enemies, but it occasionally suffers from inconsistent inputs, especially in more demanding sections.

Visually, the game is a treat. Leveraging the power of current-gen hardware, the developers have crafted richly detailed environments that immerse players in the game’s world. Each location, from bustling cities to overgrown ruins, feels distinct and atmospheric – and right at home in the Indiana Jones universe. Character models, however, occasionally lack the polish seen in the environments, with some animations appearing stiff, especially during close-up cutscenes. Audio design is a strong point, with a rousing score that evokes the classic John Williams compositions while adding its own flair. The sound effects, from the crack of Indy’s whip to the ominous hiss of snakes, further enhance the immersion.

The game’s controls are generally solid but not without issues. Movement is fluid, and combat mechanics are intuitive, but platforming sections can feel imprecise, especially when navigating tricky jumps or using the whip for traversal. While this doesn’t derail the experience, it does lead to immersion-breaking moments of frustration in high-stakes scenarios. Additionally, the game’s tutorials are sparse, requiring players to experiment to fully understand some mechanics, and we had more fun restarting the game after figuring them out.

Ultimately, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a love letter to fans of the character and the genre. It offers a captivating adventure with memorable locations, engaging puzzles, and thrilling action, despite its occasional small missteps. For fans of Indiana Jones or those seeking a cinematic adventure, this is a great journey just one that occasionally stumbles along the way. It’s a bit like the film franchise in that sense, but that never stopped us from loving it.

Score: 8.6/10