Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Review – “I’m Making This Up As I Go”

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle: A Fun and Immersive Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Indiana Jones’ boots, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle might just be your ticket to adventure. This game mixes action, stealth, and puzzles with all the charm you’d expect from the world’s favorite archaeologist. Machine Games has created something special here—keeping the Indiana Jones spirit alive while adding their own creative touch.

Discovering Vatican City’s Secrets

One of the most exciting moments happens early in the game when you explore Vatican City. Unlike many games that follow strict, linear paths, The Great Circle lets you wander freely.

You can admire the Sistine Chapel or venture deep underground to uncover ancient ruins. Every corner of this massive level feels alive with detail, making it easy to get lost (in a good way). It’s a perfect mix of history and adventure that truly puts you in Indy’s shoes.

A New Style for Machine Games

Known for their fast-paced shooters like Wolfenstein, MachineGames shifts gears with The Great Circle. Instead of constant gunfights, this game focuses on stealth and strategy, which fits Indy’s personality perfectly.

When action does come, it’s quick and intense, just like the movies. You’ll need to rely on clever thinking and creativity to solve problems, making the gameplay both exciting and true to the character.

A Story That Feels Like Classic Indy

The story slots perfectly into the Indiana Jones timeline, taking place between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Familiar faces make appearances, and the game introduces new characters that feel right at home in Indy’s world.

You start at Marshall College, where Indy’s life as a professor comes to life in stunning detail. From there, you travel to places like the Great Pyramids and the Himalayas, blending real history with cinematic flair.

The writing nails Indy’s humor and charm, while Troy Baker delivers a fantastic performance as the voice of Indiana Jones. The villain, Emmerich Voss, is also well-written—he’s a twisted archaeologist who shares Indy’s love for history but uses it for evil.

Stunning Locations and Clever Puzzles

Every environment in The Great Circle is rich with detail. Whether you’re exploring Indy’s artifact-filled office or sneaking through ancient tombs, everything feels authentic and alive.

The game also has fun, interactive mechanics, like pulling out a map or flipping through Indy’s journal for clues. Puzzles play a big role, too. They’re not super hard, but they’re satisfying and fit perfectly with the story.

Freedom to Explore

One of the best things about The Great Circle is how much freedom it gives you. Each level offers multiple ways to solve challenges—you can sneak around enemies, find hidden paths, or even use disguises to blend in.

The game also rewards exploration. Side quests, called “Fieldwork,” add depth to the story, while smaller “Mysteries” provide quick, fun challenges. Whether you’re solving a tomb puzzle or tracking down a hidden treasure, there’s always something exciting to discover.

Balancing Stealth and Action

Stealth plays a big role in the game and is easy to pick up, even for beginners. Sneaking past enemies feels fun and forgiving, and you can use items from the environment—like wine bottles or broomsticks—for takedowns.

If you’re spotted, don’t worry. Combat is simple but satisfying, with Indy’s punches feeling powerful. The balance between sneaky moments and bursts of action feels just right for an Indiana Jones adventure.

Big, Exciting Action Scenes

While exploring the open levels is the heart of the game, The Great Circle also has some big, action-packed moments. Think shooting planes in Shanghai or escaping an avalanche in the mountains—these scenes feel like they’re ripped straight out of the movies.

Amazing Visuals and Music

The game looks and sounds fantastic. The locations are beautifully designed, and the character models bring Indy and his world to life.

The music is another standout. Composer Gordy Haab captures the magic of John Williams’ original Indiana Jones score, adding to the game’s cinematic feel.

Troy Baker’s voice acting also shines, bringing Indy’s wit and personality to the forefront.

A Few Minor Flaws

No game is perfect, and The Great Circle has a few hiccups. Switching between first- and third-person views can feel awkward at times, and some of the platforming sections could use a bit more polish.

But these small issues are easy to overlook in a game packed with so much creativity and heart.

A Must-Play for Indy Fans

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle captures everything fans love about the series—action, humor, exploration, and a sense of wonder. It feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re solving puzzles in ancient tombs or sneaking past enemies in disguise, this game makes you feel like Indiana Jones. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

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