Over three decades have passed since the VHS copy of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a household staple. Since then, the franchise has continuously escalated its scope, from uncovering the Holy Grail to exploring aliens and time machines. Indiana Jones an the Great Circle offers a refreshing antidote, transporting players back to the adventurer’s prime with a figurative “Dial of Destiny.”

The result is one of the most compelling Indiana Jones stories, spanning both games and movies. Painstakingly detailed environments, atmospheric tomb-raiding, intricate puzzle-solving, and an exceptional musical score combine to create a truly immersive experience. Despite occasional stumbling in stealth-focused segments, The Great Circle stands out as a visually stunning and exciting globe-trotting adventure.

A New Era of Indiana Jones Games

Bringing Indiana Jones back to the big screen after The Last Crusade ended on a high note may have been a misstep. However, MachineGames has crafted an Indiana Jones experience inspired by the team’s best works. The studio, known for its Wolfenstein series, brings its expertise in first-person, story-driven gameplay to the forefront in The Great Circle. If anyone despises Nazis as much as Indiana Jones, it’s B.J. Blazkowicz, Wolfenstein’s protagonist.

Unlike Wolfenstein’s fast-paced gunplay, The Great Circle emphasizes patient exploration and stealth. Guns rarely serve as a viable option, encouraging players to adopt slower, strategic gameplay. MachineGames’ DNA runs deep, with founding members’ experience stretching back to The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. That influence is clear, with The Great Circle delivering a refreshingly immersive game that respects the franchise’s roots.

Breaking Away from Uncharted Comparisons

Many expected The Great Circle to mimic the Uncharted series, much like previous Indiana Jones games borrowed from Tomb Raider. Instead, The Great Circle embraces the unique identity of the Indiana Jones franchise. The game’s first-person perspective delivers a fantastic sense of scale, whether gazing at the Great Pyramid or marveling at a massive Nazi battleship in the Himalayas. Puzzle-solving benefits significantly from this perspective, immersing players in intricately designed escape rooms.

Puzzles appear frequently and vary in difficulty, with a hint system offering assistance only when needed. This system keeps players engaged without resorting to external guides. Additionally, the attention to granular details—such as streak marks on glass or candle wax dripping down stairwells—creates an authentic and visually stunning world.

A Nostalgic Journey Across Iconic Locations

The game begins with a flashback tutorial set during Raiders of the Lost Ark, showcasing The Great Circle’s masterful design. The second level takes players to a beautifully recreated Marshall College in Connecticut, brimming with intricate details that evoke nostalgia. From there, the adventure unfolds across iconic locations, including the Vatican City, Egyptian pyramids, and jungle-covered temples. Each environment stands out, enhanced by impressive ray tracing and lighting effects.

The story’s strength lies in its seamless integration into the timeline between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. It captures the essence of Indiana Jones, from his witty humor to his relentless pursuit of ancient artifacts. Voice actors Troy Baker and David Shaughnessy deliver stellar performances, with Baker’s Harrison Ford impersonation blending seamlessly into the role. The music mirrors the iconic scores of Raiders and The Last Crusade, further elevating the experience.

Combat and Gameplay Mechanics

Combat in The Great Circle feels satisfyingly visceral, with first-person mechanics that highlight every punch and parry. The iconic bullwhip allows players to disarm enemies, adding versatility to the combat. However, the stamina system, which depletes with climbing, sprinting, and fighting, occasionally disrupts the flow of action. While this system aims to add realism, it sometimes feels like an unnecessary constraint.

The stealth mechanics are basic, with limited enemy vision making it relatively easy to sneak past foes. Despite its simplicity, the stealth system aligns with the game’s focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than relentless action. Players can also revisit completed locations to tackle side missions, adding replay value to the game.