Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review

When I first heard that MachineGames was tackling an Indiana Jones game, I was taken by surprise. Known for their gritty, action-packed Wolfenstein series, could they really capture the spirit of Indiana Jones—a franchise rooted in grand adventure, mystery, and a dash of humor? After playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I can confidently say they didn’t just succeed; they absolutely nailed it. This game is a masterclass in honoring a beloved franchise while delivering a fresh, thrilling, and deeply engaging experience.

Set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, The Great Circle is a beautifully crafted adventure that feels like a lost Indiana Jones movie in every way. The story kicks off with Indy investigating the theft of an ancient artifact tied to a mysterious celestial phenomenon known as “the Great Circle.” His search leads him across the globe, from bustling bazaars in Cairo to the icy tundras of Siberia, and even into hidden jungle temples in South America.

Along the way, Indy crosses paths with old allies you’ll recognise from the films, who bring their trademark charm to the story. But the game also introduces new faces, both friend and foe. The main villain, a cunning and manipulative Nazi Emmerich Voss, is one of the best antagonists I’ve seen in an action adventure video game in recent years. His motivations are complex, twisted, and he owns many of the scenes he’s apart of because of his intimidating presence. He provides a challenging parallel for Indy, and the mental games they play with each other are just as thrilling as their physical confrontations.

What truly elevates the story is Troy Baker’s phenomenal performance as Indiana Jones. He captures Indy’s wit, sarcasm, and rugged charm with uncanny precision, embodying the character in both voice and mannerisms. Watching him banter with allies or throw out a wry one-liner mid-danger felt like revisiting the Harrison Ford classic we all know and love.

The Great Circle is primarily a first-person game, but it shifts seamlessly into third-person during platforming sequences and cutscenes. This combination allows for both immersion and cinematic flair, and it works brilliantly. The gameplay is divided into three key pillars: exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, all of which are handled with great care.

The game’s stages are sprawling, detailed, and highly explorable. From the ancient corridors of an underground tomb to sprawling desert ruins, the environments feel alive and meticulously crafted. As someone who loves uncovering every collectible and secret, I found myself thoroughly rewarded for taking my time. The in-game map is a joy to use, offering just enough guidance to keep you on track without feeling overly hand-holdy. It even has that tactile, hand-drawn feel that makes you feel like an explorer plotting your own course.

Combat is versatile and satisfying. Whether you want to sneak through the shadows and take enemies down silently or charge in with fists flying and whip cracking, the game supports your playstyle. The whip, by the way, is an absolute blast to use—it’s both a weapon and a tool for traversal, making it essential to the gameplay. Shooting mechanics are tight, though you’ll often find yourself relying on environmental interactions and improvised solutions, which feels very on-brand for Indy.

Puzzles are another highlight. They’re smartly designed, rewarding critical thinking and observation without becoming overly frustrating. The game offers difficulty options for players who might struggle, but even on the default setting, they struck a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. You’ll have a blast with the challenge they offer and are deeply satisfying to solve.

MachineGames has done a phenomenal job of replicating the look, tone, and feel of the Indiana Jones films. The environments are rich with detail, the lighting is cinematic, and every cutscene feels like a scene ripped straight from the big screen. High-action moments, like a daring escape or a chase through a crowded bazaar, are heart-pounding, visually spectacular and replicate the film’s balance of action and humour.

The iconic music also deserves praise. The score mixes classic Indiana Jones themes with new compositions that perfectly complement the adventure. From the triumphant brass during action scenes to the eerie, suspenseful tones in ancient ruins, the music pulls you right back into Indy’s world.

And of course, no Indiana Jones game would be complete without the hat and whip. They’re more than just props—they’re extensions of Indy’s personality. Whether you’re using the whip to disarm an enemy or watching Indy casually retrieve his hat after a near-death encounter, these small details make you feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of the legendary adventurer.

One of the game’s most impressive features is the level of freedom it gives players. Each major area offers multiple paths and solutions, letting you decide how to approach objectives. In one mission, I opted for a stealthy infiltration of an enemy base, carefully picking off guards and using distractions to slip past patrols. In another, I went full action hero, charging in with a pistol, hammer and whip, taking down enemies in a flurry of chaos.

This flexibility extends to exploration as well. You can follow the main story path or take your time uncovering hidden secrets and solving optional puzzles. For players like me who love to explore every nook and cranny, this level of choice adds incredible depth to the experience and you’re often rewarded for travelling off the game’s main path.

While The Great Circle is an outstanding game, it’s not without its flaws. For one, the platforming mechanics, while functional, can feel a bit clunky at times. During a few sequences, I found myself misjudging jumps or struggling with awkward camera angles, which pulled me out of the experience. Additionally, while the game’s visuals are stunning overall, there were occasional texture pop-ins and minor graphical glitches. These moments were rare and didn’t detract significantly from the experience, but they were noticeable enough to mention.

Final Thoughts

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a triumph for both MachineGames and the Indiana Jones franchise. It’s clear that the developers approached this project with immense respect and love for the source material, crafting a game that feels like a true extension of the films. With its thrilling story, breathtaking environments, satisfying puzzles, and exhilarating action, this is an adventure worthy of the Indiana Jones name.

While it’s not perfect, with some minor technical hiccups, the overall experience far outweighs these shortcomings. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or new to Indy’s world, The Great Circle is a must-play. It’s not just a game—it’s an adventure.

An Xbox review code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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