It’s been over three decades since I wore out my VHS copy of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. After uncovering the literal Holy Grail, where could Indy possibly go? Aliens and time machines, apparently. But Indiana Jones and the Great Circle rewinds the clock, delivering a thrilling adventure that captures Indy’s prime. With breathtaking environments, smart puzzles, a stellar soundtrack, and a knockout punch sound effect, this game earns its place as one of the finest Indiana Jones stories, movies included.
Unlike the recent films, The Great Circle knows exactly what fans want. Bethesda handed the reins to MachineGames, known for their Wolfenstein series, and they’ve crafted an Indy experience that respects the character while delivering something fresh.
A New Direction for Adventure
MachineGames traded Wolfenstein’s frenetic firefights for slower-paced exploration and stealth in The Great Circle. This shift feels like a nod to The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, another first-person adventure that’s been a major influence. It’s not a cinematic, third-person action game in the vein of Uncharted, and that’s a good thing. Instead, it’s an Indiana Jones game that feels uniquely its own, blending story, exploration, and clever mechanics to create something both nostalgic and new.
From the very first level—a flashback to Raiders of the Lost Ark—The Great Circle sets the tone. Familiar locations like Marshall College are lovingly recreated, down to the smallest details. Cabinets filled with artifacts, scuffed floors, and even cluttered notice boards give the world a lived-in feel. It’s a love letter to the series, written with care.
Puzzles, Punches, and Quiet Moments
Puzzle-solving takes center stage in The Great Circle, and it’s all the better for it. Each puzzle feels tactile and immersive, with a smart hint system that keeps you in the game rather than reaching for your phone. Whether you’re deciphering ancient texts or manipulating hidden mechanisms, the game makes you feel like a real treasure hunter.
Combat is deliberately minimal. Indy’s fists are the stars here, delivering satisfying haymakers that would make even the toughest Nazi reconsider their career choices. Guns are an option, but a limited one—fitting, given that Indy’s pistol has never been his go-to solution. That said, the revolver could use some tweaks; it lacks the punch of its cinematic counterpart, which is a shame.
The game also nails its pacing. There are high-energy moments, like escaping a collapsing temple, but they’re balanced with quiet exploration and clever platforming. It’s this mix that keeps the game feeling fresh throughout.
A Feast for the Eyes
The first-person perspective amplifies the sense of scale and detail in The Great Circle. Towering pyramids, snow-covered mountain fortresses, and candlelit crypts feel awe-inspiring when viewed at eye level. Every surface tells a story, from the faint wax drip on a candle to the scuffed glass of an artifact case.
MachineGames has poured an incredible amount of care into crafting this world, and it shows. It’s the kind of game where you’ll find yourself stopping to admire the view—or a particularly well-placed cobweb.
Final Thoughts
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers everything fans could want in an Indy adventure. It’s a game built with passion, packed with detailed levels, satisfying puzzles, and moments that feel ripped straight from the best parts of the films. While its stealth mechanics show their limitations if you push too hard, when played as intended, it’s a delightful, globe-trotting experience that any Indiana Jones fan will love.
This isn’t just another Indiana Jones game—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the character in the first place. Dust off your fedora and get ready to dive into an adventure that doesn’t belong in a museum—it belongs on your hard drive.
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