Indiana Jones, a movie icon, the inspiration for IPs like Lara Croft and Nathan Drake. Indiana Jones has had a decent to okay video game adaptions, going back to its well-received point and click adventures dating back to the Amiga and Atari ST days, to the infamous Staff of Kings game. Indy has had his up and downs in the game market.
Now let's get into my personal review of Indiana Jones: And the Great Circle. Wow, Bethesda, Xbox, Machine Games, tilt your hats forward, they absolutely not only nailed a great game, but they nailed the IP perfectly. Many calling it the best Movie to Game Adaptative and the best Indiana Jones game. This is an adventure worth playing. My play through was on my Series X which I have 100% finished.
I will keep this review Spoiler Free as since its coming to PS5 at a later date, I don't want to spoil anything about this game's story/plot. You are in for a ride.
GAMEPLAY
A few controversial critics pre-launch about Indy being in FPS mode instead of 3rd person, but it's safe to say, it works, and it works really well, let's put that to bed. It has a hybrid VR style system where the character has actual physical arms where he would automatically touch thing and move things. They have full physics so when holding a rifle and you are close to a wall, the characters arms will adjust to the wall automatically. this is a very neat idea, and it works extremely well in this game. This game also runs silky smooth, and the traversing and combat all are well implemented. The combat can be a little sluggish and getting use to the button commands can be tricky as Indy has a little of neat tricks.
One Complaint is the Repair Tool isn't explained in game; you have to read up how to use the item in the control settings.
The game is mainly stealth, where you can use plenty of weapons laying around which do have a durability and can break after a few uses. This can be bothersome but not a game breaker (Pun not intended) Indy also has a holstered Gun which you can choose to go Guns blazing if you want to, but be warned, one gun fire will mostly set off the entire area so get ready to hide somewhere. The neat part is you can turn the gun around and use it as a melee weapon or to break open lock chests. You can also punch with both hands and block when unarmed. The punching sound effects is hilarious.
AUDIO
Absolutely amazing. Machine Games have nailed the Music, just like in the movies and not just the main theme, but a few familiar movie themes. Troy Baker also nailed Indies voice, 90% of the time, it sounded like Harrison Ford. The humor levels will get a smile out of you especially after knocking an enemy out with a table leg and hearing Indy Comment after it is movie like.
VISUALS
This would have to be the first true current Gen game I have played that actually feels this gen. Not only is it 60fps, it looks absolutely gorgeous and it's also Semi OpenWorld. Digital Foundry rated it the best-looking game of 2024. The games Artistic design is exactly what you would expect from Indiana Jones, the enemy designs, the way the stages look, all feel like they have come out straight from the movie set. They were also brave enough to use actual Nazi symbols and designs. Also seeing Harrison Ford's face as Indy in his prime is also a nostalgia hit for those Indy fans, and they did an incredible job with it. ID Tech is amazing.
CONCLUSION
Indiana Jones is my GOTY of 2024, and not just mine either, it has won a bunch of awards for those that care about that stuff. If you enjoy the Indiana Jones movies, I would highly recommend this game, this feels like a true sequel to the original trilogy and puts Indiana Jones back on the map for a great gaming IP. I cannot wait for another game if Machine Games has the rights for it.
Off to the world of Avowed.
Last edited by Azzanation - on 17 February 2025
