Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox) preview: This could be the Indy game we never knew we wanted

At long last, MachineGames has offered a proper look at its much-anticipated Indiana Jones video game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. After months of cryptic hints and a single cinematic trailer, they’ve finally given us a glimpse into what we can expect from this new adventure featuring everyone's favourite archaeologist. I had the opportunity to catch the gameplay trailer before Gamescom 2024, along with an exclusive peek at a spelunking scene that left me hungry for more.

Set in 1937, The Great Circle picks up shortly after the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Nazis are still on their relentless quest to secure power across Germany and beyond, turning to myths and legends as they often do in the Indiana Jones universe. While developer MachineGames has kept the story’s specifics close to their chest, it’s clear that this adventure will take Indy from the peaks of the Himalayas to the depths of ancient ruins, and even into the heart of Vatican City. The developers have mixed real-world locations with creatively imagined ones, allowing for a blend of authenticity and artistic freedom that promises diverse environments and hidden dangers.

Unlike the high-octane pace of MachineGames’ previous titles like its Wolfenstein series, The Great Circle opts for a different direction. While there’s no shortage of moments where our favourite archeologist Indy gets to crack his whip or fire off his revolver, the focus is more on exploration and puzzle-solving – just like the movies. Think of it less as an adrenaline-fuelled sprint and more like a steady journey through a world full of hidden secrets and layers waiting to be peeled back. The developers themselves refer to it as an adventure-action game, a small but telling distinction that hints at the game's design philosophy. It's clear they want players to feel like archaeologists, digging through layers of history rather than just running and gunning their way through it.

One of the most interesting aspects is how the game handles its puzzles. There are both straightforward challenges, like using mirrors to reflect light around a chamber or breaking through obvious hidden walls, and more nuanced conundrums that require deeper thinking. The game includes a feature that allows players to adjust the difficulty of the puzzles separately from the combat, which should appeal to those who love a good brainteaser or prefer a lighter mental workout to focus more on the game’s story. The inclusion of tools like a camera that lets Indy document and provide commentary on ancient artefacts adds another layer of engagement, giving players a way to immerse themselves in his academic side, which is often overshadowed by his more daring exploits​.

The game’s progression system feels like familiar territory: you earn points for tasks like taking photos as mentioned earlier, which can then be spent on upgrades. While this might sound like standard fare, the context in which you earn these points adds a unique flavour. For example, a puzzle involving a wall painting of Longinus – the Roman soldier associated with the crucifixion of Jesus – and an empty stone bowl reveals a bit of historical trivia that helps solve the puzzle. Rather than merely a gimmick, this mechanic feels integral to the experience, highlighting Indy’s persona as a scholar-adventurer, not just a brawler or treasure hunter.

Combat in The Great Circle is also handled with a different kind of care. Rather than just making Indy a gunslinger, the game leans heavily into melee combat and creative solutions to conflicts. You can engage enemies in direct fisticuffs, use the environment to your advantage, or opt for stealth and misdirection. In one memorable scene, Indy dons a disguise to blend into a Nazi gathering, only to be tasked with serving drinks – a task that quickly becomes a source of tension if he hesitates too long. It's moments like these that promise a level of interactivity and choice not commonly seen in linear action games​.

What makes this game particularly promising is its potential for non-linear exploration. While some levels will guide players along a relatively fixed path, others open into hub-like environments where you can explore at your own pace, uncovering side quests, secrets, and puzzles off the beaten path. Players are rewarded for these detours with new abilities, skills, and perks that add depth to the gameplay.

In a crowded release calendar filled with big-name games, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has managed to stand out and pique my curiosity. Set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on 9 December 2024, with a PlayStation 5 release dated for Spring 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of exploration, the promise of historical intrigue, or simply the chance to punch Nazis in the face, there’s a lot to look forward to with this game.

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