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Indiana Jones and The Great Circle – Review

OUR RATING: 9/10

Set between the events of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Last Crusade,” “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” plunges players into a world on the brink of global conflict. It’s 1937, and the shadow of fascism looms large over Europe and beyond.

The story kicks off with a bang, as Indy investigates the theft of a seemingly insignificant artifact from the college museum. This initial mystery quickly snowballs into a grand adventure that spans continents and cultures. From the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the sun-baked sands of Egypt, each location feels distinct and brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.

What truly impressed me was how seamlessly the game weaves historical fact with archaeological fantasy. The titular “Great Circle” concept – a series of ancient sites forming a perfect circle around the globe – serves as a brilliant MacGuffin that drives the plot forward. It’s the kind of pseudo-scientific intrigue that feels right at home in the Indiana Jones universe.

As Indy unravels the mystery of the Great Circle, he encounters a cast of colorful characters that bring the world to life. Gina Lombardi, a feisty Italian journalist, serves as a worthy companion and foil to our hero. Their banter and evolving relationship add depth to the narrative and provide some much-needed moments of levity amidst the high-stakes adventure.

Of course, no Indiana Jones story would be complete without a formidable adversary, and “The Great Circle” delivers in spades with Emmerich Voss. This Nazi archaeologist is a chilling presence throughout the game, his cold intellect and manipulative nature making him a perfect foil for Indy’s rugged charm and quick wit. The cat-and-mouse game between these two rivals forms the backbone of the story, driving the action forward and raising the stakes with each encounter.

One of the most striking aspects of “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is its decision to present the action primarily from a first-person perspective. This choice might raise eyebrows among some fans, but I found it to be a refreshing take that truly immerses you in Indy’s world. There’s something undeniably thrilling about seeing those iconic hands reach out to grab an ancient artifact or crack that legendary whip.

The gameplay seamlessly blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat into a cohesive whole. Each location is a playground of possibilities, with multiple paths to explore and secrets to uncover. I often found myself spending far more time than necessary in each area, meticulously combing every nook and cranny for hidden treasures and lore tidbits.

Puzzle-solving forms the core of the Indiana Jones experience, and “The Great Circle” doesn’t disappoint in this regard. From deciphering ancient codes to manipulating elaborate mechanical contraptions, the puzzles are varied and satisfying. What I particularly appreciated was how the game strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility. While some puzzles had me scratching my head for a good while, the solution always felt logical and rewarding once discovered.

Combat in “The Great Circle” leans heavily towards stealth and resourcefulness, which feels true to Indy’s character. While you can go in guns blazing if you choose, the game encourages a more thoughtful approach. Sneaking past guards, using disguises, and creatively using the environment to your advantage all feel incredibly satisfying. And when things do get hairy, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of improvising a weapon from nearby objects to take down a group of Nazi thugs.

The iconic whip plays a central role in both combat and traversal. Using it to disarm enemies, swing across chasms, or manipulate distant objects never gets old. The physicality of the whip mechanics adds a layer of skill and timing that makes each successful use feel earned.

Visually, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is a stunning achievement. The attention to detail in recreating the 1930s era is simply breathtaking. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the mist-shrouded temples of Southeast Asia, each location feels alive and authentic. The lighting, in particular, deserves special mention – the way sunlight filters through ancient ruins or moonlight casts eerie shadows in forgotten tombs creates an atmosphere that’s pure Indiana Jones.

Character models and animations are equally impressive. Indy himself moves with a fluidity and weight that perfectly captures Harrison Ford’s iconic portrayal. The facial animations during cutscenes are particularly noteworthy, conveying subtle emotions that add depth to the storytelling.

The audio design is no less impressive. The sound of Indy’s footsteps echoing through an ancient tomb, the crack of the whip, and the satisfying thud of a well-placed punch all contribute to the immersive experience. And of course, no discussion of Indiana Jones would be complete without mentioning the music. While John Williams’ iconic themes are sadly absent, composer Gordy Haab has crafted a score that captures the spirit of the originals while adding his own flair. The sweeping orchestral pieces swell at just the right moments, heightening the sense of adventure and discovery.

While “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” gets so much right, it’s not without its flaws. The stealth mechanics, while generally satisfying, can occasionally feel a bit simplistic compared to dedicated stealth games. Enemy AI sometimes struggles to provide a consistent challenge, with guards occasionally displaying moments of obliviousness that break immersion.

The game’s checkpoint system can also be a source of frustration at times. While generally fair, there were a few instances where I found myself repeating lengthy sections due to poorly placed save points. This is particularly noticeable during some of the more challenging combat encounters.

Some players might also find the first-person perspective jarring at first, especially during platforming sections. While I personally grew to appreciate this viewpoint, it does take some getting used to, and there were moments where judging distances felt trickier than it would have in a third-person game.

Despite these minor quibbles, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” stands as a triumphant return for the franchise in the gaming world. MachineGames has crafted an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh, capturing the essence of what makes Indiana Jones such an enduring character while pushing the series in exciting new directions.

The game’s blend of historical settings, archaeological mysteries, and pulse-pounding action creates a perfect storm of entertainment that kept me hooked from start to finish. The attention to detail in every aspect of the game – from the meticulously crafted environments to the nuanced character performances – demonstrates a clear love and respect for the source material.

For longtime fans of Indiana Jones, “The Great Circle” is a dream come true. It hits all the right notes of adventure, humor, and mysticism that we’ve come to expect from the series. For newcomers, it serves as an excellent introduction to the world of Indiana Jones, potentially creating a whole new generation of fans.

“Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is more than just a great Indiana Jones game – it’s a great game, period. It successfully translates the thrills and charm of the movies into an interactive experience that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best action-adventure titles on the market.

While not without its minor flaws, the overall package is so compelling that it’s easy to overlook these small issues. The combination of an engaging story, satisfying gameplay, and stunning presentation makes for an experience that’s hard to put down.

If you’ve ever dreamed of donning the fedora and embarking on your own archaeological adventure, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is as close as you’re likely to get without leaving your living room. It’s a love letter to the franchise that manages to carve out its own identity, and a must-play for anyone with a taste for adventure.

So grab your whip, pack your satchel, and prepare for a journey that will take you to the far corners of the earth and the depths of ancient mysteries. “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” isn’t just a game – it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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