Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Review
A Whip-Cracking Adventure?
Few franchises carry the weight of legacy quite like Indiana Jones. From his iconic fedora to the crack of his bullwhip, Indiana Jones is synonymous with adventure. Fans eagerly awaited Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a game promising to capture the spirit of the movies while offering a fresh narrative twist. Developed by Relic Games and published by LucasArts Interactive, the title aimed to marry cinematic storytelling with engaging gameplay. So, does The Great Circle deliver on its lofty promises, or does it fall into the depths of mediocrity?
Story: Treasure Hunting with a Twist
At its core, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle tells a classic Indy tale: an ancient artifact, shrouded in mystery and steeped in danger, has surfaced. This time, the titular Great Circle is a legendary celestial map that supposedly leads to the "Axis of Eternity," an artifact said to unlock the secrets of time itself. Cue Nazis, ancient traps, and plenty of globe-trotting.
The narrative feels familiar but not derivative, thanks to its well-written characters and surprising twists. Joining Indy is Sofia Rourke, a plucky archaeologist who provides banter and occasional moments of genuine pathos. The villain, Colonel Von Richter, is as hammy and menacing as you’d hope for in an Indiana Jones adventure.
Relic Games deserves credit for keeping the pacing tight, with the story unraveling organically through gameplay rather than over-reliance on cutscenes. Whether you're uncovering clues in dusty tombs or racing to escape a collapsing temple, the stakes feel real, and the narrative pulls you in.
Gameplay: Puzzles, Combat, and Platforming—Oh My!
The Great Circle is a hybrid of action-adventure, platforming, and puzzle-solving. At its best, it feels like a loving homage to Uncharted or Tomb Raider, but with its own unique spin. However, not all mechanics are created equal.
Exploration and Puzzles
Exploration is where The Great Circle truly shines. From the dense jungles of South America to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the game’s environments are breathtakingly detailed. Each locale is packed with secrets, collectibles, and environmental storytelling that encourages thorough investigation.
Puzzles are another highlight. Whether deciphering ancient hieroglyphs or manipulating gears in elaborate contraptions, the game nails the balance between challenge and accessibility. A particular standout is a sequence set in an underwater temple, where players must use reflections from mirrored surfaces to light their way.
Combat and Stealth
Combat is serviceable but not groundbreaking. Players can choose between hand-to-hand brawling, whip-based maneuvers, or an arsenal of firearms. While the mechanics work, they occasionally feel clunky—especially in larger encounters where targeting can be inconsistent. On the flip side, stealth sections provide a refreshing change of pace, emphasizing Indy’s resourcefulness over brute force.
Platforming
Platforming sequences are exhilarating but can veer into frustration. Indy’s movement feels a bit floaty at times, leading to missed jumps and unnecessary retries. The rope-swinging mechanic, while thematic, is particularly finicky. Thankfully, generous checkpoints soften the blow.
Graphics and Sound: A Cinematic Feast
Visually, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is stunning. Character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are richly textured. Dynamic lighting and particle effects add depth to each scene, making the game a joy to look at.
The sound design is equally impressive. John Williams’ iconic score makes a triumphant return, complemented by new compositions that blend seamlessly with the original themes. Voice acting is top-notch, with Harrison Ford delivering a surprisingly enthusiastic performance as Indy. The supporting cast’s performances are equally strong, adding weight to the story.
Replayability and Extras
The Great Circle offers plenty of reasons to revisit its world. Collectibles like ancient relics and journal entries provide lore for completionists, while hidden challenges unlock bonus content such as concept art and behind-the-scenes footage. A New Game+ mode lets players carry over upgrades, adding a layer of replayability for those who want to tackle higher difficulties.
Multiplayer is a surprising addition. A co-op mode allows two players to team up as Indy and Sofia, tackling specially designed missions. While not essential to the experience, it’s a fun diversion that adds value.
Verdict: A Worthy Adventure?
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is not without its flaws, but it captures the spirit of its namesake with heart and flair. The story, characters, and puzzles elevate the experience, even when the combat and platforming stumble. For fans of Indiana Jones, action-adventure games, or anyone seeking a rollicking good time, this is a journey worth taking.
Pros:
Engaging story with memorable characters
Beautifully crafted environments
Satisfying puzzles
Stellar voice acting and music
Cons:
Clunky combat mechanics
Finicky platforming controls
Occasional pacing hiccups