8Bit/Digi

The Return of the Great Adventure

It may come as a surprise to some, but Indiana Jones isn’t just an iconic film series—it’s also a beloved video game franchise. The point-and-click adventures were once staples of LucasArts’ impressive catalog. Of course, fans fondly remember the 3D classics like The Infernal Machine and The Emperor’s Tomb. However, it has been far too long since Dr. Jones last ventured into the world of video games.

That’s why Indiana Jones and the Great Circle marks a highly anticipated and welcome return for Dr. Jones. In this new adventure, players step into the iconic role of the beloved archaeologist, traveling across the globe to thwart the Nazis’ pursuit of powerful ancient technology.

The Search for Facts

Set after the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones returns from a successful dig only to have one of the artifacts stolen. The only clue he has is a medallion with the symbol of the Vatican Archives. Seeking answers, he contacts a trusted friend in Vatican City to aid his investigation. During his investigation, Indy uncovers the Nephilim Order, an ancient group sworn to protect the secret of the Great Circle. Everything changes when Indiana Jones discovers that Emmerich Voss, a Nazi archaeologist and high-ranking SS officer, is determined to harness the power of the Great Circle to gain an edge in the impending war. Indy embarks on a globe-trotting adventure to prevent Voss from unlocking the secrets of the Great Circle.

At its core, The Great Circle is a classic adventure, embodying everything fans expect from the Indiana Jones series. Dr. Jones embarks on a globe-trotting mission to thwart the Third Reich’s efforts to acquire ancient knowledge that could be weaponized for war. Along the way, he encounters a cast of memorable characters who assist him in overcoming countless obstacles. Special praise needs to go to the cast. Troy Baker’s performance as Indy and Marios Gavrilis as Voss is stunning. Of course, one also can’t overlook the performance of the late Tony Todd’s unforgettable portrayal of Locus. If you enjoyed the original films and the classic games then you will enjoy this game.

Filling in the Blanks

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is fundamentally an adventure game, presented from a first-person perspective. The gameplay seamlessly blends stealth action, puzzle-solving, and combat, creating an immersive Indiana Jones experience.

Combat is divided between melee and firearm use. With a strong emphasis on stealth and avoiding direct confrontation, melee often becomes the most practical option. Stealth mechanics involve sneaking past enemies and finding alternative routes. If you need to, delivering a hard punch from behind will knock foes unconscious—a moment that’s deeply satisfying to witness. When the time comes to use firearms, the action feels equally gratifying. And, of course, Indy’s trusty whip is ever-present, perfect for stunning or disarming enemies in true Indiana Jones fashion.

Puzzle-solving has always been a cornerstone of the Indiana Jones games, and The Great Circle is no exception. The puzzles are reminiscent of those in a Resident Evil game, requiring players to think critically and scour the environment for clues. Many of these challenges are intricately tied to the surroundings, solving the puzzle is required to progress. Other challenges involve the careful disarming or avoidance of deadly traps. This keeps players engaged while staying true to the adventurous spirit of the series.

Nazis, I Hate These Guys!

The Great Circle stands out as an exceptional Indiana Jones game by masterfully combining the best aspects of classic point-and-click adventures with the defining features of 3D titles. Much like the films, it strikes a perfect balance between the intrigue of unraveling a mystery and the excitement of action-packed sequences. No single aspect overshadows the other, creating a well-rounded adventure. Players are encouraged to think critically to solve puzzles while relying on combat only as a last resort, staying true to the essence of Indiana Jones.

The attention to detail in both the environments and set pieces of The Great Circle is truly commendable. Players will explore a richly detailed world, carefully recreated to immerse them in the era. The inclusion of multiple languages, rather than defaulting solely to English, adds to the game’s authenticity. Something that some of my firearm enthusiast friends have pointed out is the absence of the MP-38 / MP-40 as it would have been anachronistic since the game takes place in 1937. Instead, we have the time period correct use of the MP 28/II.

Why Did it Have to be Snakes?

As much as I enjoyed the gameplay mechanics, it has some issues regarding the melee combat and stealth mechanics. It ultimately comes down to one core problem: it would have been far more suited for a third-person experience. While the first-person view works well for firearm usage, guns are rarely employed unless you’re being reckless. Most of the experience revolves around avoiding detection, with hand-to-hand combat reserved as a last resort. Unfortunately, the first-person perspective limits both the player’s options and the game’s potential for dynamic melee encounters. Add in the numerous platformer moments and you will understand why this game would have been better as a third-person experience.

It Belongs in a Museum

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle marks the triumphant return of everyone’s favorite archaeologist in an unforgettable adventure. At its heart, this is a quintessential Indiana Jones experience, capturing all the defining elements fans have come to love. The game expertly combines the best features of the classic point-and-click adventures with the standout aspects of the 3D titles. Adding to its appeal are the stellar performances of the cast, who bring the characters vividly to life.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It's a classic Indiana Jones adventure that embodies all its defining elements.
• Stellar performances of the cast.
• Has the best elements of the point-and-click adventures with the defining aspects of the 3D titles.
• The attention to detail in both the environments and set pieces.

Cons

• Many of its gameplay problems could have been mitigated had the experience been in third-person.