When it comes to adventure games, two names often come up in comparison: Uncharted and Tomb Raider. Now, MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks to take the stage with a style similar to Uncharted and Tomb Raider, which has naturally caused onlookers to draw comparisons between it and the franchises it seems to have been inspired by.
Both the Uncharted and Tomb Raider franchises have set the bar for action-packed storytelling, but in an interview with The Best War Games, MachineGames' executive producer Jerk Gustafsson revealed how Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is carving its own path. While Gustafsson acknowledged the influence of games like Uncharted and Tomb Raider, he hinted at some bold choices that set Indiana Jones and the Great Circle apart in ways players might not expect.
How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Compares to Tomb Raider and Uncharted
As Indiana Jones and the Great Circle continues to build anticipation, comparisons to other action-adventure franchises like Tomb Raider and Uncharted have been inevitable. What's interesting about Tomb Raider and Uncharted, however, is that they both owe part of their own inspiration to the Indiana Jones IP. Now, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is being compared to them when, if the game is as authentic as MachineGames says it will be, those comparisons should probably be going in the opposite direction.
That being said, Gustafsson was quick to recognize the impact that Uncharted and Tomb Raider have had on the world of gaming, not denying their influence on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. When asked about whether anything from Uncharted and Tomb Raider served as inspiration for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, as well as what might set it apart from those franchises, Gustafsson replied,
These are both a fantastic series of games, and it’s hard not to be influenced by the quality and execution of any titles coming out of those developers. There are definitely a few things that set us apart though; not only the obvious first-person perspective, but our non-linear structure that is more grounded in player movement and combat, as well as the overall pacing of the game. Those things differ quite a lot.
While Tomb Raider and Uncharted have certainly set a high standard for adventure games, MachineGames isn't simply looking to replicate what others have done. The developer is approaching Indiana Jones and the Great Circle with a bold mindset, focused on offering a distinct gameplay experience that reflects the unique essence of Indiana Jones. From its first-person perspective to its non-linear progression, the game promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic formula. These changes, however, don’t come without risk, and MachineGames is fully aware that it is stepping into new territory, hoping to redefine what an Indiana Jones adventure can be. Gustafsson concluded,
It will be very interesting to see how players will react to them and experience the MachineGames version of an Indiana Jones adventure. Also, a bit scary but we all want to bring something new to the table, and we shouldn’t shy away from doing that, even if there are some unknowns attached to it.
As Indiana Jones and the Great Circle prepares to immerse players in a fresh take on Indy's adventures, MachineGames is embracing the challenge of offering something new while remaining true to the spirit of the iconic character. While the comparisons to Tomb Raider and Uncharted are understandable, the developer is confident that its game's first-person perspective, non-linear structure, and unique pacing will set it apart from its spiritual predecessors. Though venturing into uncharted territory often comes with uncertainty, MachineGames' excitement is palpable as they look forward to seeing how players will experience their vision for an Indiana Jones gaming adventure.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- December 9, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- MachineGames
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Engine
- id Tech 7
- Franchise
- Indiana Jones
- Number of Players
- 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them - Indiana Jones™. You’ll become the legendary archaeologist in this cinematic action-adventure game from MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, and executive produced by Hall of Fame game designer Todd Howard.
YOU ARE INDIANA JONES
Live the adventure as Indy in a thrilling story full of exploration, immersive action, and intriguing puzzles. As the brilliant archaeologist – famed for his keen intellect, cunning resourcefulness, and trademark humor – you will travel the world in a race against enemy forces to discover the secrets to one of the greatest mysteries of all time.
A WORLD OF MYSTERY AWAITS
Travel from the halls of Marshall College to the heart of the Vatican, the pyramids of Egypt, the sunken temples of Sukhothai, and beyond. When a break-in in the dead of night ends in a confrontation with a mysterious colossal man, you must set out to discover the world-shattering secret behind the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact. Forging new alliances and facing familiar enemies, you’ll engage with intriguing characters, use guile and wits to solve ancient riddles, and survive intense set-pieces.
WHIP-CRACKING ACTION
Indiana’s trademark whip remains at the heart of his gear and can be used to distract, disarm, and attack enemies. But the whip isn’t just a weapon, it’s Indy’s most valuable tool for navigating the environment. Swing over unsuspecting patrols and scale walls as you make your way through a striking world. Combine stealth infiltration, melee combat, and gunplay to combat the enemy threat and unravel the mystery.
THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
Venture through a dynamic mix of linear, narrative-driven gameplay and open-area maps. Indulge your inner explorer and unearth a world of fascinating secrets, deadly traps,and fiendish puzzles, where anything could potentially hide the next piece of the mystery – or snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- April 17, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
