Expectations for an upcoming game based on a popular movie franchise are always high. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle follows a legacy of video games that began in 1982, but not all these titles were well-received. With Bestheda's entry, gameplay trailers have showcased a mix of first-person action while presenting players with challenging puzzles. For buyers already convinced, various pre-order bundles are available.
PS5 Players Could Get Indiana Jones Before Some Game Pass Subscribers
Microsoft's recent changes to Xbox Game Pass may hint at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launching for PS5 players before a certain Game Pass tier.
With modern games heavily focused on DLC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle editions offer plenty of extras. Fortunately, Game Pass subscribers don't have to invest more money to play the game. Still, as we approach the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle release date, upgrades are available for all fans of the famous archeologist.
When Can You Play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle?
Xbox and PC gamers can start their adventure with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9th. After Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda, it's not surprising that it will initially remain exclusive to these platforms. However, all is not lost for PS5 owners, and the game is expected to find its way onto Sony's console in Spring 2025.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will also have an early access period if players can't wait to engage in first-person fistfights and puzzle-solving. With the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade, and Collector's Edition, gamers can try the game as early as December 6th. Even with the physical disc version of the Premium Edition, it appears buyers will receive the game in time for early access.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Standard Edition
-
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
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has all the action, adventure, and mystery of the popular motion pictures. Players can expect to journey from Indiana's Marshall College to famous locations like the Vatican and the Egyptian Pyramids. Through intense first-person encounters and confounding puzzle-solving, gamers will experience the most authentic virtual representation of the famous archeologist yet. The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Standard Edition is available in physical or digital form for Xbox Series X|S consoles and the PC. Pre-ordering this version of the game unlocks The Last Crusade Pack with Traveling Suit Outfit and Lion Tamer Whip.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Physical disc version available for Xbox Series X
- Includes bonus items inspired by The Last Crusade
- Can be upgraded to Premium Edition after purchasing
- No early access period
Given that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a big-budget production, it was almost guaranteed to be a full-priced game. The Standard Edition is the most economical way to experience the most visually impactful game based on the beloved archeologist. This version of Bethesda's action-adventure title will be available on September 9th for Xbox Series X|S and PC players.
Game Pass subscribers on Xbox consoles and PCs are in luck, as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is included as a day-one download. Otherwise, buyers can pre-order the game now from retailers like Amazon, GameStop and Best Buy. PC gamers can lock in their purchase either at Microsoft's Xbox Game Store or Steam.
Even the Standard Edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is not without bonus items. Although some stores don't include it in listings, all buyers can expect to receive The Last Crusade Pack. Indiana Jones has plenty of opportunities to look more formal when teaching at Marshall College or traveling the globe in style. This bonus includes a Traveling Suit Outfit, which is likely a cosmetic item players can equip to give the virtual Indiana a different look.
Anyone familiar with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will remember the train boxcar scene involving a ferocious lion. A young Indiana learns how versatile a tool a whip can be as he keeps the beast at a safe distance. They may be even more critical in the upcoming game than in the movies. In fact, the developers consider the whip a character of its own in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. With a dedicated button, players must use this instrument to catch enemies off guard and propel themselves over obstacles. Buyers receive a special version of the Lion Tamer Whip as the second Standard Edition bonus item.
Although the Standard Edition does not offer early access, if budgets change, players can later upgrade their purchases with the $35 digital Premium Upgrade. This add-on would allow gamers to play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 6th and grant them additional DLC content.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Premium Edition
-
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
The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Premium Edition packs even more content into the upcoming game, starring everyone's favorite archeologist. Players will have plenty to keep them occupied as they uncover a mystery beginning with a stolen artifact at Indiana's college. However, the Premium Edition adds The Order of Giants Story DLC for even more tension-filled quests. Also, this version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle includes The Last Crusade Pack and Temple of Doom outfits to give Indiana alternate looks. Finally, Xbox and PC players will receive a digital art book and three day early access on December 6th.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Will add playtime with Story DLC
- Three day early access
- Includes same bonus as Standard Edition
- No details on The Order of Giants Story DLC
One question buyers often have about upcoming single-player games is how long it will take to finish the main storyline. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is mostly a linear experience, there are open areas to explore that could offer side quests. It's uncertain how many hours of gameplay the title will provide, but it seems the developers have plans for additional content. The highlight of the Premium Edition is the The Order of Giants Story DLC, which should arrive after the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle release date.
What the Order of Giants content will entail is a mystery, but it's likely to center around the character of Locus. Locus, who is large in stature, robs Marshall College of an artifact, prompting Indiana to head to the Vatican to investigate. Piecing together pre-release dialogue, Locus has a key role in the game as a protector of secrets directly related to The Great Circle. The DLC could explore the backstory behind this character or even allow gamers to play as Locus from a first-person perspective.
In addition to The Order of Giants Story DLC, the Premium Edition contains a Digital Artbook and a Temple of Doom Outfit. Although these types of artbooks are often scorned as low-effort additions, they are popular ways to commemorate video games inspired by legendary movie franchises. Gamers can also imagine themselves confronting the forces of evil while wearing an iconic outfit from Temple of Doom. With the Premium Edition, buyers also gain the Last Crusade costume and Lion Tamer Whip bundled in the standard version of the game.
The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Premium Edition comes with three-day early access starting on December 6th. This applies to disc and digital versions for the Xbox Series X|S and Steam.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition
-
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
The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition is the ultimate way to experience the thrills and intrigue of the highly anticipated title. The list of bundled extras is enormous and includes a globe with a storage compartment. Next, an Allmaker Relic replica reveals a download code for the Digital Premium Edition. Buyers also receive a Jumbo Steelbook case and New Adventure Journal. The Premium Edition offers the same extras that are part of the other editions, like The Order of the Giants Story DLC, to add more gameplay after launch.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Long list of tangible bonuses
- Steelbook instead of plastic case
- Replicas inspired by the game
- No option for physical game disc
Any game focused on archeology is a natural fit for a game bundle with replica artifacts. The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition is jam-packed with collectibles and includes everything offered in the Standard and Premium Editions. The full list of items is as follows:
- Steelbook case
- 11-inch globe with storage compartment
- New Adventure Journal
- Allmaker Relic Replica with Digital Premium Edition code
- The Order of the Giants Story DLC
- Digital Artbook
- Temple of Doom Outfit
- The Last Crusade Traveling Suit and Lion Tamer Whip
- Early access starting on December 6th
The most essential extra is the Allmaker Replica, which is directly modeled after a key relic from the game. Gamers will need the Allmaker to reveal the Digital Premium Edition download code. Gameplay previews of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have discussed how puzzle-solving is critical to the upcoming title. There will be adjustable difficulty levels for this aspect of the game, so let's hope the Allmaker's code is not too difficult to crack.
Fans of Indiana Jones films may remember cutaways showing planes flying on maps as Indiana sets off for a new location. The Collector's Edition ships with an 11-inch globe and a magnetic plane clinging to its surface. Whether there are any surprises inside is unknown, but the globe, which opens up, could conceal objects. Gamers solving the most complicated puzzles will also benefit from recording notes in the New Adventure Journal.
Sadly, the Collector's Edition ships with a Jumbo Steelbook, but it won't hold any physical discs in this all-digital configuration. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition also has the same extras found in the less expensive versions. Buyers looking to add some unique accessories to their gaming desks should act fast, as this bundle is sold in limited quantities at only a few retailers. Once again, PC and Xbox gamers can start their adventure three days before the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle release date.
Which Version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Should I Buy?
The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Standard Edition lacks many pre-order bonuses. Even so, this version will be how many players experience the anticipated action-adventure game since it's included as a day-one release for Game Pass subscribers. Also, buyers can always purchase the Premium Upgrade later for early access on December 6th and additional content. Besides early access, the Premium Edition tempts gamers with The Order of Giants Story DLC and cosmetic items.
Some critics say that most collector's editions for video games are full of cheap trinkets that won't hold their value. However, the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Collector's Edition ships with items directly inspired by the game. The Steelbook will likely outlast plastic Xbox cases, and the Allmaker artifact is a creative way to distribute a download code for the digital Premium Edition.
With early access, gamers can unravel new mysteries three days before the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle release date. Otherwise, Xbox and PC players should mark December 9th on their calendars. The Best War Games will keep readers updated if more pre-order offers surface.
Interview: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Devs Talk Making a Game That Honors Its Roots
The Best War Games interviews MachineGames about Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, with an emphasis on how the films were realized as a video game.
FAQ
Q: Is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle only in the first-person?
Most of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is played in the first person, contrary to past Indiana Jones games. However, for a more complete view, the game will shift to a third-person perspective as players find ways to cross obstacles.
Q: Is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle canon?
Yes, the game takes place in the same period as the five major motion pictures. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set in 1937, between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Some of the same film characters, like Marcus Brody, will appear in the game.