Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Highlights an Underappreciated Strength of the Series

Over the past week, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been garnering a lot of praise, especially for how genuine the game feels. Now, “authentic” is a term that’s thrown around quite a bit and can mean a lot of things, but for this game, it couldn’t be more appropriate. It perfectly captures what the game is all about.

From the start, every mechanic and technical feature in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle exudes authenticity, truly reflecting the cherished movie franchise it’s inspired by. Whether it’s the lighting in the tombs, the distinctive crack of Indy’s whip, or the heavy impact of his fists meeting a Nazi’s face, the game masterfully encapsulates the essence of the adventure series. Remarkably, it also highlights a fundamental aspect of the franchise that’s often overlooked.

The game leverages its setting beautifully, with areas like Gizeh expanding its scale and ambition beyond its initially modest beginnings, making it a refreshing twist for players.

Central to the Indiana Jones experience are his companions, who have always played crucial roles in the films. Throughout the series—from Marion Ravenwood and Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark, to Sean Connery as Indy’s father in The Last Crusade—companions have helped elevate the narrative. Even the less acclaimed releases, like Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Dial of Destiny, included partners like Marion and Helena. These companions embody everything from stakes to heart, as Indy often becomes invested in their well-being.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle doesn’t shy away from this tradition. Early on, players meet Antonio, a priest at the Vatican, who establishes himself as a notable ally. It’s hinted that he and Indy have history dating back to World War I. As players progress, Antonio fills a mentor-like role reminiscent of characters in Indy’s past, creating an immediate and meaningful connection, despite his brief time on screen.

On the other hand, Gina Lombardi, another key companion, plays a much more significant role. First encountered disguised as a nun while on her quest to find her missing sister, Gina is revealed to be an investigative journalist. Her motivation is personal and drives a compelling subplot involving her sister’s abduction by Nazis. As the game unfolds, Gina’s background is peeled back, unveiling her multifaceted character. Gameplays fans will appreciate her lock-picking skills, puzzle-solving insights, and ability to hold her own in combat. Alessandra Mastronardi’s portrayal of Gina adds an extra dimension, securing her as one of the series’ standout companions.

Ultimately, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers an adventure set between the classic films Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Set in 1937, the game positions Indy against a backdrop of sinister forces vying for the Great Circle’s ancient power. Developed by MachineGames and produced by industry legend Todd Howard, this first-person, single-player game promises to deliver a cinematic journey that fans of the franchise won’t want to miss. Combine the game’s mighty reception with its upcoming platform releases, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks poised to be another classic adventure in the series.