Insights from the Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Developers on Level and Puzzle Design

Indiana Jones, that iconic franchise featuring Harrison Ford’s dashing and daring archaeologist, has long captured the hearts of adventure fans everywhere. With its roots set in 1981, the character has inspired countless action heroes. Now, MachineGames is ready to introduce a fresh evolution of this legendary figure with their new game, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. This first-person action-adventure aims to immerse players fully into the shoes of Indy like never before.

Game Rant recently had a chance to chat with the game’s development team, including lead narrative designer Tommy Tordsson Björk, creative director Axel Torvenius, and design director Jens Andersson. They shared insights into the game’s level design, connecting it with real-world locations, and the importance of honoring the source material. Our conversation has been trimmed for clarity and focus.

Bringing Indiana Jones’ World to Life

Q: Can you share how you approached the research and development of real-world settings like the Vatican, Giza, Shanghai, and the Himalayas in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle?

Björk: Our main goal was authenticity. We wanted each location to not only be historically accurate but also to resonate with the 1930s vibe. It’s about creating an immersive experience where players feel they’ve truly traveled back in time. Balancing authenticity with engaging gameplay was critical. For instance, when envisioning Sukhothai, we had to consider how it appeared back in the 1930s, as many ruins were hidden by nature’s growth and destruction. This setting gives the game an untamed feel, making exploration exciting and adventurous.

Q: How did you differentiate the historical accuracy from the fictional elements present in the franchise?

Björk: Both aspects are heavily intertwined in Indiana Jones. The fictional elements often draw from real-life myths and legends, giving them a semblance of reality. We dove deep into various religions and myths to weave a cohesive story around the Great Circle. It’s about blending the mythical with the historical in a seamless way that honors both.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle’s Approach to Level Design

Q: What was the guiding philosophy behind the level design of missions and areas in The Great Circle? How did you balance linearity with open-world exploration?

Andersson: From the outset, we aimed to create a game experience that resonates with the films’ memorable, heart-pounding moments. These linear sequences are great for narrative arcs, while open areas offer exploration and surprise. Discovering something unexpected in the vast wilderness of Giza is more thrilling if you stumble upon it rather than following a set path. Our design philosophy was to reward curious players with intriguing mysteries and puzzles.

Q: What embodies the essence of stepping into Indiana Jones’ shoes for you?

Torvenius: It’s about capturing the essence of Indy—whether it’s a whip crack, solving a puzzle, or taking down foes with his fists. We collaborated extensively with departments and Lucasfilm Games to ensure the gameplay feels every bit like an Indiana Jones adventure.

How The Great Circle Handles Combat

Q: Describe the combat mechanics. How do they reflect Indiana Jones’ character?

Andersson: Indy isn’t your typical gunslinger, preferring to engage in brawls using whatever’s at hand. Our combat system mirrors this with its focus on chaotic melee battles, dotted with humorous elements. You might find yourself wielding a banjo or a flyswatter against foes, adding layers of fun to the action.

Q: How do you ensure that the use of firearms doesn’t overshadow Indy’s iconic melee style?

Andersson: While we initially worried about balancing gun use, the solution was straightforward: enemy reactions are based on your actions. Engage with fists, and they’ll respond in kind. Take out your revolver, and they’ll escalate accordingly. It creates a system where guns are the riskier option, encouraging players to rely more on classic Indy tactics.

Q: Does the stealth element differ from traditional stealth mechanics in other games?

Andersson: Absolutely. While Indy infiltrates like a master, he’s not a silent assassin. Our stealth involves sneaking using disguises or creatively distracting enemies. There are no silent takedowns—actions make noise, forcing players to outthink challenges using their environment and wits.

The Importance of Puzzles in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle

Q: Can you elaborate on the puzzle difficulty system and its design?

Andersson: We ensure that significant puzzles are integral to the storyline and accessible to all gamers. Our "Light" difficulty caters to those wanting a more straightforward adventure, reducing complexity and providing ample hints. This way, every player can engage with these compelling puzzles.

Q: How are the classic Indiana Jones traps integrated into gameplay?

Andersson: Traps are quintessential to the Indiana Jones experience. We drew inspiration from the films for their mysterious presence but adapted them to make interactive game elements. These traps enrich the adventure, beckoning players to solve them to progress through ancient temples laden with secrets.

In essence, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle aims to bring players into a vivid world where history and myth collide, offering an exciting adventure that echoes the essence of Indy himself.