‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ game review: Indy returns to solve puzzle and punch Nazis

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle screenshot

For most Indians, the name Indiana Jones immediately evokes memories of the infamous Amrish Puri as the cult leader Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The enigmatic archaeologist-action star is at his best punching the lights out of Nazis, which is exactly why the latest game from Bethesda and Machine Games fits seamlessly into the best part of the Indiana Jones timeline. It places itself leagues ahead of the latest movies, proving that the best way to experience Indiana Jones now is to be Indiana Jones.

Set sometime after Raiders of the Lost Ark, the story begins with an impressive recreation of a memorable scene from the film, which doubles as a tutorial. The Great Circle continues from there, with Indy choosing his chaotic life of artefact hunting over his marriage to Marion. He is forced to pick up his trusty whip and don his signature hat once more when a giant stranger steals the very artefact he lost his marriage over—a cat mummy. This sets off an adventure across the globe, from Blackshirt-controlled Rome and the temples of Thailand to the dusty mysteries of Egypt and other captivating locations, as he and his allies plunge deeper into a thrilling rabbit hole.

It is uncanny how closely this game feels like a true sequel to the classic Indiana Jones films, seamlessly fitting between the movies and overwhelming players with nostalgia. For long-time fans, everything clicks — the humour, the settings, the tone — all of it feels just right. Veteran voice actor Troy Baker channels Harrison Ford’s portrayal with remarkable precision. The supporting cast makes the first-person experience even more immersive, with stellar voice and motion acting that feels authentic to the era. Notably, this game marks the final performance of Tony Todd, who brilliantly plays the formidable Locus. Todd, renowned for his role in Candyman, tragically passed away shortly before the game’s release.

The Great Circle is primarily a first-person shooter, occasionally switching to third-person only in menus — a somewhat unconventional choice. However, it makes sense given the game’s clear influences, such as the Uncharted and Tomb Raider series, which lean heavily on third-person perspectives. Moreover, it is well within Machine Games’ expertise, having developed the acclaimed Wolfenstein series, and it takes full advantage of the cutting-edge iD Tech 7 engine. The result is exceptional, fluid platforming and some of the most satisfying hand-to-hand combat in recent memory.

When it comes to taking down fascists, you can rely on Indiana Jones’ fists. The combat system is tactile and kinetic, featuring a well-rounded block, parry, and push mechanic. You can brawl with Blackshirts, grab a baton, and take down their comrades. When things get too intense, the trusty whip is always at hand. The puzzle-solving aspect is equally praiseworthy, offering some refreshingly clever brain-teasers. Certain safe codes even required me to jot down notes on paper to decipher combinations from clues — a rare and satisfying challenge.

Rather than employing a linear level design connected by cutscenes, The Great Circle immerses players in explorable sandboxes. Each map is vast, layered with secrets, side quests, and intriguing characters. The stealth and disguise systems are impressive, allowing players to access restricted areas with the right attire.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The unconventional control scheme takes some getting used to, particularly for fans of other Bethesda titles. For instance, accessing the diary on PC involves pressing the TAB button, but navigating its sections requires a series of unintuitive key combinations. While this approach adds to the immersion, it can also feel cumbersome.

Visually, the game is a triumph. Powered by iD Tech 7, the environments feel organic and refined, with an uncanny realism in facial animations. Cutscenes capture Harrison Ford’s signature roguish smirk with stunning accuracy, down to the tiniest of details. It is an awe-inspiring achievement, and much of my time was spent simply marvelling at the immersive world this game creates.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the definitive sequel the classic films deserve. With unforgettable performances, stellar combat, and exploration that will have you unearthing artefacts and brawling with fascists into the early hours, this game is highly recommended.