Enough of alien spaceships and time travel—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle takes the legendary franchise back to its pulpy, treasure-hunting roots.
It’s been a rough couple of decades for Indiana Jones fans. After the divisive Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and the terrible reception of Dial of Destiny, many thought the franchise’s adventuring spirit was lost. Fans yearned for a return to classic Indy—ancient tombs, mystical relics, daring escapes, and stories steeped in historical myths. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle doesn’t just answer that call; it reclaims the franchise’s legacy in a way the movies couldn’t. This isn’t just a well-crafted action-adventure game—it feels like the real next chapter in Indiana Jones’ saga.
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But how well does it work as a game? After all, it’s one thing to recreate the iconic Indy feel—it’s another to craft a satisfying gameplay experience that respects its cinematic roots while offering something truly interactive.
A Risk That Paid Off
When Bethesda announced a first-person Indiana Jones game, the response was mixed. Third-person action-adventures like Uncharted and Tomb Raider, clearly inspired by the Indiana Jones films, seemed like the perfect fit for the genre. Why mess with a proven formula? Could first-person really capture the daring spirit of Dr. Jones without showing his iconic silhouette scaling cliffs and diving out of collapsing temples?
Bethesda answered with The Great Circle, a bold reimagining that defies expectations. The result is a masterful blend of two very different game genres—Uncharted’s platforming, puzzle-solving, and bombastic set pieces collide with the immersive world-building and semi-open exploration of BioShock. Together, these elements create a richly atmospheric adventure that makes you feel like Indiana Jones in ways third-person games never could.
Exploration is tense and tactile—you aren’t just watching Indy solve puzzles; you are piecing together ancient codes, you are gripping a ledge for dear life as the walls of a forgotten temple crumble around you. Bethesda didn’t just create a game; they built an experience that places you inside the fedora.
A Story Worthy of the Franchise
The story of The Great Circle is classic Indiana Jones: steeped in religious myth, historical conspiracies, and supernatural intrigue. The search for the Great Circle—a mysterious artifact tied to the earliest legends of human history—sends Indy on a high-stakes, globe-trotting adventure that feels ripped from the pages of a long-lost script penned by George Lucas himself.
It all begins in the secret catacombs beneath Vatican City, where an ancient map hints at the Great Circle’s existence. From there, the adventure spirals outward, sending Indy to iconic and imaginative locations: the buried tombs beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza, the forgotten jungle lakes of the Sukhothai Kingdom, and mysterious caverns deep within the Andean mountains. Each environment brims with atmosphere and history, immersing players in a world that feels alive.
The game’s nine distinct locations aren’t just glorified backdrops; they’re vast, explorable worlds in their own right. Many offer sprawling, semi-open environments filled with secrets, side quests, and optional “fieldwork” missions. These range from uncovering forgotten relics for extra money to investigating ancient legends only tangentially connected to the main quest. You can tackle the story at your own pace, soaking in the world like a true archaeologist.
Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes—Mostly
Visually, The Great Circle is an uneven masterpiece. At its best, the game delivers jaw-dropping vistas and character models so detailed you’ll swear you’re watching a next-gen film. You’ll see sweat bead on Indy’s brow as he treks through the scorching desert. His clothes stain, tear, and darken after daring escapes (and, oh my, he looks great in the Temple of Doom outfit), evoking memories of Uncharted’s Nathan Drake at his most battered and heroic.
However, the game’s high points make its occasional stumbles more glaring. Certain NPC models and ing characters feel rushed, with stiff animations and awkward facial expressions that break immersion. The worst offender is Gina Lombardi, Indy’s partner throughout much of the adventure. Her character design feels flat and lifeless compared to Indy’s, which is disappointing given how much screen time she gets. Her stiff, robotic animations stand out even more against the game’s otherwise stunning visual backdrop.
Chemistry That Almost Works
Gina Lombardi’s role as Indy’s companion is a mixed bag. On paper, she’s a sharp-witted investigative journalist with a mysterious past—a perfect foil for Indy’s brash charm. But while Troy Baker delivers a career-best performance as Dr. Jones, imbuing him with warmth, sarcasm, and weary determination, Gina’s performance feels… off.
The writing suggests a slow-burning romantic tension between the two, but the execution falls flat. Gina’s voice acting lacks the emotional range needed to make the relationship feel real. It’s a shame, because Baker’s performance sells Indy’s growing affection. You can sense his subtle longing—but Gina never quite reciprocates convincingly, making their supposed connection feel one-sided.
Still, Gina proves invaluable during missions. You’ll miss her sharp wit and useful skills when she’s not around, and she’s involved in some of the game’s best puzzles and action sequences.
A Cinematic Soundscape
From the very first notes of John Williams’ iconic Indiana Jones theme, you know you’re in for something special. But the music doesn’t just rest on nostalgia—it’s used with purpose and precision, swelling in key moments of discovery, danger, and triumph. The sound design goes beyond just music, crafting an immersive soundscape that heightens every moment.
Footsteps echo eerily through forgotten crypts. Ancient gears grind to life with ominous finality. The distant crackle of a radio or the soft hum of jungle insects creates an atmosphere dripping with tension and mystery. Every sound matters, pulling you deeper into the adventure.
The Verdict: A Return to Glory
Despite some awkward animation and frustrating platforming sections, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a triumphant return for the franchise. It’s not just the (second) best Indiana Jones game ever made—it’s one of the best adventure games of its kind, period.
The story alone ranks among the franchise’s finest, suring even Temple of Doom (and that’s coming from someone who loves Temple of Doom). Exploring ancient Christian myths, Nephilim legends, and long-lost civilizations feels like a return to what made Indy’s earliest adventures so unforgettable.
So toss out your Blu-rays of Dial of Destiny and Crystal Skull. The Great Circle belongs on your shelf, right alongside Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. This isn’t just a game—it’s the Indiana Jones sequel fans have been waiting for. Pick up a copy. Play it. Treasure it.