Machine Games has shared a new gameplay deep dive for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle! Pete Ward, Audio Director at Machine Games, gave gamers a 14-minute glimpse into the adventure that awaits. Here’s what we learned about stepping into the worn leather boots of the globe-trotting, whip-cracking archeologist.
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The adventure begins at Marshall College in Connecticut, USA, in 1937, where Indiana Jones is a professor of archaeology. The action kicks off when Professor Jones (Indy) is startled awake by a break-in, leading to the theft of a priceless relic. Enter Emer Vos, Indy’s rival, who is on a quest for a collection of mysterious artifacts that could unlock secrets with world-altering consequences.
Framing the Past: Indy’s Camera and Its Hidden Insights
Machine Games equips players with an archaeologist’s best friend—a camera. A camera icon on the HUD signals when there’s something to document, with the discoveries appearing as text or being narrated by Indy and stored in his journal.
The Journal Worth a Thousand Clues
As Indy hunts for clues to uncover the Great Circle’s mysteries, players will come across hidden secrets, pieces of parchment, maps, and journals, all loaded with clues that enrich the mission and add depth to the world. This journal, which starts as a blank slate, evolves into a detailed archive filled with maps, photos, and notes.
Puzzles, Mysteries & Booby Traps – Oh my!
Puzzle enthusiasts, rejoice! Using Indy’s journal, camera, and wits to decipher some seemingly creative clues; Players will navigate ancient tombs and uncover secrets while avoiding traps. If triggered, such as the classic lowering spike ceiling showcased in the deep dive, it appears there will be opportunities for players to find ways to stop or reverse them.
Whips & Quips
True to his character, Indy doesn’t just rely on brute strength. Combat in The Great Circle appears to match the film’s light-hearted tone. Players will wield his iconic whip (both for combat and traversal), revolver, and can even improvise. Brawls feature blocks, combos, and parries. Looking to favour stunning and subduing mechanics that keep combat looking engaging without being overtly violent.
The Great Circle deep dive showcases the use of disguises, which help players blend into guarded areas. But there’s a catch: players need to act the part to avoid detection. In one scene featured in the deep dive, Indy must walk past men playing cards to retrieve an item. When things get tense, Indy calmly reads the room and retrieves a bottle of alcohol to avoid being confronted.
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Unlocking Potential: Skill Trees & Upgrades
Players can earn Adventure Points to unlock skills and tailor Indy’s abilities to their style. One featured upgrade is ‘Lucky Hat,’ which gives Indy a second chance in a fight by allowing him to recover his fedora after a fatal blow. Another upgrade, ‘Bare Hands,’ allows for bare-handed take-downs.
Globe-Trotting as Indiana Jones
This adventure so far looks to feature the USA, Egypt, Rome, and Siam (now known as Thailand), hinting at a globe-trotting quest that will take players through some breathtaking settings. From sneaking through torch-lit crypts, traversing blizzard-swept mountains, and visiting the Egyptian pyramids, vibrant markets, and hidden fight clubs.
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Troy Baker as Indiana Jones
First impressions of this version of Indiana Jones are elevated by Troy Baker’s performance as the voice of Indy. Even in this brief snippet of gameplay, Baker has remarkably captured the rugged charm and iconic tone that Harrison Ford brought to the character, making it feel as though the legendary adventurer himself is leading the journey.
Final Thoughts
If this gameplay deep dive is anything to go by, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks to be an interesting blend of classic adventure, whip-cracking action, and archaeological mysteries.
Be sure to check out Julian Price’s hands-on preview, where he shared his hands-on experience with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from an exclusive session at Bethesda ANZ’s Sydney office.
The wait is nearly over for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, set to launch on PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S on December 9.
