Indiana Jones and the Great Circle captures the thrill and grandeur of the legendary archaeologist’s adventures, delivering breathtaking moments and a story that feels like it was ripped straight from the silver screen. However, the game struggles with its identity, weighed down by unnecessary open-world elements that distract from its core strengths.
The narrative of The Great Circle is a love letter to Indiana Jones fans. It begins with a nearly one-to-one recreation of the iconic boulder chase from Raiders of the Lost Ark, setting the stage for a story filled with Nazi villains, ancient artifacts, and daring escapes. Troy Baker’s performance as Indy is spot-on, nailing the balance of gruff charm and wit that defines the character. His chemistry with Gina Lombardi, a fiery Italian journalist, adds emotional depth and just the right amount of playful tension.
The main plot is thrilling, filled with globe-trotting adventures from Vatican City to Gizeh and Shanghai. Highlights include tense tomb-raiding sequences, cleverly designed traps, and a show-stopping set piece in Shanghai that rivals the best of the Uncharted series. Villain Emmerich Voss is delightfully sinister, embodying the over-the-top bravado we’ve come to expect from Indy’s foes.
However, the game stumbles with its open-world structure. Instead of focusing on the tightly crafted narrative, it bogs players down with filler side quests like underground fight clubs and collectible comic books. While some of these distractions offer lighthearted fun, they ultimately dilute the sense of urgency and authenticity that make the story so compelling.
Visually, The Great Circle is stunning. From the lush greenery of Vatican City to the golden sands of Gizeh, the environments are meticulously crafted, bringing each location to life. Dynamic lighting enhances the atmosphere, whether it’s the eerie glow of a hidden tomb or the bustling neon streets of Shanghai. Character models are detailed, and cinematic cutscenes blur the line between gameplay and movie magic.
The core gameplay shines during the linear sequences. Stealth mechanics, whip-swinging traversal, and puzzle-solving are quintessentially Indy, creating moments that feel ripped straight from the films. Combat is serviceable, with satisfying whip attacks and environmental takedowns, but it lacks the polish of other action-adventure titles.
Unfortunately, the open-world elements feel tacked on. The quest log quickly fills with repetitive tasks that fail to add meaningful depth. Exploration is initially intriguing, especially in interconnected areas like Vatican City, but it becomes predictable and uninspired by the time you reach the second open-world zone.
The puzzles, while nostalgic, lean too heavily on classics like turning mirrors or aligning statues. They lack the innovation needed to keep players engaged over the long haul, making the side quests feel like chores rather than rewarding adventures.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is at its best when it focuses on its linear, story-driven elements. These moments deliver the heart-pounding action, clever humor, and larger-than-life drama that fans expect from the franchise. However, the open-world sections undermine the experience with unnecessary padding and lackluster content.
For those willing to stick to the main quest, The Great Circle offers a thrilling ride that does justice to Indiana Jones’ legacy. But for completionists or fans of deep open-world games, the experience may feel more like digging for scraps than uncovering buried treasure.