Game Preview: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – An Exciting Preview of Xbox’s Upcoming Adventure
Game Preview: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, MachineGames’ latest for Xbox Series X/S and PC, captures the thrill of a classic Indiana Jones adventure while adding fresh gameplay elements. Set in 1937 between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the story sees Dr. Jones uncovering mysteries across historical landmarks like the Vatican and Egypt’s pyramids. With stunning visual quality and the immersive feel of first-person perspective, this game promises players a captivating experience as they journey into the past.
Enter the Adventure with Marshall College
The game begins with a gripping introduction at Marshall College, where Indiana Jones faces an unexpected intruder. Here, players must solve a museum puzzle to retrieve a stolen artifact, while picking up a few of Indy’s essential items, including his iconic whip. This opening is more than just action-packed—it lays the foundation for the treasure-hunting, puzzle-solving adventure that’s about to unfold.
Exploring the Vatican’s Secrets
In the second mission, the Indiana Jones game’s unique mix of stealth and adventure becomes clear as players sneak through the Vatican’s Castel St. Angelo. Indiana can distract guards by throwing objects or knock them out with makeshift weapons like shovels. The detailed enemy AI includes alert indicators above guards’ heads and various hiding options, making each encounter feel authentic and strategic. While close-quarters fights require quick reflexes, the classic block, parry, and punch maneuvers bring an extra layer of fun, adding to the game’s realistic combat experience.
Intense Fistfights and Gunplay
As in classic Indiana Jones films, not every obstacle can be solved with stealth. When brawls are unavoidable, players can use Indy’s signature whip to disarm enemies or stun them. His revolver and various found weapons bring diversity to combat, but the focus remains on well-planned, tactical encounters over heavy gunplay. Indiana moves with purpose rather than speed, adding weight to each fight and preserving the game’s Adventure first feel. While the controls are smooth, handling multiple enemies can lead to a chaotic button-mash, leaving room for slight improvement in targeting.
Giza: An Expansive Exploration Zone
The final mission available for preview took place at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, where players search for ancient artifacts in a large, open map. Here, the Indiana Jones game emphasizes exploration, with side quests and hidden areas adding extra layers to the journey. The game rewards curiosity; clues lead to hidden tombs and locked areas, and local NPCs provide unique tasks that deepen the story. Exploration becomes a vital component as players use tools like a lighter to reveal overgrown temple paths and a camera to document findings.
Skill Progression with Adventure Points and Books
Collectible items, side quests, and story achievements in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle reward players with Adventure Points, which can be spent to unlock skills like regaining consciousness after being knocked out. Unlockable abilities such as stamina upgrades and increased health bring subtle but useful advantages. However, the full scope of the Adventure Points system remains to be seen, as the preview hinted at the possibility of deeper upgrades in later gameplay.
Captivating Visuals and Sound
Graphically, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle already shows impressive detail, capturing historical landmarks and environments with rich textures and atmospheric lighting. Each scene, from sunlit pyramids to lush jungles, brings players into the heart of an Indiana Jones adventure. Troy Baker’s voice work as Indy captures Harrison Ford’s iconic tone, adding even more depth and immersion.
Early Impressions and What’s to Come
In its early form, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks promising as a balanced mix of stealth, exploration, and strategic combat. Its emphasis on “Adventure first” makes each mission feel like a thrilling expedition, with puzzles, treasures, and mysteries waiting at every turn. The focus on immersive storytelling and exploration, combined with a captivating presentation, promises an adventure that feels true to Indiana Jones’ legacy. Although the Adventure Points system needs further refinement, this title is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s standout games this year.
You can preorder the game here.
