(Image credit: Bethesda)
Embarking on the adventure in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is like watching a childhood fantasy come alive. The moment is set within the dense greenery of an iconic jungle scenario, where the familiar face of actor Alfred Molina gives you a warm welcome to a scene we’ve relived countless times. There, on the left-hand side of the screen, a familiar objective appears, sparking a wave of nostalgia. With each step, I find myself in constant disbelief, uttering ‘no way… no way,’ knowing exactly what awaits.
I’m poised to re-experience a legendary movie sequence that has been etched in my memory from repeat viewings—only this time, I am present in every scene, living it firsthand as Indiana Jones himself. As an ardent fan, MachineGames’ captivating introduction realizes the ultimate fantasy, as I step into the shoes of the renowned archaeologist who left a lasting impression on my childhood.
With endless RPGs taking most of my time, the PS5 release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle provided the ideal reason to embark on Indy’s worldwide escapades. The wait was worthwhile—within just hours, I’m convinced this serves as the perfect bridge to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a sequel I hadn’t anticipated.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The most enthralling adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years.” As a youngster, Raiders of the Lost Ark captivated me entirely. My passion for history was largely due to Indiana Jones, shaping my educational pursuits. This whip-cracking adventurer made academics and archaeology intriguing, and he became a childhood hero. Coupled with evenings spent watching Time Team, where archaeologists uncovered ancient relics, I was all set to follow that career path until university altered my route.
Even if archaeology wasn’t my final pursuit, my affection for Raiders endures. Donning Indy’s hat in the Great Circle revives childhood dreams and aspirations superbly. MachineGames immerses you thoroughly in Indiana’s shoes, with a quest centered around a missing artifact, historical mystery, and numerous ties to ancient history, bolstered by references to Raiders of the Lost Ark that bring a warm glow.
As I delve deeper, I’m increasingly convinced that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stands as the Raiders sequel of my dreams—despite being video game-based—and I’m thankful that the PS5 launch inspired me to dedicate my time to it.
For instance, Indy’s iconic boulder-chase scene, dreamt just before awakening at Marshall College due to a mysterious interruption, is relived. Yet, we hear echoes of one of my beloved characters from the trilogy: Marion. Her fearless nature marks her as Indy’s best love interest, and their bond is a highlight. But aside from the Crystal Skull, set years later, we rarely see their dynamic or the impact of Raiders on Indy—until now.
Set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the Great Circle respects the events of Raiders and its characters, notably Marion. The notebook chronicling your quests, a gift from her, showcases this beautifully (source). When opening it, MachineGames elegantly ties back to Raiders, adding depth to Indiana.
Brody, another college professor seen in the films, mentions Marion after discovering her note. In few words, Brody frames the Great Circle journey as Indy’s escape from his past, and I’m immediately hooked. It makes sense that Raiders‘ events weigh on Indy at this timeline, enhancing its sequel essence.
Indiana’s dismissal of the note, a rejection of its implications, highlights his internal struggle, humanizing him further. As I traverse this story, I appreciate subtle nods to Raiders and how Indiana is still impacted by the past—a remark on ‘love everlasting’ speaks volumes.
Aligning with Indiana’s nature, solving a mystery filled with deduction, exploration, and action seems apt. A lifelong devotee of the intrepid archaeologist, this MachineGames masterpiece feels like a dream realized. Just a few hours in, I cherish becoming Indy, utilizing wit and strength alike. What surprises me most is its authentic sequel vibe to Raiders, brimming with callbacks I’ve longed to explore.
I eagerly anticipate where this story leads next, yet I’ll always hold the breathtaking opening of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle dear. Rarely does a game encapsulate a movie sequel vibe while reviving my childhood, yet MachineGames captures the charm of the iconic, fedora-clad hero impeccably.
Phil Spencer expressed Xbox’s optimism with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, highlighting its enduring appeal while calling for new Xbox stories, stating, “We have a lot of room to tell new stories” (source).