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0 Released back in December last year on the Xbox and the PC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has made its way to the PlayStation. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, we join Indy somewhere between the Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
It’s Whip-Cracking Time
So, without further ado, let’s head out into a brand new adventure for the intrepid explorer.
Gameplay
Picture the scene, the year is 1937, and a sinister force is searching the globe trying to find the secret to an ancient power. It’s all linked to the Great Circle, as you might have guessed from the title of the game. The game is played out for the most part in first-person, however, there are a few instances where you get a third-person view. Proving that Indiana is well-represented at all times.
As an action-adventure, you get to journey all over the globe on your mission to solve the secret. On your way, you will solve puzzles, go through some stealthy sections as well as grab the closest frying pan and smack some heads. It’s all a great experience that honestly reminds me of so many games all balled up into one. You have a series of main missions to take on, but keep your eyes open as there are always side missions.
One of which I enjoyed the most came early on. This was the early mission where you gain a camera. Now the main mission involves you taking pictures of writing on different monuments. However, if you play carefully, at one point you hear some Nuns talking about a certain Padre. Head back to his office, snap a picture and then go and talk to them. They will be overjoyed that you managed to get a picture for them.
The Whip
It wouldn’t be an Indiana Jones game without you getting to handle the whip. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, you get to do just that. Not only can you use your whip to distract, disarm and physically attack your enemies. You can also use it for climbing up walls, swinging between gaps. Combining all the elements that you see Indy doing in the films.
With plenty of difficulty modes available to you, there will be a setting that is perfect. Whether you want to focus on the story and breeze through the main gameplay. Or even if you want something akin to a Souls game. Every preference is available, just do me a favour, don’t hate on people if they want to enjoy the story.
Through your exploration, you will find a whole host of collectables. One of these is the Adventure Books, which are permanent boosts in the game, giving you different skills to hone your Indy experience. To be able to unlock these, though, you need Adventure Points. These are gained by taking pictures using the camera, finding and opening safes and chests, and even collecting relics and field notes. So, make sure when you venture into a new environment, you are taking your time to explore.
Graphics & Audio
Having played this on the PC, I knew what the potential was for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed with the PlayStation 5 version of the game. The graphics are superb; I’ve got a number of screenshots throughout this article that will hopefully show that. However, it doesn’t really give you the full effect. In action, the graphics are astounding. MachineGames has done a fantastic job of this.
My favourite portion of the game was the opening sequence. Allowing you to play through a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark was a brilliant nod to give you a certain expectation. Being able to instantly recognise a young Alfred Molina was a testament to the graphics.
Thankfully, the audio lives up to the same expectation as well. With Troy Baker giving voice to Indiana, and I honestly didn’t believe that it wasn’t Harrison Ford in some places. A great job all around.
Longevity
With a main story of about 15 hours, there is a lot of content to play through. It’s a real ‘Get your teeth stuck into’ type game. However, if you want to find all the collectables and do all the side missions, you can quite easily double that amount of time. Unfortunately, though, once you’ve completed the game once, I don’t think that it offers much replayability. Whilst that might be disappointing to some, I think you will enjoy the game enough that it will leave a lasting imprint.
Final Thoughts
So, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, should you buy it? Honestly, it is one of the most rounded games I’ve played in recent times. Giving you control of one of the most iconic characters in film. Allowing you to play through one of the most iconic sequences in cinema. Come on, what’s not to get excited about!
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received to write this review.
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