Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PS5) Review

“Indiana Jones. Always knew someday you’d come walking back through my door.”

The crack of the whip, the sight of a fedora in torchlight, the swell of an (the?) iconic theme – Indiana Jones is back. Not in a film this time, but as the latest videogame interpretation with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, brought to us by the unexpected yet talented hands of MachineGames, the studio renowned for the visceral Wolfenstein reboot series. Landing on the PlayStation 5 after a short period of Xbox and PC exclusivity, this ambitious title aims to deliver the definitive Indy gaming experience. After extensive time spent exploring its ancient tombs, deciphering its cryptic clues, and yes, punching Nazis (or fascists, we aren’t picky), it’s clear that while The Great Circle takes some surprising turns and isn’t without its rough edges, it ultimately succeeds spectacularly in capturing the essence of cinema's greatest adventurer, delivering a must-play experience for fans and a standout adventure in its own right.

From the moment the game begins, the developer's profound love and respect for the source material are blindingly obvious. This isn't just a game featuring Indiana Jones; it feels like a painstaking, passionate recreation of him. Every nuance, every characteristic quirk feels meticulously studied and implemented. The way Indy excitedly points at things on tables, his slightly weary posture that belies sudden bursts of action which he really wishes weren’t needed, the determined set of his jaw when facing down danger, even the signature flourish of placing his hat over his face when attempting a moment's rest – it’s all here. These aren't just animations; they are imbued with character, instantly recognisable and deeply authentic. Complementing this visual fidelity is the truly remarkable voice performance by Troy Baker. Stepping into Harrison Ford's legendary boots is an intimidating task, yet Baker delivers a performance that is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s not mimicry; it’s an embodiment. He captures the wry humour, the academic intelligence, the moments of exasperation, and the underlying heroism with uncanny accuracy. Close your eyes, and you could easily mistake it for Ford himself, lending immense weight and believability to the narrative. The overall presentation, from the detailed period environments to the faithful recreation of Indy's gear, screams authenticity. MachineGames clearly understood the assignment: deliver the Indiana Jones experience.

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“Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.” 

However, players expecting a straightforward third-person action romp à la Uncharted or Tomb Raider (including me) – franchises heavily inspired by Indy themselves – might be initially taken aback. MachineGames makes some surprising, perhaps even controversial, design choices right out of the gate. Chief among these is the decision to make The Great Circle a predominantly first-person experience. While third-person viewpoints are used for specific traversal actions like climbing or environmental interaction cutscenes, the bulk of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat occurs through Indy's own eyes. This choice fundamentally alters the feel of the game. Initially, it can feel slightly disorienting, particularly for those accustomed to seeing Indy navigate his perilous environments from an external perspective. Coupled with this is a world structure that leans more towards a Metroidvania design philosophy than a linear cinematic progression. Large, distinct hub areas – like the sprawling Vatican City complex encountered early on – are filled with secrets, optional paths, and areas initially inaccessible until specific tools or abilities are acquired later. This encourages backtracking and thorough exploration, rewarding diligence but also contributing to a pace that feels deliberately slower, especially in the early hours. The game demands investment and acclimatisation. Certain mechanics also feel somewhat 'clunky' at first. The transition between first-person exploration and the locked third-person camera during climbing sequences, for example, can feel momentarily jarring, breaking the immersive flow. But crucially, these initial surprises and perceived awkwardness are hurdles that are overcome. The first-person perspective eventually proves its worth, fostering a deep sense of immersion – you are Indy, peering into dark crypts, examining ancient relics up close, feeling the tension of a narrow escape from a unique vantage point. The Metroidvania structure, once understood, encourages a satisfying loop of discovery and mastery over the environment. And those clunky transitions? With time, they become rhythmic, predictable elements of the gameplay language, fading into the background as you become engrossed in the adventure itself.

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“You lost today kid, but that doesn’t mean you have to like it.”

The combat system is another area where MachineGames deviates from expectations, particularly given their Wolfenstein pedigree. Don't expect the hyper-responsive, surgically precise gunplay or devastatingly brutal melee of BJ Blazkowicz. Indy's combat, both ranged and melee, feels intentionally scrappier, less polished, more… improvised. It’s as if you’re…making it up as you go along. Fist fights are desperate affairs, less about elegant combos and more about ducking, weaving, throwing opportunistic punches, and using the environment to your advantage. Shooting feels weighty and impactful, but Indy isn't a crack shot; he’s an archaeologist defending himself, often under duress. And this is, perhaps counterintuitively, brilliant. It perfectly suits the character. Indiana Jones has never been depicted as a master martial artist or an elite marksman. He triumphs through intelligence, resilience, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of luck. He gets knocked down, he makes mistakes, he often finds himself in over his head. The combat system reflects this beautifully. Every encounter feels earned, often chaotic, and entirely in keeping with the spirit of the films where Indy scrambles, adapts, and somehow manages to come out on top, often by the skin of his teeth. It avoids the trap of making Indy feel like an unstoppable action hero, grounding him as the relatable, yet extraordinary, figure he is. The whip, naturally, plays a key role not just in traversal but also in combat – disarming foes, creating distance, or interacting with environmental hazards – adding another layer to this uniquely Indy flavour of fighting.

While the initial hours focus on establishing the world, the mechanics, and the central mystery, the narrative momentum builds significantly as the main story progresses. The missions evolve from simpler introductory tasks into wonderfully complex, multi-stage quests that truly capture the spirit of Indiana Jones' cinematic adventures. Expect labyrinthine tombs filled with environmental hazards, ancient mechanisms requiring logical deduction and careful observation, cryptic clues hidden in historical texts, and thrilling chase sequences. The puzzle design, in particular, deserves high praise. It often feels deeply integrated with the environment and the narrative, requiring players to genuinely engage their brains rather than just follow prompts. Deciphering a sequence of symbols based on journal entries, manipulating light and shadow to reveal hidden passages, or understanding the counterweights of an ancient trap – these moments are incredibly satisfying and evoke the best puzzle-solving segments from the films. The sense of discovery is palpable, and when you finally crack a particularly challenging conundrum, the feeling of accomplishment is immense. It's during these increasingly elaborate quests that the game truly hits its stride, creating genuine excitement and adrenaline. And then, there's the music. The iconic, stirring themes composed by John Williams are deployed masterfully. Whether it's the triumphant swell of the Raiders March during a daring escape, a subtle, mysterious motif hinting at ancient secrets, or tense action cues heightening a perilous encounter, the score elevates every moment. When that music kicks in at just the right time… well, it’s simply goosebump-inducing, transforming key sequences into truly cinematic, unforgettable experiences.

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“There were a few, but they all had the same problem. They weren’t you, honey.”

A great adventure needs a memorable supporting cast, and The Great Circle delivers here too. The characters Indy interacts with are well-written, distinct, and brought to life by strong voice performances across the board. The dialogue feels authentic to the period and crackles with the wit and personality fans expect. Notably, Indy is joined by a female companion who shares more than a few sparks with the indomitable Marion Ravenwood – intelligent, capable, and not afraid to give Indy a run for his money, their dynamic adds a welcome layer to the narrative. On the opposing side, the game presents a formidable villain, a truly menacing presence whose motivations and methods feel genuinely threatening, easily standing alongside the memorable antagonists of the classic films. These characters aren't just quest-givers or exposition dumps; they feel like integral parts of the unfolding drama.

Beyond the critical path of the main story, the game world offers a wealth of optional content, referred to as "fieldwork." These side activities encourage further exploration of the game's detailed environments. They can range from relatively simple tasks like locating and cracking a hidden safe using observation skills, to more involved scavenger hunts requiring you to track down numerous artefacts scattered across a large area, often revealing small snippets of lore or historical context. This fieldwork adds considerable playtime and replayability for those who enjoy meticulously combing environments, providing tangible rewards and a deeper appreciation for the world-building effort.

However, navigating these rich and expansive environments does present the game's most persistent frustration. Areas like the Vatican are visually impressive and intricately designed, but finding your way around can often be a challenge. The in-game map, while aesthetically fitting for the 1938 setting – lacking multi-level detail and precise modern GPS-style markers – proves functionally limited in complex, vertically layered locations. It's easy to find yourself turned around, unsure which staircase leads to the desired balcony or how to reach an objective marker that appears deceptively close on the 2D map but is actually on a different elevation entirely. While one can appreciate the thematic commitment to a period-appropriate map, it undeniably leads to moments of wasted time and navigational annoyance. The relief upon unlocking fast travel points within a zone – allowing you to quickly jump between key landmarks like the Sistine Chapel and other locations within the larger Vatican area for instance – is palpable and significantly alleviates traversal woes. Nonetheless, expect some initial reliance on trial-and-error exploration.

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“You have chosen wisely.”

Playing on the PlayStation 5, the technical execution of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is largely superb. This feels like a polished, well-optimised port. Throughout the extensive playtime, the experience was remarkably smooth, free from significant bugs, game-breaking glitches, or immersion-shattering issues like graphical clipping or texture pop-in. The visuals are impressive, leveraging the hardware to deliver detailed character models, richly textured environments, and atmospheric lighting that enhances the sense of place, whether deep within a dusty tomb or exploring a bustling foreign city. Sound design is equally strong, with clear voice work, impactful sound effects for combat and traversal, and immersive environmental audio that brings the world to life. Subtitle options are robust and clearly presented. Furthermore, MachineGames has made excellent use of the DualSense controller's capabilities. Haptic feedback adds a tangible layer to the action too. Every aspect of the presentation genuinely enhances immersion (you can choose a cinematic screen ratio too if you’d like!), making the PS5 arguably the ideal platform for this adventure.

In a landscape often dominated by iterative sequels and familiar formulas, it’s refreshing to see MachineGames tackle Indiana Jones with such a distinct vision. They haven't simply reskinned Wolfenstein or delivered a carbon copy of Uncharted or Tomb Raider. By embracing the first-person perspective, incorporating Metroidvania exploration principles, and designing combat that reflects Indy's scrappy resourcefulness, they've crafted an experience that feels both faithful to the source and unique within the modern action-adventure genre. It’s a testament to their design confidence that they pursued this path, and the result is a game that stands proudly on its own merits.

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“I understand its power now.”

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a triumphant return for the legendary archaeologist in interactive form. While the initial adjustment to its first-person perspective, Metroidvania structure, and less refined combat might present minor hurdles, overcoming them reveals an adventure of exceptional quality and undeniable authenticity. MachineGames has poured immense passion into recreating the look, sound, and feel of Indiana Jones, anchored by Troy Baker's stellar performance. The game truly comes alive as its intricate puzzles, thrilling set-pieces, and engaging narrative unfold, perfectly complemented by the masterful use of its iconic score. The supporting characters are memorable, the world is rich with secrets to uncover, and the PlayStation 5 presentation is technically superb, further enhanced by thoughtful DualSense integration. The navigational frustrations with the map are a notable, though understandable, blemish. Yet, these are outweighed by the sheer joy of stepping into Indy's boots for a truly cinematic and intellectually stimulating adventure. For fans of Indiana Jones, this is an absolute must-play, a journey packed with the discovery, danger, and heroism that define the character. For action-adventure enthusiasts in general, it offers a unique, immersive, and highly rewarding experience that dares to be different. MachineGames has unearthed a true treasure.