A plane flies off into the sunset, John Williams’ unforgettable theme blares out of the speakers, and a tear streams down my face. When I finished playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I felt like I did back in 1989 when Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade came to theaters. I’d just seen an incredible Indiana Jones story. One I’d never forget. Except, this time, I was Indy.
When Bethesda and Lucasfilm first announced they were making an Indiana Jones video game in 2021, I was incredibly excited. Even though I’ve been a massive Indy fan for as long as I can remember, I’d never played an Indy video game. Or, at least, never played an Indy game I felt any connection to. I hoped this was it, but since I don’t have an Xbox or PC, I was forced to wait five more months than everyone else.
When Great Circle first released, io9 editor James Whitbrook played the game and found it very frustrating. His headline reading “Every Moment You’re Playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Feels Like Torture” was more than concerning. It was terrifying. Was this Crystal Skull all over again? So, when Great Circle was finally announced for PlayStation 5, while I still knew I would play it, I tempered expectations drastically. Which, in the end, was probably a good thing.
One of James’ biggest complaints was about the controls and combat. And pretty early on, I knew I agreed with him about that. Fist fighting just wasn’t particularly fun, and the controls never really felt that comfortable. It was button-mashing, for the most part. I also was disappointed to figure out that pulling your gun, or stealing one from a Nazi, was an even worse idea because then a bunch of other Nazis come after you and you’re dead.
Then I realized something. If I were an adventuring archaeologist running around Europe in the 1930s, I wouldn’t want to fight. In fact, I’d do everything to avoid that. I’d want to survive. I’d sneak around, be quiet and avoid trouble. And so, unless absolutely necessary, that became how I played Great Circle. I used logic. I was sneaky. I was Indiana Jones.
That’s not to say I didn’t punch more than a few Nazis or even shoot a few if need be, it just was never the first option if I could avoid it. And I don’t even like stealth games that much, but viewing the mechanic through the lens of Indiana Jones‘ down-to-earth reputation changed my entire mindset. I was the one deciding how Indiana Jones was going to solve this mystery and things only got more exciting and interesting from there. It even made me like the first-person viewpoint more than I had expected. The POV upped the immersion, plus you get to pull back and see Indy more often than you’d expect.
But really, what works the most about Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the story. A story that, at every turn, was seemingly crafted to be perfectly in line with the first three Indy films. Without spoiling anything, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sees Indy traverse the globe attempting to acquire specific stones that will grant a magical power. And, of course, he’s doing it in competition with some particularly brutal Nazis. Having Great Circle in the title also doesn’t give away what the Macguffin is like, unlike “The Lost Ark,” “Crystal Skull,” and “Dial of Destiny” do. It feels more like “Last Crusade” in that way, but with elements of Raiders and Temple of Doom too.
Several sections of the game let you go anywhere you’d like, exploring, fighting, whatever. Others are more limited but provide even greater action. When I tell you there are some action set pieces in this game that the movies could never, ever match, I mean it. But whether you’re solving puzzles to enter a temple, flying a plane, or climbing up a wall with your whip, the game simply understands Indiana Jones. Indy will regularly comment about historical connections. He’s infinitely curious and filled with wonder. You use notes and images to solve mysteries and document your findings. You wear disguises, make ample use of the whip, and always make sure to get your hat back. Indy even has a new female sidekick, Gina, who often feels like real competition for Marion Ravenwood.
Then there is the full reveal of the Macguffin, which feels like it comes in too late but is wholly satisfying anyway. That culminates in a truly epic finale that, as you play it, you constantly wish you could see on the big screen. I realized later that if Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a movie, it would easily be the third best Indiana Jones movie: Raiders, Last Crusade, then this. And I love Temple of Doom, but it’s great because it’s different. This one is not different from the other two, which is part of what makes it so special.
Best of all, it’s done with the Indiana Jones you know and love. As wonderful as Harrison Ford was in Dial of Destiny, and as hard as James Mangold tried to recapture that magic, it was simply not the same as the original trilogy. Dial explored a new aspect of Indy. This is classic, younger Indy. Our favorite Indy. Which is possible both because this is a video game and because of Troy Baker. Seriously, this game is not possible without Troy Baker. His voice work as Indiana Jones is so good, it should be studied by voice actors forever. Never for a second do you not hear Harrison Ford coming out of your game. It’s perfect and only helps the total immersion and cohesion of the story.
Now, do I wish it were a little longer? Yes. Are there minor problems here and there? Also yes. But for the most part, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was not just worth the wait for this Indy fan, it was beyond my wildest expectations. It made me break out a few of my action figures. Put on the movies while I worked. And, once again, rekindle my eternal love for Indiana Jones. I want to play it again right now, or maybe watch someone else play it, almost like it’s the next great Indy movie.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and XBox X/S.
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