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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Item: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 9, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PC

DeveloperMachineGames

Overview

Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. You’ll become the legendary archaeologist in this cinematic action-adventure game from MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, and executive produced by Hall of Fame game designer Todd Howard.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" received widespread acclaim for its engaging story, capturing the essence of the franchise with new mysteries, ancient puzzles, and unexpected twists. Critics lauded the well-developed characters, nostalgic feel, and faithful adaptation of the film saga. While some noted tonal inconsistencies, the majority praised the exciting narrative, humor, and authentic Indiana Jones experience. Overall, critics agree that the game's story is a standout feature, immersing players in a must-play adventure true to the iconic character.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" for its strong points. Critics like But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the engaging characters and the classic Indiana Jones feel, with a new mystery to solve. Daily Star and Dexerto appreciated the globe-trotting aspect, ancient puzzles, and unexpected twists that added depth to the narrative. Digital Chumps and Hobby Consolas commended the story for staying faithful to the film saga, capturing the essence of the character, and offering a mix of adventure, humor, and familiar elements from the franchise. Impulsegamer and Noisy Pixel also mentioned the engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of the original trilogy. However, there were some critics who pointed out shortcomings in the story of the game. CGMagazine mentioned tonal inconsistency and execution issues that affected the overall experience. While COGconnected and Gamepressure found the story to be enjoyable, they did not delve into any specific negatives. It's worth noting that these criticisms were in the minority, as the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive feedback on the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a standout feature of the game. Critics like God is a Geek, Inverse, and GIGA praised the exciting and authentic narrative, filled with nods to the franchise, humor, and engaging storytelling that captured the essence of the Indiana Jones universe. IGN and VGC highlighted the well-paced classic Indiana Jones tale with engaging characters and chemistry, while Player 2 and Wccftech commended the exciting 1937 setting, well-portrayed characters, and the inclusion of supernatural elements typical of the franchise. The general sentiment is that the story successfully immerses players in an authentic Indiana Jones adventure, making it a must-play for fans of the iconic character and his adventures.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's gameplay impresses with its mix of combat, exploration, and puzzles, praised for its whip mechanics and immersive environmental interactions. While some critics point out weak enemy AI and clunky mechanics, the game overall captures the essence of the iconic character, offering an engaging experience that transports players into Indiana Jones' world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has received praise for its variety and depth. Critics like Hobby Consolas and God is a Geek commend the game for striking a perfect balance between combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with enjoyable whip mechanics and engaging environmental mechanics. Gamers Heroes also highlight the iconic whip mechanics and the encouragement of exploration through quests and skill progression. The first-person perspective, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Chumps, enhances the tactile feel of puzzle-solving and exploration, making players feel immersed in the world of Indiana Jones. On the downside, some critics have pointed out areas of improvement in the gameplay of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Noisy Pixel mentions weak enemy AI, clunky item management, and underwhelming stealth mechanics as drawbacks that hinder the overall experience. Gamepressure notes poor AI behavior during stealth sections and in crowded locations, impacting the gameplay negatively. IGN highlights issues with the stamina system and gunplay, suggesting room for improvement in these areas to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers a compelling gameplay experience that captures the essence of the iconic character. The mix of combat, exploration, puzzles, and stealth mechanics provides a varied and engaging experience that aligns well with the Indiana Jones franchise. While there are some areas that could be improved, such as enemy AI and certain gameplay mechanics, the majority of critics appreciate the immersive and authentic feel of the gameplay. With its focus on puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat, the game succeeds in making players feel like they are stepping into the shoes of the legendary adventurer, Indiana Jones.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, praising the lifelike character models and immersive environments. Some noted minor technical issues like texture pop-in and stiff animations, but overall, the visuals are lauded for their attention to detail and cinematic quality. Fans of the franchise can expect a visually appealing and engaging gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, highlighting its stunning and immersive visuals. App Trigger described the graphics as gorgeous, setting the game apart in the ninth generation, while But Why Tho? commended the lifelike character models and detailed environments. Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the immaculate design of 1930s environments, creating a visually stunning and authentic world. Dexerto and Digital Chumps both noted the remarkable attention to detail in various locations, with distinct environments and solid character models. Gamers Heroes highlighted the diverse and detailed locations, enhancing the exploration experience. However, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the graphics of the game. Hobby Consolas mentioned occasional technical issues like texture quality inconsistencies and popping in larger areas, while PlaySense noted texture pop-in and graphical glitches in larger environments. CGMagazine criticized stiff animations in gameplay, and Gamepressure felt that the graphics fell short of modern AAA game standards, especially in vegetation and character faces. Wccftech reported bugs like visual noise and frame rate issues, impacting the overall visual experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Critics like GamesRadar+ praised the exceptional visual fidelity and art direction, creating a cinematic edge, while Noisy Pixel appreciated the richly detailed environments capturing the adventurous essence of the franchise. IGN highlighted the incredible amount of granular detail and exemplary ray-traced lighting, contributing to a visually immersive experience. The majority of critics found the graphics to be very good, with realistic character models, diverse environments, and attention to detail, making Indiana Jones and the Great Circle a visually appealing and engaging game for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise the Sound Design and Music of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, lauding the fantastic soundtrack inspired by John Williams, high-quality cutscenes, thrilling action sequences, and authentic sound effects. While some critics noted a minor issue with music in streamer mode, the overwhelming positive feedback emphasizes how the game's audio elements successfully immerse players in the Indy universe and enhance gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, highlighting various positive aspects. App Trigger commended the fantastic soundtrack, composed by a Grammy-winning composer, which heavily drew inspiration from John Williams, perfectly fitting within the Indy universe. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Hobby Consolas appreciated the high-quality cinematic cutscenes, thrilling action sequences, and exquisite soundtrack that enhanced the adventurous atmosphere of the game. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Daily Star noted the authentic sound design, original film scores, voice acting reminiscent of Harrison Ford, and iconic theme tune that all contributed to enhancing the overall experience. On the flip side, some critics did not mention any significant negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. However, GamingTrend pointed out a potential issue with the music being affected when using streamer mode, which could impact the overall gameplay experience for some players. Despite this minor concern, the overwhelming positive feedback from the majority of reviewers indicates that any potential negatives were overshadowed by the game's strong audio elements. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game successfully captures the essence of the Indiana Jones universe through its memorable score, fitting sound effects, and authentic sound design. Critics like GamesRadar+ and God is a Geek highlighted the excellent score contributing to the authentic feel of the game, while Inverse and Noisy Pixel emphasized how the fitting sound design and music enhanced the cinematic experience and overall atmosphere of the game. With the majority of critics praising the audio elements of the game, it is evident that the Sound Design and Music played a crucial role in immersing players in the world of Indiana Jones and enhancing their gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle," singling out Troy Baker's portrayal of Indy for capturing the character's essence. While some minor critiques exist, the performances by the supporting cast are also commended for enhancing immersion. Overall, the voice acting is a standout aspect of the game, with authenticity, depth, and character portrayal receiving high acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Troy Baker's portrayal of Indiana Jones, in particular, has been widely praised for capturing the essence of the character with authenticity and skill. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming, Digital Chumps, and GamesRadar+ commend Baker for bringing Indy to life and embodying the roguish charm and mannerisms associated with Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Gina Lombardi and Tony Todd, has been lauded for delivering engaging performances that complement the narrative, as noted by God is a Geek and CGMagazine. The strong voice performances across the board, as highlighted by Dexerto and Inverse, contribute to immersing players in the game's world and enhancing the overall experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are a few minor criticisms regarding the voice acting in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." GamingTrend mentions moments where Troy Baker's portrayal falters, detracting from the immersion at times. Additionally, GIGA points out the absence of Harrison Ford's original voice actor in the German version, which may impact the atmosphere for some players. While these critiques exist, they are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the voice acting in the game. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a standout aspect of the game, with the majority praising the performances for their authenticity, depth, and ability to bring the characters to life. Troy Baker's portrayal of Indiana Jones, in particular, has been highlighted as a major strength, with many critics commending his ability to capture the essence of the character. The supporting cast also receives praise for their contributions to the narrative and overall immersion. Despite a few minor criticisms, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like IGN and VGC noting the impressive performances and close resemblance to the original characters. Overall, the voice acting in the game is considered a significant asset that enhances the player's experience and contributes to the authenticity of the Indiana Jones universe.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox Series X. Positive highlights include polished gameplay and visuals, while negatives include performance issues like bugs, glitches, and weak AI. Overall, the game shows promise but may be hindered by technical problems affecting immersion and gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox Series X, several critics highlighted positive aspects of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. But Why Tho? praised the game for being exceptionally polished with few hiccups, while Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the beautifully presented visuals and immersive environments. GamesRadar+ commended the seamless communication of navigation routes and immersive first-person exploration. Additionally, PlaySense noted that the game runs smoothly at 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X, despite occasional texture pop-in and graphical glitches that may require patching. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on the Xbox Series X. Dexerto and Hobby Consolas both pointed out performance issues such as game-breaking bugs, graphical glitches, texture quality loss, reflections and shadows flickering, and occasional AI problems, impacting the overall immersion and gameplay experience. Noisy Pixel highlighted weak enemy AI, clunky item management, and underdeveloped stealth mechanics as issues affecting immersion. ZTGD mentioned minor drops in framerate and jitter issues in cutscenes that could be patched in the future. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle across all platforms is somewhat mixed. While some critics like GamingTrend and IGN appreciated aspects such as smooth gameplay mechanics, detailed environments, and smart hint systems, others like Gamepressure and Player 2 pointed out issues with high system requirements, graphical glitches, and frame rate problems. The general sentiment leans towards a game with potential technical issues that may impact the overall experience, but with redeeming qualities in terms of gameplay mechanics and immersive environments.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" impresses critics with its high replay value due to optional side quests, exploration, engaging gameplay, and customizable difficulty settings. Despite minor drawbacks like useless collectibles and pacing issues, the game offers a compelling and immersive experience with significant depth and variety, keeping players engaged beyond the main story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics unanimously highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming, Daily Star, and Digital Chumps emphasize the presence of optional side quests, exploration of side discoveries, and engaging gameplay mechanics that contribute to extending the gameplay time. The game offers a wealth of content beyond the main story, including mysteries, relics, and skill progression, as noted by Gamers Heroes. Additionally, Hobby Consolas mentions customizable difficulty settings that add personalization to the experience, catering to different types of players. The ability to revisit locations, track progress, and unlock abilities through exploration and completionism further enhances the depth and variety in gameplay, as highlighted by But Why Tho? and Impulsegamer. On the downside, some critics point out certain limitations or drawbacks that affect the overall replay value of the game. Gamepressure mentions the presence of many useless collectibles, which could potentially hinder the overall experience for completionists. Inverse notes that some open-world sections may drag towards the end, suggesting pacing issues that might impact the enjoyment of players aiming for a thorough exploration of the game's world. These aspects could potentially lead to a less engaging experience for certain players who value efficiency and meaningful content in their gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics indicates that "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" offers a compelling and immersive experience with significant replay value. The game's emphasis on exploration, side quests, collectibles, and hidden areas provides players with ample opportunities to engage with the world and uncover its mysteries, as highlighted by GamesRadar+ and Noisy Pixel. The variety of content, ranging from self-contained adventures to character development mechanics, ensures that players can spend hours getting lost in the game's world, as noted by GamingTrend. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as pacing issues and superfluous collectibles, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics praising the game for its depth, variety, and ability to keep players coming back for more adventures even after completing the main story.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle," praising it for capturing the essence of the beloved franchise and delivering an engaging and authentic Indiana Jones experience. Critics like App Trigger, But Why Tho?, and Hobby Consolas highlighted the game's ability to immerse players in a thrilling globetrotting story with satisfying puzzle-solving, strong voice acting, and a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of the series. The lush world, epic journey, and nostalgic appeal were also commended, with critics like Daily Star and Impulsegamer emphasizing the game's success in embodying the spirit of Indiana Jones adventures. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." Issues such as clunky combat, simplistic stealth mechanics, technical flaws, pacing problems, and uneven gameplay elements were mentioned by critics like Checkpoint Gaming, CGMagazine, and Gamepressure. Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment was that the positives of the game far outweighed the negatives, with critics like Noisy Pixel acknowledging flaws in enemy AI and item management but still considering the game a nostalgic adventure worth experiencing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a standout title that excels in capturing the essence of the iconic character and delivering an immersive and enthralling adventure. The game is lauded for its engaging gameplay mechanics, captivating story, immersive visuals, and high replay value, as noted by critics like Dexerto and Gamers Heroes. The positive reception from critics like GamesRadar+, GIGA, and IGN further solidifies the game's status as a must-play for fans of the franchise, with its faithful recreation of the Indiana Jones universe setting a high standard for licensed video games. Despite minor flaws, the overall verdict of "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising it as one of the best adaptations of the film series and a true love letter to fans of the original trilogy.

TL;DR

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" receives rave reviews for capturing the essence of the beloved franchise, offering an engaging globetrotting adventure with satisfying puzzles, strong voice acting, and a compelling narrative. While some critics mention flaws like clunky combat and pacing issues, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with praise for its immersive gameplay, captivating story, and nostalgic appeal. A must-play for fans, this game is hailed as a standout title that sets a high standard for licensed video games.

MONSTER

Reviews

231 reviews found

100

GamesRadar+

Xbox Series X

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an enthralling and singular adventure that captures the essence of the iconic character, offering a luxurious production with smart pacing, strong stealth-action gameplay, and expansive sandbox spaces, setting a high standard for licensed video games.

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100

VGC

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is a joyous, campy adventure that captures the essence of the original trilogy with incredible visuals and engaging gameplay, despite some clumsy hand-to-hand combat

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best iteration of the character, excelling in story, gameplay, graphics, sound design, and voice acting. It's a must-play title that feels like a new entry in the adventure series.

GamingTrend

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle successfully translates the essence of the films into a video game format. With engaging gameplay, a captivating story, and a faithful recreation of the Indiana Jones universe, the game is a must-play for fans of the franchise.

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Player 2

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Captures the essence of Indiana Jones with stellar puzzles, satisfying combat, and a true Indy experience, despite some flaws.

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Wccftech

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an excellent adventure/action game with innovative gameplay, a great story, rewarding exploration, and impressive visuals, making it possibly the best game dedicated to Indiana Jones.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Dec 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is praised for surpassing expectations, feeling like the best Indiana Jones movie, and being highly engaging. Reviewer hopes for more adventures in the future.

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Impulsegamer

Xbox Series X

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is hailed as the best video game adaptation of the film series, excelling in capturing the essence of Indiana Jones and delivering engaging gameplay and narrative.

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Inverse

Xbox Series X

Dec 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is praised as a tremendous and worthy addition to the Indiana Jones franchise, offering an authentic and unique experience for fans of the series. The review gives the game a score of 9/10.

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PlaySense

Xbox Series X

Dec 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is praised for capturing the essence of the franchise, delivering an engaging experience with strong voice acting, varied gameplay, and a compelling story.

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