Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Review (PS5, PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro) … it’s beautiful!
Summary: PlayStation 5 owners can finally rejoice... Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is here and yes, it's beautiful!
5
It's beautiful!
I’m an older gamer and it’s been a long time between gaming drinks and if you’ve played Indiana Jones and The Great Circle on the PC or XSX, you’ve already experienced it for yourselves and to quote Belloq (Paul Freeman) on the left, indeed it is!
With that said, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle doesn’t just stand out as one of this year’s best games, it feels like rediscovering Indy’s adventurous spirit after decades of waiting. MachineGames, the brains behind the thrilling modern Wolfenstein series, were the ideal torchbearers for this project as they know a thing or two about crafting satisfying tales of sticking it to fascists.
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Set shortly after Raiders of the Lost Ark (and you actually play the start of this movie which is a Holy @$% moment), the story grabs you right from the start as Dr. Jones wakes up in the dead of night to a break-in at the university museum. An ominous giant monk absconds with a rare mummified cat, setting off a globe-spanning journey steeped in intrigue. Vatican conspiracies, Nazi rivals, and a hunt for ancient artifacts keep the momentum alive, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked which is what Indiana Jones is all about.
This time, Indy is joined by Gina, an Italian journalist searching for her sister. Gina’s determination and charm make her the perfect foil to Indy’s gruff, adventure-weary personality. Meanwhile, Emmerich Voss, a Nazi archaeologist and the game’s main villain, strikes an unnerving balance of physical menace and calculated intellect which is just the kind of nemesis you’d expect for Indiana Jones.
And Indy himself? He’s a marvel to behold. His likeness to a younger Harrison Ford is so lifelike it’s uncanny. Every smirk and subtle expression is there, even if the eyes occasionally veer into that eerie, slightly “lifeless” territory or the uncanny valley. Troy Baker’s voice work is nothing short of miraculous as he embodies the character so convincingly that you might forget it’s not Ford himself behind the mic.
The game is indeed a hands-on adventure and the Great Circle does an outstanding job of putting you squarely in Indy’s boots. The opening sequence alone—a sharp, cleverly designed tutorial sets the bar high, teaching you mechanics in a way that feels intuitive and natural. From there, the game blossoms into a semi-open world, with richly detailed locales like Vatican City, Gizeh, and Sukhothai waiting to be explored. The game also supports four levels of difficulty (light, moderate, hard, very hard) to ensure all gamers are catered for, with “light” best suited for those wanting an easy experience to enjoy the story.
Speaking of narrative, every moment feels like you’re stepping into Indy’s shoes. One minute you’re snapping pictures of dig sites, the next you’re disarming ancient traps or solving brain-teasing puzzles and when danger rears its ugly head? You’re wielding everything from a wooden spoon to your trusty whip to fend off enemies. Combat leans heavily into stealth, rewarding you for clever approaches over chaotic gunfire. Though when things do come to blows, the whip-cracking action keeps it fun and kinetic. There is also so many items in the gaming world that you can use as weapons, including your trusty Smith and Wesson Revolver and it would not be an Indy game without some melee fighting as well.
Books scattered throughout the game world bring an unexpected touch of realism to the gameplay. Reading them isn’t just a nod to Indy’s scholar side as they actively improve his skills and survival chances. Exploration and curiosity are woven into every inch of the game, with hidden artifacts, eureka moments, and interconnected side quests enhancing the sense of discovery.
The DualSense controller integration is genius on the PS5. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback bring the adventure into your hands, letting you feel every whip crack, punch, and tool interaction. The reactive lightbar adds a unique touch too, changing color based on Indy’s status. Unlike the XSX or PC (sorry guys), it’s an immersive treat that elevates the entire experience. The developers have even included a digital game manual which is a a rarity these days and while nostalgic is a thoughtful nod that fans will enjoy.
Graphics & Audio
The presentation is nothing short of spectacular and every area seems meticulously created, including the realistic characters models. The visuals take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware, with ray tracing delivering breathtaking lighting and realistic detail. And if you’re playing on the PlayStation 5 Pro? Prepare for stunning native 4K resolution and buttery-smooth frame rates that make this an adventure for the ages. This also includes lightning-fast load times to the seamless SSD optimization, every aspect of the game is designed to keep you in the action.
The soundtrack is indeed perfect as it fuses the classic John Williams cues with fresh arrangements that feel right at home in the franchise. As mentioned, the voice acting is flawless – while Troy is perfect as Indiana, Alessandra Mastronardi created a very likeable Gina and Marios Gavrilis as Emmerich Voss plays the perfect villain. A special mention should be made about David Shaughnessy who plays Marcus Brody that was played by the late great Denholm Elliott in the film and David perfectly captures his voice. Lastly, sound effects can be faulted that when matched with the graphics and gameplay, it’s a gripping adventure.
The Final Whip Crack!
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn’t just a love letter to the legendary franchise but it’s a full-fledged masterpiece that raises the bar for game adaptations. The gripping story, polished mechanics and richly detailed world make it a must-play for both fans of the films and newcomers to Indy’s globe-trotting escapades. It’s a rare gem that captures the heart and soul of its source material while standing tall as a game in its own right.
Key Features
- You are Indiana Jones
Live the adventure as Indy in a thrilling story full of exploration, immersive action, and intriguing puzzles. As the brilliant archaeologist—famed for his keen intellect, cunning resourcefulness, and trademark humor—you will travel the world in a race against enemy forces to discover the secrets to one of the greatest mysteries of all time. - A new story
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™. - A world of mystery awaits
Travel from the halls of Marshall College to the heart of the Vatican, the pyramids of Egypt, the sunken temples of Sukhothai, and beyond. When a break-in in the dead of night ends in a confrontation with a mysterious colossal man, you must set out to discover the world-shattering secret behind the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact. - Whip-cracking action
Indiana’s trademark whip remains at the heart of his gear and can be used to distract, disarm, and attack enemies. But the whip isn’t just a weapon, it’s Indy’s most valuable tool for navigating the environment. Swing over unsuspecting patrols and scale walls as you make your way through a striking world. - The spirit of discovery
Venture through a dynamic mix of linear, narrative-driven gameplay and open-area maps. Indulge your inner explorer and unearth a world of fascinating secrets, deadly traps, and fiendish puzzles, where anything could potentially hide the next piece of the mystery—or snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?
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