The upcoming release of “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” by MachineGames, scheduled for 2024, is set to rejuvenate the iconic franchise in the gaming world. This action-adventure game, developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, will be available on Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass.
The game is set in the year 1937, between the events of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.” Players will step into the shoes of Indiana Jones, starting their adventure at Marshall College and traveling to diverse locations like Italy, Egypt, the Himalayas, and the Forgotten Temples of Ducati. The storyline kicks off with a theft at the college museum, leading Indy on a globe-trotting journey filled with mystery and intrigue.
Players will interact with multiple characters, including Gina, an investigative reporter, and Emmerich Voss, the game’s antagonist. Notably, the character of Indiana Jones is voiced and motion-captured by Troy Baker, known for his role in “The Last of Us.”
The gameplay offers a mix of first-person perspective for most of the action, including combat and puzzle-solving, with third-person view utilized for cutscenes and specific environmental interactions. The iconic whip of Indiana Jones is a central gameplay element, used for various actions like disarming or attacking enemies and traversing environments. The game promises a blend of stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving elements, providing a rich and varied gaming experience.
The game’s music, composed by Gordy Haab, aims to capture the essence of John Williams’ original score for the “Indiana Jones” franchise. Haab’s previous works include scores for other Lucasfilm-related games like “Star Wars: Battlefront II” and “Star Wars: Jedi” franchise.
The decision to make the game an Xbox and PC exclusive follows Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks and MachineGames, which led to an amendment in the initial contract with Lucasfilm’s parent company, Disney. This exclusivity decision was made considering the large marketplace these platforms cover.
“Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” presents a blend of narrative-driven linear gameplay and open-area maps, offering players a balance between guided exploration and open-world experience. This game promises to be a thrilling addition for both fans of the Indiana Jones franchise and adventure game enthusiasts.
