After three years since its announcement by Bethesda, the new Indiana Jones video game has finally been showcased. Developed by MachineGames, known for their work on the Wolfenstein series, and with a story from Todd Howard, the game is titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The recent Xbox Developer_Direct event provided fans with a glimpse of the in-game action and gameplay, along with significant details about the upcoming title.
The Adventure Begins
Set in 1937, between the first and third Indiana Jones films, the plot of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle initiates with Indiana Jones at his professorial role in Marshall College. The tranquil evening is disrupted by a robbery at the college museum, where a seemingly ordinary artifact is stolen. This artifact, however, is linked to the mystery of the Great Circle, propelling Indiana on a global journey that includes the Vatican, the Himalayas, Egypt, and Thailand.
Gameplay Perspective: First or Third Person?
MachineGames has opted to design Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as a primarily first-person experience, a format they are renowned for, although the game will incorporate third-person elements during certain gameplay sequences such as environmental traversal and cutscenes.
Engaging Combat
Combat in the game is described as “grounded and heavy,” focusing on melee engagements and improvisation, such as using a clay jar as a weapon, while Indiana’s iconic whip plays a central role in the action.
Indiana Jones’ Signature Whip
The whip, a staple in Indiana Jones’ arsenal, will be highly versatile and “fully simulated” for a realistic feel, integrating into various aspects of gameplay including combat, traversal, and stealth.
Stealth and Puzzles: Essential Gameplay Elements
Stealth plays a significant role in the gameplay, offering players options to avoid or quietly neutralize threats. Puzzles are also a key component, enhancing the sense of discovery and offering numerous optional challenges throughout the game.
Freedom of Choice and Cast Details
The game promises less scripted gameplay, emphasizing player choice and immersive sim elements. The cast includes Troy Baker as Indiana Jones, Alessandra Mastronardi as Gina Lombardi, and Marios Gavrilis as the antagonist Emmerich Voss, with Tony Todd voicing a pivotal character. The game is slated for release later this year on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with availability on Game Pass at launch.
