Indiana Jones and The Great Circlestayed quiet for a while after making a name for itself at Microsoft’s Developer Direct. The game has showcased a variety of strengths in its latest trailer, but there’s one ace upIndiana Jones and the Great Circle’s sleeve that can’t go ignored.
Lips have been sealed tight in regard tonews aroundIndiana Jones and The Great Circle, though a December 2024 release date is very much possible if rumors are anything to go by. The new trailer didn’t confirm an exact release date. Regardless of when it comes out, though, it has to make the most of its Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones likeness.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Needs To Rally Around Its Access To Harrison Ford’s Likeness
Uncertainty aboutThe Great Circle’s release date aside, there is another element that Bethesda and MachineGames' need to ensure that they’re pushing. A cursory glance at the trailers put out for the game thus far makes it evident that MachineGames have access to Harrison Ford’s likeness. Given how intertwined the character is with the actor who has portrayed him throughout the franchise, it’s hard to say whetherThe Great Circlecould ever have done without Ford’s face. However, with that likeness procured, the game should absolutely take advantage of everything brought by Indiana Jones' iconic countenance.
MachineGames Needs To Get Mileage Out Of Ford’s Likeness
Getting big on-camera stars in the booth for a licensed game is a struggle at the best of times, and it’s one that MachineGames has already dodged. Ford willnot be reprising his role as Indiana Jonesfor the title, with the honor instead going to prolific video game voice actor Troy Baker. However, while nothing is out in the open, Ford’s likeness can’t have come for free and probably didn’t come for cheap.
Therefore, it would be wise on the part of Bethesda and MachineGames to get their money’s worth; their access to thetruest embodiment of Indiana Jonescannot be understated. Posters forThe Great Circlealready perfectly resemble those of Indy’s greatest cinematic outings. In fact, it’s easy to mistakeThe Great Circle’s poster for one of these films at first glance, which is great for the game. After the lukewarm reception forDial of Destiny, Bethesda has to make the most of its own shot at an Indiana Jones adventure.
The Great Circle’s First-Person Perspective Needs To Be Balanced Out
One of the most controversial aspects ofThe Great Circleis its first person perspective, something that could kneecap Indy’s iconic design and great character model in particular. With how well MachineGames has rendered Ford’s visage into the digital world, it’s something of a shame that players will be funneled into the explorer’s own POV. While certain tasks like climbing and zipline riding will take the player into third person, fans will overall see very little of Indy’s design during gameplay, something that has been faithfully captured with extensive detail.
Though it’s unlikely for any gamer to come toThe Great Circlewanting a clip show, it would make sense forthe new Indiana Jones narrativeof the game to use cinematics liberally. Again, the poor critical and box office reception ofDial of Destinycomes to mind; ifThe Great Circlecan use cinematics to market itself as the proper successor to the franchise, it can help chart a new course for the franchise. A critical part of this, then, will be the use of Harrison Ford’s likeness—something that cinematics should display with reckless abandon.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
WHERE TO PLAY
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. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them - Indiana Jones™. 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.YOU ARE INDIANA JONESLive 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 WORLD OF MYSTERY AWAITSTravel 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. Forging new alliances and facing familiar enemies, you’ll engage with intriguing characters, use guile and wits to solve ancient riddles, and survive intense set-pieces.WHIP-CRACKING ACTIONIndiana’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. Combine stealth infiltration, melee combat, and gunplay to combat the enemy threat and unravel the mystery.THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERYVenture 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?
