Indiana Jones & The Great Circle is a month away from launch. Machine Games and Xbox have released a new gameplay deep dive showcasing 14 minutes of new footage of Indiana Jones’ next adventure. The new footage provides a new look at some of the locations, puzzles, gear, and combat.
Indiana Jones & The Great Circle is set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Set in 1937, Indiana Jones stumbles upon a theft at the University which leads him on a quest to uncover the mystery behind it. As he searches for answers, he finds rival archeologist Emmerich Voss working with Nazis traveling the world searching for a set of mysterious artifacts and discovers that the theft is only part of a grander global conspiracy.
Machine Games paid careful attention to the time period of 1937 making sure all the architecture, vehicles,clothing, and even the music that drifts through the city streets is authentic and makes for a living, breathing world that players can traverse. Each environment is specifically designed to encourage players to look around. As Indy does, he will uncover clues about the journey and the world around him. Every clue and insight will be tracked in the journal which players can refer back to at anytime.
In addition to the more linear levels, Indiana Jones & The Great Circle will feature several larger, open regions that can be fully explored. Players can track down side missions, meet the people of this world, and unlock new mysteries.
Completing both the main story and the optional objectives will reward players with Adventure Points which can be spent to upgrade Indy’s abilities. Players can also unlock new abilities by finding Adventure Books scattered throughout the world. One example includes the “Lucky Hat” ability. When Indy falls, the “Lucky Hat” ability gives him a second chance to get back on his feet, Indiana Jones style as he grabs his trademark fedora hat and puts it back on before he gets back into the fray.
As players explore the world and search for clues, they will have access to a camera that they can take out if they are stuck. As Indy takes pictures, he will provide more insight and may even provide an important clue. “Every puzzle is designed to fit seamlessly into the world,” Machine Games Audio Director Pete Ward explains. “From smaller puzzles hiding forbidden secrets to epic obstacles leading to greater mysteries.”
The game is designed around the charm and resourcefulness of our hero,” says Ward. Players will have access to Indiana Jones’ iconic gear and arsenal including the fedora, revolver, and the iconic whip. The whip can be used both in traversal and in combat in different ways. Players can strategically use the whip on enemies either stunning them or disarming them. Players can also use the whip to provide a distraction while they sneak their way around guard patrols. Players can utilize all sorts of objects in both combat and stealth.