Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish, and easily one of the best games of 2024. It completely blew away my expectations in nearly every department, and I genuinely believe this is not just a great Indiana Jones game, it’s one of the most memorable and well-crafted games of 2024.
What shocked me the most was the genre direction MachineGames took. Going into this, I expected something in the vein of Uncharted cinematic action, climbing set pieces, big shootouts. What I got instead was something far more interesting: an immersive sim with a heavy emphasis on stealth, exploration, and player choice. In fact, it has more in common with Dishonored or Thief than with Uncharted or Tomb Raider, which was such a pleasant surprise. I never thought I’d be saying this, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is, hands down, my favorite stealth game of 2024 and it wasn’t even marketed as one! That low-key marketing decision made discovering the gameplay systems feel like striking gold in a tomb.
The stealth mechanics are incredibly satisfying and well-integrated into the level design. You’re given the freedom to approach situations in various ways including sneaking, knocking enemies out, using distractions, or just brawling your way through if things go south. And the best part? It all feels very Indiana Jones. You're not some silent assassin you're a rugged archaeologist, and the game leans into that by giving you tools and combat options that make sense for Indy's character.
Speaking of combat: the melee system in this game deserves a special shout-out. It’s visceral, weighty, and extremely satisfying. MachineGames has absolutely nailed the feel of first-person melee combat here. Punches land with a brutal crunch, enemies react believably, and the whole system has a kind of raw physicality to it that makes every encounter feel impactful. There’s a real “pulp adventure” energy in the way combat flows like you're part of a well-choreographed fight scene from a classic Indy film. It's so different from what they did in Wolfenstein, and it's better for it. This isn’t about gunplay this is about up-close brawling, environmental improvisation, and smart engagement.
But it’s not just the gameplay that shines. The story is absolutely top-tier, right up there with Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. The writing feels like a lost Spielberg-Lucas script, full of clever banter, mystery, and globe-trotting intrigue. Every location is rich with lore, secrets, and that classic Indy flavor. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and it never outstays its welcome. Indiana himself is portrayed brilliantly he’s older, wiser, a little rough around the edges, but still every bit the hero we know and love. His character arc here is thoughtful and surprisingly emotional at times.
The supporting cast is also incredibly strong, and I have to highlight Gina easily one of the best new characters introduced in the franchise. She’s smart, funny, and has great chemistry with Indy. I’d honestly love to see her return in future games or even spinoff content.
Visually, the game is stunning. The environments are meticulously crafted, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, bustling cities, or mysterious temples. The lighting and texture work are phenomenal.
There’s also a ton of side content and secrets packed into the world. Hidden areas, lore items, clever environmental storytelling it’s all here. If you’re someone who loves to explore every nook and cranny, this game rewards you constantly. It feels alive with mystery, and that’s a core part of what makes an Indiana Jones game work.
Now, it’s not perfect. The PC version does suffer from some optimization issues framerate dips in certain scenes, stutters during transitions, and a few bugs that can break immersion.
But even with that caveat, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a massive win for MachineGames and for Xbox. This absolutely deserves to be the start of a new trilogy.
FINAL VERDICT
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle - 9/10 - MUST-PLAY