This year, I've had the remarkable opportunity to immerse myself in some truly extraordinary video games. Whether it was baking magical culinary treats, bravely facing off against blighted dragons, or stealthily fighting for my life, I've been on a thrilling journey. However, my greatest concern is that one of the best titles I've played in 2024 might fade into obscurity by The Game Awards 2025.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Game of Whip-Cracking Thrills

Since its release, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has garnered an endless amount of praise. I myself couldn't help but remark on how it delivered "whip cracking thrills" that left me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, for this Machinegames experience, it seems destined to be left behind when the votes for Game of the Year 2025 are cast. It's not because the game is bad; in fact, quite the opposite. It's just that its release timing was rather awkward.Releasing on 9 December had its advantages. Few other titles were vying for attention during Indy's return to adventuring. But the downside was that the game became trapped. It was too late to be nominated for the 2024 awards, yet perhaps too early to be remembered when the 2025 awards began. It's a shame to think that such a critically acclaimed game will miss out on those awards due to a simple matter of timing.One of the best games I've ever played. Take a look at the trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle:In all likelihood, Machinegames and Bethesda are well aware that this might happen. And while a game doesn't need to win awards to prove its worth - many exceptional games never win a single trophy yet offer a sublime experience - I still feel like an intrepid explorer like Indy would want to claim at least one of these accolades.If this is the fate that befalls Indy, let's at least highlight some of the stunning qualities of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. When we look back and wonder why it was forgotten like a dusty tome, I can whip out this article to remind everyone of their mistake.There are only a few games that I've played both professionally and recreationally that I love while simultaneously disliking every minute. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one of them.Please don't misinterpret my words. I rated the Bethesda-published title 9/10 and referred to it as a "breathtaking love letter" to the films. The discomfort I felt during my playthrough was actually part of what made it so entertaining. Just like Indy in the films, I was often thrust into situations that I wasn't fully prepared for. As you can imagine, this created a stressful experience, but one that was incredibly rewarding once I achieved my goals.Putting aside the challenges that both make the game and test the players (perhaps only I feel this way), there is a narrative here that seamlessly fits into the Indiana Jones lore. It has such complexity that you're constantly unsure whether the tomb you're entering holds a forgotten relic or something more supernaturally aligned. As you progress further in the game, the pieces of the puzzle, both visible and hidden, come together to create a masterclass in how to blend history and mythology. There is a grandeur to its tale, but with that touch of tongue-in-cheek comedy that the franchise is famous for.Few adaptations can do the original justice while adding their own unique spin. Machinegames has truly excelled in this regard. To think that such an effort will only be briefly recognized once 2025 gains momentum is an industry crime that I won't easily forgive.