Unraveling the Disappointment of a Promising Game

Cutscenes vs. Playable Content

As a reporter covering the video game industry, especially with a focus on marginalized gamers and the intersection of games and sex, I've witnessed numerous games struggle with this balance. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the contrast is particularly stark. While the cutscenes offer thrilling adventures like Indiana Jones' pursuit of artifacts amidst Nazis and ancient cults, the actual gameplay can be a letdown.

For instance, the platforming in the game mainly consists of ladder climbing and wall-shimmying, with whip swinging interspersed. It lacks the fluidity and excitement of other adventure game protagonists like Lara Croft or Nathan Drake. And the puzzles? Some are pre-solved or too familiar, while others are so esoteric that they seem unsolvable. Even with a locked safe next to a cryptogram and a key with letters and numbers, the solution remained elusive.

Combat and Its Challenges

Combat in the game is another area that falls short. Emphasizing options like engaging enemies directly, covertly, or not at all, it often leads to frustration. Guns are useless or even hostile, forcing players to rely on blunt objects. Even when using firearms, as in one of the later levels where gunplay is mandatory, shooting Nazis point blank multiple times doesn't always lead to victory. It feels like the game punishes players for playing it the way it asks.

However, there are moments of fun within the game. Finding alternative ways to reach objectives and stumbling upon unexpected solutions like the Wehrmacht uniform behind a locked door or electrocuting enemies gives a brief thrill. But these moments are few and far between, overshadowed by the overall disappointment.

Design Flaws and Missed Opportunities

The game's design seems to have gone topsy turvy. The most interesting moments, such as the knockdown, drag out fight with the main villain, are relegated to cutscenes. Meanwhile, the less interesting gameplay actions are what we have to perform. It's as if the developers took their mandate too seriously, making a spiritual successor to Raiders and Temple of Doom instead of a truly enjoyable game.

Despite its flaws, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle still has its moments. But it's clear that there was a missed opportunity to create a game that truly captured the essence of an Indiana Jones adventure while also providing engaging gameplay. As it launches on December 9th on Xbox and PC, with a PS5 version due out in 2025, players will have to decide if it's a game worth experiencing.