Read more at source.
Read more at source.
The Great Circle offers a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Rather than going the fully open-world route, MachineGames opts for contained sandbox areas for each scene - from the Vatican to Giza, to Sukhothai in Thailand. Each location is gorgeously realized and packed with mysteries to uncover. There's a fantastic verticality to the locations, from scrambling across rooftop mazes to crawling through crypts, making each area feel even larger.
The game emphasizes stealth, subterfuge via disguises, and judicious use of combat. Opening fire on enemies is likely to attract even more unwanted attention, making it far better to use any gun as a cudgel to quietly bludgeon enemies unconscious. Melee combat is one of the game's great strengths, with every blow landing with an incredibly satisfying heft. This approach feels entirely authentic for the character of Indiana Jones, who is portrayed as a flawed and breakable hero who relies more on luck than brute force.
The Great Circle marks a significant departure from the developer's earlier Wolfenstein games. While there's no shortage of Nazis for Indy to punch out, there's no inherent benefit to killing every fascist you encounter. The emphasis on stealth and subterfuge, along with the authentic portrayal of Indiana Jones, makes this game a unique and satisfying experience.
The Great Circle feels like an interactive Indiana Jones movie and an evolution of the Uncharted or Tomb Raider franchises, depending on your preferred play style. It's a thrilling adventure that stands alongside Spielberg's finest cinematic moments.
