Xbox might not want to admit it but it’s still caught in a never-ending console war with PlayStation (and to some extent, even Nintendo) and it’s doing everything it can to arm itself and gain ground over its overwhelmingly more powerful rival (seriously, have you seen the sales figures of the PlayStation over the Xbox?).
In its latest attempt to get the jump on PlayStation, Xbox opened the year with its first big video game showcase and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
As promised, MachineGames, a Bethesda subsidiary renowned for their work on the Wolfenstein series, has announced the release date as well as name for their highly anticipated Indiana Jones game. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be out on Xbox Series S/X and PC sometime later this year and promises to be an acion-packed adventure set in the same iconic universe of the world famous archeologist.
Set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, which are honestly tied as the best films in the franchise, the game’s narrative begins with a thrilling incident at Marshall College, where Indiana Jones works. The plot thickens when Indy confronts a thief in the College museum, leading him on a global chase involving the Vatican, the pyramids of Egypt, the Himalayas, and the sunken temples of Sukhothai. The storyline is designed to weave between the well-known timelines of the first and third films, adding depth and intrigue to the beloved franchise.
A significant aspect of the game is its unique gameplay experience, utilizing MachineGames’ expertise with first-person shooters and combining it with third-person perspectives. This design choice allows players to immerse themselves fully in Indiana Jones’ world, experiencing the adventure from a closer, more personal view. MachineGames has emphasized the importance of this perspective in letting players become Indy, experiencing the game’s world intimately and making each action feel like their own. The gameplay includes classic elements of the Indiana Jones series, such as solving ancient puzzles, using Indy’s iconic whip, and engaging in thrilling combat scenarios.
Another exciting feature unique to the game is the introduction of Gina, a new protagonist who teams up with Indiana Jones. Gina is a reporter with a personal stake in the unfolding mystery, bringing with it an additional layer of character development and plot to the game. The main antagonist, Emmerich Voss, is described as a psychologically intense character, adding a new level of depth to the game’s narrative.
The Indiana Jones game’s release is eagerly awaited by franchise fans, especially following the showcase. Its studio has a track record of creating compelling narratives and engaging gameplay, as seen in their critically acclaimed Wolfenstein series. With the involvement of Todd Howard, known for his work on Bethesda’s major titles, expectations are high for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
With its innovative gameplay, intriguing narrative, and faithful recreation of the world of Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to be a standout release in the surprisingly replete genre of games where you go venturing off into tombs and the great unknown.
It’s been a long time coming for the new Indiana Jones game after the leaked Bethesda road map confirmed its original release date in 2022, alongside Starfield’s DLC. We’re already in 2024, so we don’t need to tell you plenty has happened. Perhaps it’s just further proof that AAA games are becoming more expensive and taking longer to make.
Interestingly enough, this Xbox exclusive, well, wasn’t, in its initial reveal. Three years ago, Microsoft still hadn’t finalized the deal to own ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios. However, after the huge deal pushed through in March 2021, Xbox moved to make it a first-party title, which Todd Howard explained last year. But, if it were up to the owners of the IP, Disney, they’d preferred to have it released on PlayStation as well.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be the second confirmed title made as part of Xbox’s partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney with Arkane Studios’ Marvel’s Blade being the other one.
