Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | Fully Ramblomatic

Summary

In this review of *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*, the reviewer expresses initial skepticism, expecting the game to be a flop due to its release timing and the franchise's recent decline. However, they are pleasantly surprised by its quality, offering a familiar Indiana Jones experience with a solid mix of stealth, combat, and puzzles. The game is compared to classics like *Tomb Raider* and *Uncharted*, with notable moments like a quirky encounter with a Nazi in a bathroom. While the first act is praised for its engaging exploration, the ending is critiqued as formulaic and disappointing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The game 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' defies low expectations, being unexpectedly decent despite some initial concerns.
• 😀 The game’s development by MachineGames follows a series of missteps, particularly with their previous title 'Wolfenstein: Youngblood'.
• 😀 The game's first-person action-adventure gameplay is heavily influenced by classics like 'Tomb Raider' and 'Uncharted'.
• 😀 The plot follows Indiana Jones as he embarks on a global adventure to uncover an ancient secret, starting with a theft in his museum.
• 😀 The game features typical Indiana Jones elements, such as globetrotting, ancient tombs, and facing off against Nazis.
• 😀 Combat is a mix of improvisational tactics, with a scrappy feel that suits the character of Indiana Jones, allowing players to use anything as a weapon.
• 😀 The game’s stealth mechanics are integral, with moments like sneaking through Nazi bases and having organic interactions, like beating an enemy with a toilet brush.
• 😀 The game’s open-world structure allows for side quests that complement the main story, providing additional depth and exploration.
• 😀 The Vatican hub area is a standout, providing interesting exploration and educational moments, like accidentally learning about the Sistine Chapel.
• 😀 The game has a strong start but struggles to maintain the same level of excitement throughout, particularly with the underwhelming final boss fight.

Q & A

What is the general tone of the review for *Indiana Jones and the Circular Argument*?

The review has a sarcastic, humorous, and irreverent tone, with the writer making light of the game's story and mechanics while also providing genuine observations about its strengths and weaknesses.

Why did the reviewer have low expectations for the game initially?

The reviewer had low expectations because of several red flags, including the game being released in mid-December (a time often associated with low expectations from publishers), the poor reputation of recent Indiana Jones media, and the game's apparent lack of originality.

How does the game compare to other Indiana Jones games and movies?

The game sticks to a well-known formula used in classic Indiana Jones films, including globetrotting, ancient tombs, and punching Nazis. The reviewer points out that the game borrows heavily from films like *Raiders of the Lost Ark* and *Last Crusade*, but it is still fun despite its familiarity.

What is the key gameplay element in *Indiana Jones and the Circular Argument*?

The game is a first-person action-adventure stealth game, with players sneaking past enemies, solving puzzles, and exploring ancient tombs. It also features combat and platforming challenges.

What did the reviewer think of the voice acting in the game?

The reviewer praised Troy Baker's voice acting, particularly his impressive impression of a young Harrison Ford, capturing the essence of the character's gruff and charming manner.

What is the reviewer’s opinion of the combat mechanics in the game?

The reviewer finds the combat to be scrappy and improvisational, with the use of makeshift weapons adding a fun element. However, the hand-to-hand combat is described as unsatisfying, and the reviewer prefers running away from enemies armed with guns.

What are the strengths of the game’s structure according to the review?

The game’s hub-based structure is a significant strength, with each area offering side quests, collectibles, and hidden paths that feel like they contribute to the main plot. This structure allows for exploration and makes the game feel more immersive.

What did the reviewer think about the final boss fight?

The reviewer was disappointed by the final boss fight, describing it as a clichéd and unsatisfying conclusion to the game. They felt it didn’t reflect the overall gameplay experience, which had been more focused on stealth and improvisation.

How does the Vatican hub area stand out in the game?

The Vatican hub area is highlighted as the game's best segment, offering plenty of exploration opportunities, secret paths, and a sense of discovery, with the reviewer even noting they unintentionally learned something about history while playing.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the game?

The reviewer concludes that *Indiana Jones and the Circular Argument* is a solid game that sticks to a winning formula. It’s fun, with its flaws not detracting significantly from the overall experience. The game offers a satisfying adventure, despite its familiar plot beats and a lackluster final boss fight.