When a beloved movie franchise likeIndiana Jonesis being adapted to the world of video games, a common hope among fans is that the adaptation is authentic or faithful to the source material. Of course, that’s much easier said than done. Thevideo game adaptationneeds to capture the atmosphere and charm of the movies in a completely different medium. But somehow,Indiana Jones and the Great Circlemanages to deliver.
One of the most prevalent points of praise surroundingIndiana Jones and the Great Circleis the game’s faithfulness to the franchise, and it’s clear a lot of effort went into making the game as authentic as it could be. Troy Baker’s career-defining performance as the eponymous adventurer, the look and feel of the game’s tombs, and the lovingly recreated sound effects are just a handful of the ways developer MachineGames has captured the magic of theIndiana Jonesfranchise. But there’s one much more subtle aspect of the franchise that MachineGames has nailed as well.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Carries Forward The Series' Humor
Humor Is a Vital Part of the Indiana Jones Franchise
TheIndiana Jonesfranchisetackles its fair share of darker themes, from supernatural horror to Nazis to slavery to death and the wider subject of mortality and aging. But at its very core,Indiana Jonesis an adventure movie franchise, and it isn’t afraid to embrace the levity that comes inherently with the genre.
There’s a surprising amount of humor inIndiana Jones, especially in the first three movies. These brief moments of comedy appear in quite a few different forms. Some of the most effectiveIndiana Jonesgags are the titular hero’s quips and one-liners, such asRaiders of the Lost Ark’s infinitely quotable “I don’t know, I’m making this up as I go.”
ButIndiana Jonesis also home to a wealth of physical gags, many of which have become standout moments in the franchise that have been parodied or parroted countless times since in other pieces of media. Indy pulling out his pistol to gun down the showboating swordsman inRaidersand him attempting to do the same unsuccessfully inTemple of Doomare two great examples of the franchise’s physical humor. On top of keeping the general tone a bit lighter, thehumor inIndiana Jonesis often used to reinforce Indy’s rogueish charm and his uncanny ability to fail upwards.
How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Captures The Franchise’s Trademark Humor
Indiana Jones and the Great Circlegoes out of its way to capture the same type of humor that defines the franchise. Cinematics are packed full of classic-feelingIndy one-liners and quips, with Indy playfully taunting both friends and foes alike with his trademark dry wit. Physical comedy also plays a surprisingly large role inIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, with some of the best moments occurring in actual gameplay.
When players grapple an enemy, they’re usually able to punch the foe three times before they’re knocked to the ground. However, a rare animation can play that sees Indy go to swing a third time, but stop the punch in midair, instead letting the foe slump to the ground themselves. There are some similarly humorousstealth takedowns inIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, with one seeing Indy tap a guard on the shoulder before knocking him out with a melee weapon.The Great Circle’s realistic physics systems enhance the humor of these moments, with guards' bodies flinging themselves backwards in amusing positions.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
WHERE TO PLAY
Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them - Indiana Jones™. You’ll become the legendary archaeologist in this cinematic action-adventure game from MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, and executive produced by Hall of Fame game designer Todd Howard.YOU ARE INDIANA JONESLive the adventure as Indy in a thrilling story full of exploration, immersive action, and intriguing puzzles. As the brilliant archaeologist – famed for his keen intellect, cunning resourcefulness, and trademark humor – you will travel the world in a race against enemy forces to discover the secrets to one of the greatest mysteries of all time.A WORLD OF MYSTERY AWAITSTravel from the halls of Marshall College to the heart of the Vatican, the pyramids of Egypt, the sunken temples of Sukhothai, and beyond. When a break-in in the dead of night ends in a confrontation with a mysterious colossal man, you must set out to discover the world-shattering secret behind the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact. Forging new alliances and facing familiar enemies, you’ll engage with intriguing characters, use guile and wits to solve ancient riddles, and survive intense set-pieces.WHIP-CRACKING ACTIONIndiana’s trademark whip remains at the heart of his gear and can be used to distract, disarm, and attack enemies. But the whip isn’t just a weapon, it’s Indy’s most valuable tool for navigating the environment. Swing over unsuspecting patrols and scale walls as you make your way through a striking world. Combine stealth infiltration, melee combat, and gunplay to combat the enemy threat and unravel the mystery.THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERYVenture through a dynamic mix of linear, narrative-driven gameplay and open-area maps. Indulge your inner explorer and unearth a world of fascinating secrets, deadly traps ,and fiendish puzzles, where anything could potentially hide the next piece of the mystery – or snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?
