MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming action-adventure game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize close-quarters combat over gunfights, according to the development team. This design choice reflects the iconic character's personality and skillset.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Fists, Stealth, and Puzzles Take Center Stage
Hand-to-Hand Combat and Stealth Mechanics
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, MachineGames' design director and creative director detailed the game's gameplay focus. Inspired by their work on titles like Wolfenstein and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the team emphasizes hand-to-hand combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth.
"Indiana Jones isn't known for gunfights," the design director explained. "Hand-to-hand combat, however, perfectly suits his character." The game's melee system draws inspiration from Chronicles of Riddick, but has been refined to align with Indy's unique fighting style. Expect creative combat using everyday objects as weapons – think pots, pans, and even banjos! The developers aim to capture Indy's resourceful and somewhat clumsy charm in the gameplay experience.
Beyond combat, players will explore diverse environments. The game blends linear sections with more open areas, offering a mix of guided progression and freeform exploration. Some expansive locations will feature immersive sim elements, allowing players multiple approaches to challenges. Enemy camps, for example, provide opportunities for strategic infiltration and creative problem-solving.
Stealth plays a significant role, incorporating both classic infiltration techniques and a novel "social stealth" mechanic. Players can discover and utilize disguises to blend in and access restricted zones. Each major location offers various disguises to aid exploration.
In a previous interview with Inverse, the game director highlighted the deliberate decision to downplay gunplay. The team prioritized other gameplay elements, such as hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal, focusing on aspects that presented greater design challenges.
The game also features a robust puzzle system, with challenges ranging in difficulty to cater to different player skill levels. Some particularly intricate puzzles will be optional, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.
