Indiana Jones Returns in Melee-Driven Adventure

MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize melee combat over gunfights, according to the development team. The game will not feature gunplay as a central mechanic.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Emphasizes Hand-to-Hand Combat and Stealth

Puzzles and Environmental Interaction are Key Gameplay Pillars

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, MachineGames' design director and creative director detailed the game's gameplay focus. Inspired by their work on the Wolfenstein series and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the developers highlighted the importance of hand-to-hand combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth.

The team emphasized that Indiana Jones is not known for his gun skills, making a shooter-focused game incongruent with the character. Instead, the game will leverage close-quarters combat, incorporating everyday objects like pots, pans, and even musical instruments as makeshift weapons. The developers aim to capture Indy's resourceful and somewhat clumsy nature within the gameplay mechanics.

Beyond combat, exploration and problem-solving will be significant aspects. The game will blend linear and open environments, offering a mix of structured paths and expansive areas allowing for multiple approaches to challenges. Some larger areas will feature immersive sim elements, providing players with significant freedom in how they tackle objectives. Stealth will play a crucial role, incorporating both traditional infiltration and a "social stealth" mechanic utilizing disguises to navigate restricted areas.

A previous interview with Inverse revealed the deliberate decision to downplay gunplay. The team prioritized other gameplay elements, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and environmental interaction. The game will also include challenging puzzles, with some particularly difficult ones offered as optional content to maintain accessibility.