Tech Torque Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆ 9.3/10 – Highly Recommended
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle had plenty to prove.
Taking one of cinema’s most iconic characters and turning him into a modern first-person adventure wasn’t without risk, but developer MachineGames has produced something genuinely special.
Rather than becoming another action shooter, The Great Circle embraces exploration, puzzle-solving and cinematic storytelling, delivering one of the best single-player experiences currently available on Xbox Series X.
At a Glance
Pros
✓ Fantastic Indiana Jones atmosphere
✓ Excellent storytelling
✓ Beautiful world design
✓ Clever environmental puzzles
✓ Outstanding voice acting
✓ Superb Xbox Series X performance
Cons
✕ Combat can feel repetitive
✕ Some stealth sections are frustrating
✕ Limited replay value after completion
Specifications
- Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Developer: MachineGames
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Genre: Action Adventure
- Modes: Single-player
- Xbox Game Pass: Yes
- Reviewed on: Xbox Series X
A True Indiana Jones Adventure
From the opening moments, it’s obvious MachineGames understands what makes Indiana Jones special.
This isn’t simply about shooting enemies.
It’s about discovery.
Ancient temples.
Forgotten tombs.
Hidden secrets.
Dangerous traps.
Every new location captures the same spirit of adventure that made the original films unforgettable.
Fans will immediately recognise the blend of humour, mystery and globe-trotting exploration.
Graphics & Presentation
Visually, The Great Circle is stunning.
Ancient ruins are packed with intricate detail, lighting is beautifully handled and character animations help bring every location to life.
On Xbox Series X, performance remains consistently smooth, with impressive loading times and highly detailed environments.
Whether exploring underground catacombs or bustling cities, the game constantly rewards curiosity.
Gameplay
Unlike many modern action games, Indiana Jones encourages players to slow down.
You’ll spend just as much time solving puzzles and searching hidden rooms as you will fighting enemies.
That slower pace perfectly suits the character.
Environmental puzzles are satisfying without becoming overly frustrating, while exploration often rewards players with hidden collectibles and optional discoveries.
The result is a game that feels genuinely adventurous rather than simply action-packed.
Combat
Combat is intentionally grounded.
Indy isn’t a superhero.
Fist fights feel weighty and desperate, while his famous whip becomes an incredibly useful tool for both combat and exploration.
Some encounters can become repetitive over time, and stealth occasionally feels less polished than the rest of the experience, but neither issue significantly detracts from the adventure.
Audio & Atmosphere
Audio design deserves enormous praise.
The orchestral soundtrack immediately evokes the classic films, while environmental sounds help immerse players in every location.
Voice performances are excellent throughout, capturing the humour, confidence and charm fans expect from Indiana Jones.
Played through our Samsung HW-Q930F Dolby Atmos soundbar, the cinematic presentation becomes even more immersive, with music and environmental effects filling the room beautifully.
Xbox Series X Experience
This is another excellent showcase for Microsoft’s console.
Fast loading.
Stable performance.
Detailed environments.
Quick Resume makes it easy to jump straight back into the adventure.
Combined with HDR on our Philips 70-inch television, the game delivers some spectacular cinematic moments.
Value for Money
As a Game Pass title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represents excellent value.
Even purchased outright, its production values and lengthy campaign justify the investment for fans of cinematic adventure games.
While replayability isn’t as strong as some open-world titles, the journey itself is memorable enough to recommend.
Should You Play It?
Buy it if:
- You enjoy story-driven adventures.
- You’re an Indiana Jones fan.
- You love exploration and puzzles.
- You want one of Xbox’s strongest exclusives.
- You subscribe to Game Pass.
Skip it if:
- You only enjoy fast-paced shooters.
- You dislike puzzle-solving.
- You’re looking for endless replayability
Tech Torque Media Score
Story: 10/10
Graphics: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Audio: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Replay Value: 8/10
Overall Rating: 9.3/10 – Highly Recommended
Final Verdict
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle succeeds because it understands exactly what makes the character timeless.
Rather than chasing modern gaming trends, it focuses on exploration, atmosphere and storytelling, delivering an adventure that feels authentic from beginning to end.
It’s not perfect. Combat and stealth occasionally show their limitations, and replayability isn’t endless. But these are minor complaints in what is otherwise one of the finest single-player adventures available on Xbox Series X.
Whether you’re a lifelong Indiana Jones fan or simply looking for an unforgettable story-driven game, The Great Circle deserves a place in your library.
Tech Torque Media Award
🏅 Highly Recommended – 9.3/10
