The key to Indiana Jones' future in video games may be in a forgotten James Bond title from 16 years ago

Jan. 30, 2024

Opinion | Indiana Jones and the Great Circle could do well to learn from this 007 offering from 2008

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Taking solace

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like the best series adaptation since Temple of Doom on the Atari ST over 30 years ago

At the same time, as with Quantum of Solace, MachineGames understands that players want to see Indiana Jones in action, just like James Bond. These occasional shifts in perspective and ensuring the player sees things like Indy’s iconic silhouette and figure, fall within the film series' most memorable shots and are welcome changes. However, in drawing from their own creative strengths, MachineGames keeping the game first-person not only offers a more immersive experience but also stays within their programming comfort zone. And given past Indiana Jones games' third-person experiences, this change in perspective may be for the best.

“Quantum of Solace, sorely underrated among the pantheon of James Bond games, shows how a dual perspective, especially one for an iconic licensed property can work”

There are definitely fans that were expecting Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to be more akin to the Uncharted franchise or Crystal Dynamics' well-received reinvention of Tomb Raider, both properties inspired by Indiana Jones themselves. A shift to first-person avoids that direct comparison, places the player directly in Indy’s shoes, and offers the gaming side of the venerable franchise something new. Quantum of Solace, sorely underrated among the pantheon of James Bond games, shows how a dual perspective, especially one for an iconic licensed property can work. And hopefully, Indy will take careful notice for his own return to gaming with The Great Circle. After all, if there’s anyone who would do careful research on their next adventure, it would be Indiana Jones.

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