Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Sticks to Melee Combat Over Gun Fights

MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize melee combat and stealth over gunfights, according to the development team. The game will steer clear of becoming a shooter, focusing instead on a more authentic portrayal of the iconic adventurer.

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

Puzzles and Environmental Interaction are Key

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, design director Jens Andersson and creative director Axel Torvenius detailed the game's gameplay mechanics. Inspired by their work on titles like the Wolfenstein series and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the team aims to capture Indy's resourceful nature through close-quarters combat and stealth.

Andersson emphasized that Indiana Jones isn't known for his gunplay, stating, "He doesn't go guns blazing into situations." The game will instead feature dynamic hand-to-hand combat utilizing improvised weapons like pots, pans, and even musical instruments. The developers aim to translate Indy's improvisational and often lucky approach into engaging gameplay.

Beyond combat, exploration will be a significant aspect of the game. Taking cues from Wolfenstein's level design, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will blend linear sections with more open, explorable environments. These open areas will offer players considerable freedom in how they approach challenges, approaching the style of an immersive sim in some instances. Players will be able to infiltrate enemy camps, for example, using various approaches.

Stealth mechanics will also play a crucial role. In addition to traditional infiltration, a "social stealth" system will allow players to acquire and utilize disguises to blend in with their surroundings and gain access to restricted areas. Andersson confirmed that numerous disguises will be available in each major location.

Game director Jerk Gustafsson previously highlighted the deliberate decision to minimize gunplay in an interview with Inverse. The team prioritized other gameplay elements, including hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal, focusing on aspects they felt would present more significant development challenges. The game will also incorporate challenging puzzles, with some optional for players seeking a less demanding experience.