The iconic fedora, the bullwhip cracking through the air, the unmistakable theme music… for decades, the name Indiana Jones has conjured images of thrilling archaeological adventures and
pulse-pounding escapes. Now, after years of anticipation and a significant course correction for its developer, MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has thrown open its tomb in Early Access on PS5, offering players a tantalizing first glimpse of Dr. Jones’ latest escapade.

The question on every fan’s lips: does it live up to the legend? Based on our initial forays into this early build, the answer is a resounding, if cautiously optimistic, “maybe.”

From the outset, the game immerses you in true Indy fashion. The opening sequences are cinematic, dripping with the kind of pulp adventure spirit that made the films such a phenomenon. We’re thrust into the heart of a thrilling chase, complete with narrow escapes and environmental hazards that would make a stunt coordinator sweat. MachineGames, known for their deft touch with action and character in the Wolfenstein reboot series, clearly understands the DNA of Indiana Jones.

Visually, The Great Circle is a treat, even in its current state. Environments are detailed and atmospheric, from the dusty,
sun-drenched deserts to the claustrophobic interiors of ancient ruins. Character models are well-rendered, with Harrison Ford’s likeness captured effectively, though some supporting characters feel a little less fleshed out at this early stage. Performance on the PS5 has been largely smooth, with only occasional frame rate dips during
particularly hectic combat sequences.

And combat… well, this is where the early access nature of the game becomes most apparent. The blend of gunplay and Indy’s signature melee combat is ambitious. Punching, whipping, and using the environment to your advantage feels incredibly satisfying when it works. The sheer tactile joy of cracking your whip to disarm an enemy or swing across a chasm is palpable. However, the AI can be a little erratic, sometimes exhibiting the uncanny awareness of a seasoned archaeologist, and at other times, the oblivious nature of a tourist. Button mapping for certain actions can also feel a touch clunky, hinting at optimizations still to come.

Exploration and puzzle-solving are, as expected, central to the Indiana Jones experience, and The Great Circle delivers on this front. The puzzles are, for the most part, ingenious and fit organically within the environments. They require keen observation and a good dose of deductive reasoning, harkening back to the golden age of adventure games. While some solutions might be a little too obvious for seasoned puzzle-solvers, for the average player, they offer a welcome mental challenge.

The narrative, while still unfolding, shows immense promise. The early build hints at a global conspiracy, a quest for a powerful artifact, and the familiar presence of ruthless adversaries. The dialogue, while occasionally a little exposition-heavy, captures the witty charm of Indy and his companions. The voice acting is generally strong, with the return of Troy Baker as a younger Indy filling the boots of Harrison Ford with commendable skill.

However, it’s crucial to remember that this is Early Access. The game, while playable and often enjoyable, feels like a work in progress. Certain animations could be smoother, some textures appear to be placeholders, and the overall polish isn’t yet at the level we’d expect from a full AAA release. Bugs, though not game-breaking in our experience, do pop up, reminding you that this is a preview.

The most significant takeaway from our time with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in Early Access is the potential. MachineGames has laid a solid foundation for a game that could truly capture the magic of Indiana Jones. The core gameplay loop of exploration, puzzle-solving, and thrilling combat is present and largely enjoyable. The reverence for the source material is evident in every whip crack and temple entrance.

For dedicated fans eager to get their hands on the legendary archaeologist’s latest adventure, diving into the Early Access on PS5 is a tempting proposition. You’ll get to experience the thrills, uncover the secrets, and contribute to the development process with your feedback. However, for those who prefer a fully polished experience, it might be wise to wait for the official launch.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a promising expedition, and while the full treasure is yet to be unearthed, the glimpses we’ve had so far suggest that Dr. Jones is back, and his greatest adventures might just be beginning. We’ll be keeping a close eye on its progress, hoping that MachineGames can navigate the challenges of development and deliver a final product worthy of the man in the fedora.