The iconic whip crack, the unmistakable theme music, the gnawing sense of impending adventure. For years, fans have clamored for a new proper Indiana Jones game, and with the promise of a new narrative helmed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, the anticipation has been sky-high. Now, in a surprising move, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has landed in early access on PS5, giving us a tantalizing, albeit incomplete, glimpse into Dr. Jones’s latest archaeological escapade.

Let me preface this by saying: this is not a full review. Early access is inherently a work in progress, and what we’re experiencing is a carefully curated slice of the game designed to tease and test. However, the foundations laid here are strong enough to warrant significant discussion, and for those yearning for the thrill of globetrotting with Indy, this early access build offers a potent dose of nostalgia and a promising new direction.

From the moment the PlayStation button illuminated and the familiar fanfare echoed, a wave of pure Indiana Jones energy washed over me. The visuals are a significant step up from what we’ve seen in previous teasers. Environments are richly detailed, from the dusty bazaars of Cairo to the lush, and sometimes treacherous, jungles, each location feels meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of place and history. The lighting plays a crucial role, casting long shadows that hint at danger and illuminating ancient artifacts with a palpable aura of mystery.

But it’s the man himself who truly shines. MachineGames has captured the essence of Harrison Ford’s legendary portrayal with remarkable fidelity. The character model is uncannily accurate, and the animations bring Indy to life, from his confident stride to his exasperated sighs. Voice acting, while I can’t confirm the actor in this early build, feels authentic to the character, imbued with that signature blend of academic curiosity and roguish charm.

Gameplay-wise, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle seems to be leaning heavily into the strengths of MachineGames’ previous work, most notably the Wolfenstein series. This means a satisfying blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and, of course, combat. The early access build offers a taste of each. Exploration feels rewarding, with hidden pathways and secrets waiting to be uncovered, much like Indy himself would meticulously search for clues.

The puzzles, while not yet showcasing the game’s full complexity, are cleverly integrated into the environments. They require observation, critical thinking, and often a bit of environmental manipulation, a hallmark of classic Indy adventures. I encountered a particularly satisfying mechanism involving rotating ancient statues and reflecting light, a puzzle that felt right at home in the dusty tombs of the forgotten.

Combat is where the Wolfenstein DNA is most apparent. Indy is a capable fighter, wielding his trusty whip with deadly accuracy, not just as a traversal tool but as a devastating weapon against adversaries. He also packs a punch in close-quarters combat, and the inclusion of a handgun adds another layer to the combat encounters. The gunplay feels solid, and the integration of the whip into combat, allowing for disarms and environmental takedowns, is a stroke of genius. It’s not just about shooting; it’s about utilizing Indy’s unique skillset to outsmart and overcome his foes.

However, this being early access, there are inevitable rough edges. The narrative, while hinting at a grander conspiracy involving the Nazis and an ancient artifact, is still unfolding. Some character interactions felt a little stilted, and certain plot points were clearly being set up for later. Performance, while generally smooth on the PS5, had a few occasional frame rate dips during particularly intense action sequences. And as with any early access title, there’s a palpable sense of “more to come.” We’re getting a compelling appetizer, but the main course is still being prepared.

The biggest question lingering after this early access experience is how the full game will balance its various elements. Will the puzzles feel truly challenging and unique? Will the combat remain engaging throughout a full campaign? And most importantly, will the narrative deliver a compelling and satisfying Indiana Jones story that honors the legacy of the films while forging its own path?

Based on this early access preview, the signs are overwhelmingly positive. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle feels like a love letter to the character and his adventures. It successfully channels the spirit of the films, offering a compelling blend of exploration, intelligent puzzles, and satisfying combat. While we’ll have to wait for the full release to pass final judgment, this early access build on PS5 is an exciting promise of what’s to come. For any Indy fan, the allure of cracking that whip and embarking on a new global quest is too strong to resist. Grab your fedora, because Dr. Jones is back, and he’s brought us along for the ride.