MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize close-quarters combat over gunfights, according to the development team. Guns will be a secondary element, emphasizing the iconic hero's resourceful nature.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Focus on 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 the Wolfenstein series and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the developers confirmed a strong emphasis on melee combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth.
Andersson highlighted that Indiana Jones isn't known for gunplay, explaining the decision to minimize firearms. "Hand-to-hand combat, that makes total sense," he stated, referencing Chronicles of Riddick's melee system as a starting point, albeit adapted for Indy's unique fighting style. Players will utilize everyday objects – pots, pans, even musical instruments – as makeshift weapons. The team aims to capture Indy's resourceful and often humorous approach to combat.
Beyond combat, exploration will be a core component. The game world blends linear sections with more open, explorable environments, drawing inspiration from Wolfenstein. These open areas offer immersive sim-like elements, allowing players multiple approaches to challenges. Andersson described enemy camps where players must strategically infiltrate buildings, with freedom to explore and find creative solutions.
Stealth plays a crucial role, incorporating traditional infiltration techniques alongside a unique "social stealth" mechanic. Players can find and use disguises to blend in and access restricted zones. Andersson confirmed that every major location offers multiple disguise options, facilitating access to otherwise inaccessible areas.
Game director Jerk Gustafsson previously emphasized the deliberate downplaying of gunplay in an interview with Inverse. The team prioritized other gameplay aspects, including hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and environmental interaction. The game also features challenging puzzles, with some optional for accessibility, catering to both casual and hardcore puzzle solvers.
