Following the initial announcement that set fans abuzz, developer MachineGames unveiled a gameplay trailer for Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, stirring excitement among followers of the legendary adventure series. The game's preview hints at a promising experience, showcasing Indy's trademark whip skills in combat, staying true to the movie franchise's essence. While some may raise an eyebrow at the parallels between Indiana Jones and The Great Circle and Borderlands in their choice of villains, considering MachineGames' track record, the direction seems fitting.
Although Indiana Jones and The Great Circle may seem worlds apart from the Borderlands universe, they share a common approach to storytelling, setting, and adversaries. While some fans hold the LEGO adaptations of Indiana Jones games in high regard, comparing them to MachineGames' creations may prove challenging. Nonetheless, given the franchise's recurring theme of battling Nazis, MachineGames appears well-suited to helm the new installment.
MachineGames' Take on Nazis Echoes Borderlands' Use of Handsome Jack
Understanding MachineGames' Nazi Depictions and Borderlands' Villain Choice
Famed for their work on the Wolfenstein series, which delves into narratives featuring Nazis entangled in occult practices or alternate history where the Axis powers triumphed in World War 2, MachineGames has established a solid reputation since 2014. With Indiana Jones and The Great Circle drawing inspiration from the film series and unfolding between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the utilization of Nazis as antagonists feels organic, yet reminiscent of a Borderlands dilemma.
Borderlands 2 garnered acclaim upon release, lauded for its gunplay, diverse weapons, and notably, the character of Handsome Jack. Regarded as one of the finest video game villains, Handsome Jack's enduring popularity led to recurrent appearances in the series, spanning from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel to Borderlands 3 and Tales From The Borderlands.
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Navigates the Nazi Terrain with Finesse
MachineGames' Expertise Paves the Way for a Nazi-Inclusive Indiana Jones Adventure
Revisiting Nazis as adversaries in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle may hint at a lack of innovation, especially given the series' historical reliance on this trope, with exceptions such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Similar to the diminishing impact of Handsome Jack's overuse post-Borderlands 2, the repetitive portrayal of Nazis in Indiana Jones media might not elicit the same fervor. Nevertheless, MachineGames' rich experience with Nazi portrayals from the Wolfenstein series positions them well for this challenge.
Boasting a compelling narrative, captivating gameplay, and stunning visuals, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle holds the potential to become an Xbox sensation, despite relying on the familiar Indy foes. Drawing inspiration from both the franchise's legacy and MachineGames' expertise, the game promises a fresh and unexpected take on the iconic adventurer's journey.