VideoGames - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Legendary Tune for a Legendary Adventure

By Mulder, 06 december 2024

Walt Disney Records has once again struck a chord with fans of adventure and music, releasing the original video game soundtrack for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The score, composed by the Grammy-winning Gordy Haab, is a triumphant return to the world of Indiana Jones—a journey filled with mystery, excitement, and the echoes of John Williams' iconic themes. Haab, who made his video game scoring debut nearly two decades ago with another Indiana Jones title, describes this project as a full circle moment in his illustrious career. It’s a personal milestone, he says, sharing his excitement for fans to embark on this new sonic journey. Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, the soundtrack captures the spirit of adventure that defines the Indiana Jones franchise. With a full orchestra bringing his compositions to life, Haab seamlessly blends nostalgia with modernity, ensuring this score is as timeless as the whip-wielding archaeologist himself.

Developed by MachineGames and Lucasfilm Games, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle promises to be more than just a video game; it’s a cinematic adventure that bridges the timeline between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Launching on December 9, 2024, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 5 release following in early 2025, the game takes players deep into the heart of history’s most mysterious secrets. The story begins in 1937, where players embody Indiana Jones, racing against nefarious forces to unlock the secrets of the Great Circle—an enigmatic alignment of ancient sites spanning the globe. From the Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq to the pyramids of Egypt, the icy landscapes of Tibet, and the bustling streets of Shanghai, the game is a globe-trotting escapade reminiscent of Indy’s greatest cinematic feats.

Designed to immerse players in the role of Indiana Jones, the game combines first-person exploration with moments of third-person action for environmental interactions and cinematic flair. Players can choose to outwit their enemies with stealth or confront them head-on with classic combat techniques, including Indy’s signature whip. Puzzle-solving is central to the experience, offering players the chance to unearth hidden paths and treasures. The developers’ decision to use a first-person perspective sets this title apart from other adventure games, giving players a front-row seat to the action and allowing them to experience Indy’s daring escapades as never before. MachineGames, renowned for its work on the Wolfenstein series, brings its expertise in crafting intense and immersive narratives to this project. Todd Howard, an executive producer, describes the game as a passion project, born from years of admiration for Indiana Jones.

The game features an impressive cast, with Troy Baker lending his voice and motion capture talents to portray Indiana Jones, while Alessandra Mastronardi and Tony Todd provide memorable supporting performances. Tony Todd’s role as Locus is particularly notable, marking his final video game performance. The characters are brought to life not only through stellar voice acting but also through detailed motion capture, ensuring every punch, swing, and smirk feels authentic to Indy’s character. The collaboration extends to the music, where Gordy Haab draws upon his vast experience scoring for titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Halo Wars 2. His work here combines original compositions with reimagined motifs from John Williams’ legendary scores, offering fans a soundtrack that is both familiar and fresh.

Fans who can’t get enough of the game can look forward to additional content with the Order of Giants story expansion, available at launch for Premium and Collector’s Edition players. These editions also include early access, exclusive outfits, and physical collectibles like a replica journal and a globe marking key locations in the game’s story. For collectors, the journey doesn’t end with gameplay. The Collector’s Edition includes a steelbook display case and a replica Allmaker Relic—a testament to the game’s commitment to immersing players in the Indiana Jones universe.

As the game’s title suggests, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is not just about uncovering an ancient mystery—it’s a metaphor for the enduring legacy of Indiana Jones himself. From the 1981 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark to this latest adventure, the circle of storytelling continues to expand, drawing in new generations of fans while honoring the franchise’s rich history. The wait is nearly over. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the films or a newcomer drawn to the game’s compelling narrative, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle promises an experience as thrilling as a leap of faith over a bottomless chasm. So grab your whip, dust off your fedora, and get ready to uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in an adventure that’s as epic as the man himself.

Synopsis : 
Uncover one of history's greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Developer : MachineGames
Publisher : Bethesda Softworks
Directors : Jerk Gustafsson, Axel Torvenius
Producers :  John Jennings, Mattias Duclos, Mariusz Macieja
Designers : Jens Andersson, Zeke Virant
Programmer : Magnus Auvinen
Artist :  Mattias Astenvald
Writer : Tommy Tordsson Björk
Composer : Gordy Haab
Platforms : Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
Release : Windows, Xbox Series X/S (9 December 2024),  PlayStation 5 (Q1/Q2 2025)

(Source : press release)