The Evolution of Gunplay in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

MachineGames, known for creating some of the best FPS games of the last generation, is taking a different approach with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The team is not putting gunplay at the forefront of the game, viewing guns as a “fallback solution” rather than the main focus. Creative director Axel Torvenius emphasizes that the primary way forward in the game is to use your wits and whip, rather than relying on shooting enemies.

Unlike many action heroes, Indiana Jones is not a character who excels in shootouts. He relies on his intelligence and cunning to navigate tricky situations. Torvenius highlights that Indy is not a superhero – he is a teacher and an archaeologist who often finds himself in precarious positions. It would not be authentic to the character to have him constantly engaging in gunfights. The team at MachineGames wants to maintain the sense of danger in combat, making it clear that getting shot at or shooting enemies will have serious consequences.

Creating a game with guns while encouraging players not to use them presents a unique challenge. Game director Jerk Gustafsson explains that they have incorporated various options for players to approach combat. Players can choose to avoid using guns due to the noise and risk involved, opting instead to utilize guns as melee weapons. This gives players freedom to approach situations in different ways, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Emphasizing Danger

MachineGames is focused on capturing the essence of danger in combat situations within the game. They want players to feel the stakes involved in using guns and engaging in battles. By making combat risky and impactful, the team aims to immerse players in the high-stakes world of Indiana Jones, where every decision can have consequences.

Overall, the approach taken by MachineGames in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represents a departure from traditional gun-focused gameplay, instead emphasizing strategy and player choice. This shift in focus adds a new layer of depth and authenticity to the game, staying true to the essence of the iconic character of Indiana Jones.