“Indiana Jones and the ancient circle”, the archaeologist revisits his own heritage with panache

From the first seconds ofIndiana Jones and the Ancient Circle (which is scheduled for release on Xbox Series consoles, PC and Game Pass on December 9), we see the archaeologist from behind, from a slight low angle, contemplating a mountain. The very one, emblematic, which appears in the opening shot of the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). With this scene alone, we understand the terms of the contract that we are about to be offered: that of an immersion in full nostalgia, where no convention will be abused, where no narrative risks will be taken, where no list of Charges will not be left incomplete.

After making us relive the same introductory sequence as the original film (with the stolen idol and the race forward, pursued by a rock), the new finally arrives. It is 1937 and Indiana sets off on the trail of the “ancient circle”, an imaginary line which circles the globe, a sort of second equator which would make it possible to determine the location of stones with strange properties. These being coveted by the Nazis, a chase then sets off across the world. The title is thus composed of several chapters, some of which are short and interventionist while others, three in number (the Vatican, Giza and Siam), are longer and take place in the heart of open areas that it is possible to explore freely.

Finger fight

Apart from a few security areas, infiltration is required to visit bases infested with German or Italian soldiers. Nothing too revolutionary: we grab a blunt object, we slip behind the distracted guard, we knock him out with a sharp blow and we start again with the next one. Great specialty of the man in the hat, we can also make the whip or the fists do the talking in unexciting brawls. Firearms will only be used sparingly, otherwise the entire garrison will be alerted.

The adventure is played out in subjective view: a particularly commented choice, which deprives us during most of the sequences of the face of its star Harrison Ford – but not of the tone more serious than ever of Richard Darbois, his historic voice actor, mobilized for the opportunity if you opt for the VF. A decision, however, far from being gratuitous or frustrating, as the numerous cutscenes allow us to observe from every angle the makeover that the 3D model of the 82-year-old actor has benefited from.

Because subjectivity highlights the other star, the environments. From the ostentatious gilding of the Holy See to the stifling jungle of Thailand, including the tombs buried in the Egyptian desert and the dizzying peaks of the Himalayas, they are impressive. This close-up point of view, like that of a Bioshock (2007) or a Resident Evil 7 (2017), creates a real relationship of intimacy with danger and further reinforces our amazement when a ruined temple collapses on us or the ground gives way under our feet.

It would have been surprising in any case if MachineGames, which was entrusted with the task of adapting this monument, had made another choice. Since 2010, if the Swedes have distinguished themselves, it is mainly with the series of Wolfensteinshooting games that can only be seen in the first person. This Indiana Jones also share with their Wolfenstein a certain love for the slaughter of Nazis by the quintal, as well as for the totally lit antagonists, thus joining the long tradition of the memorably crazy villains that the saga featured in the cinema.

The films are never far away

This respect for the original material is also the limit of its proposal, especially when its pleasant cinematics border on mimicry. Experts will inevitably be touched by the omnipresent directing references, but we will prefer the rare times when the action phases themselves push us, instinctively, to reproduce the archaeologist's improvisations. Like this time when a Japanese soldier cornered us in an alley and brandished a short saber in a threatening manner: nothing but a well-placed revolver bullet, a famous scene from the Raiders of the Lost Ark proves it, cannot settle. The comic effect is then even more powerful than in the films.

Finally, we note, in a game which would otherwise be a quasi-remake of the first film in the saga, the efforts to dust off the figure and the universe of Indiana Jones, and in particular the female roles, much stronger than those of the films – although in this matter, the bar is low. We also welcome, in the speech, the few questions surrounding a character who, in finedesecrates tombs and sanctuaries. This does not prevent us from witnessing somewhat surprising scenes, where our hero unceremoniously breaks ancient artifacts: after that it is difficult to take seriously his speeches, however inspired, encouraging respect for peoples and their heritage.

Pixels' opinion

We liked:

• experience adventure through the eyes of the most famous adventurer;
• the change of scenery, the sumptuous decor.

We liked less:

• the homage which, sometimes, obscures the specificities of the title;
• the clumsy fights and the not very inspired infiltration.

It's more for you if:

• you think Indiana Jones belongs on your screen rather than in a museum.

It's not for you if:

• you don't like snakes. You hate snakes.

Pixels’ note:

288° by 360°.