After a long crossing of the desert and several wanderings, both video games and cinematographic, the Indiana Jones license marks its big return thanks to the teams at MachineGames who offer us Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle, an adventure game with a capital A underlined in bold.
Let's not beat around the bush: Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is a true love letter to the first trilogy of Indiana Jones films (the only one – I don't want to hear it). A game that was able to draw inspiration from the codes established by Spielberg and Lucas by brilliantly transposing the very essence of the adventurous archaeologist into a video game.
The 2 × π × r of the world
The game's plot centers around the theory of the Ancient Circle. Without spoiling more than necessary, know that this is an excellent excuse to send Doctor Jones (whose first name I always forget is Henry) into a happy journey around the world in search of various mysterious artifacts that naughty Nazis also covet. All in a late 1930s atmosphere wonderfully transcribed and sprinkled with the humorous tone characteristic of the franchise. Note that the references to Spielberg's work are numerous and sometimes subtle, enough to delight fans. Add to this a well-paced storyreplicas that hit the mark as well as numerous well-staged cutscenes and you obtain a very successful atmosphere which bridges the gap between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. In short, this is one of the best Indy stories in any medium.
If Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle describes itself as an action and adventure game, it should be noted that the emphasis is more on adventure. This is all the more marked as the gunfights, combat and infiltration phases are not the strong points of the game, notably because of an artificial intelligence which does not particularly shine. The fights do not reinvent the wheel with a melee system based on punches and parries. All at a slightly slow pace due to endurance management. Firearms are also present, but their use is limited, encouraging a focus on stealth and strategy over brute force. As a result, we often spend our time crouching down, throwing shovels or brooms to knock out Nazis. Not forgetting the endless glass bottles to throw far away to create diversions. The combat and infiltration are, as you will have understood, very classic, in addition to being a little repetitive. Nevertheless, it remains pleasant to play and it mainly serves to highlight the other side of the game: the adventure with its exploration and puzzle solving.
What is Jones and who is waiting?
Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle will take you on a world tour in the form of several semi-open environments full of puzzles, main or secondary quests and other treasures to unearth. Once released into nature, rummaging through the different settings is pleasant as exploration is always rewarded with a secret room or a well-hidden relic. So, of course not all puzzles are equal, but they are still cool. In addition, the levels sometimes include several ways to achieve your objective, which is a big positive point. For the trickiest puzzles, using the camera allows you to obtain clues, completely optional. Practical and clever for integrating tips. The feeling of adventure is powerful and should appeal to players who like to be immersed in beautiful settings full of mysteries.
Under the hat
The first-person view, a surprising choice on the part of the developers at first glance, pays off. It reinforces the feeling of immersion in the action and this impression of living the adventure under the hat of Indiana Jones. The first person perspective also gives an incredible sense of scale and the topography of the place. We feel very small facing the Great Pyramid or suspended facing a precipice. On the other hand, and this is undoubtedly a consequence of the first person view, the platform phases are flat and shapeless. Forget the frenzy and somersaults of Lara Croft or Nathan Drake, Indiana Jones is often content to climb a few ladders, cross obstacles with his lasso or pass through wall feints.
Visually, Indiana Jones and the Elder Circle is a success that respects the style of the original films. The exotic settings, from Egypt to the jungle, including the Vatican, are varied and detailed. The animations, particularly those of the characters, are fluid and expressive, even if the faces sometimes lack naturalness. The ears are also well served with a soundtrack, once again, respectful of the original work.
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