MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize melee combat over gunfights, according to the development team. Gunplay will be a secondary element, not the game's focus.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Emphasizes Hand-to-Hand Combat and Stealth
Puzzles and Environmental Interaction are Key Gameplay Pillars
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, MachineGames' design director and creative director detailed the game's gameplay mechanics. Inspired by their work on the Wolfenstein series and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the developers confirmed a strong emphasis on close-quarters combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth.
"Indiana Jones isn't known for gunfights," the design director stated. "Hand-to-hand combat feels authentic to the character." While drawing inspiration from Chronicles of Riddick's melee system, the team adapted it to better suit Indy's unique fighting style. Expect combat utilizing everyday objects as weapons – pots, pans, even banjos. The developers aim to capture Indy's resourceful and somewhat clumsy heroism within the gameplay.
Beyond combat, exploration will be a significant part of the experience. The game blends linear and open environments, similar to Wolfenstein, offering structured paths alongside expansive areas for exploration. Some larger areas will feature immersive sim elements, allowing players diverse approaches to challenges. Enemy camps, for example, will offer multiple infiltration strategies.
Stealth will play a crucial role, incorporating both traditional infiltration and a novel "social stealth" mechanic. Players can discover and utilize disguises to blend in and access restricted areas. Each major location will feature various disguises to aid exploration.
A previous interview with Inverse revealed the deliberate decision to minimize gunplay. The game director emphasized the team's focus on hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal. Challenging puzzles are also confirmed, with some particularly difficult ones being optional to maintain accessibility. The game aims to provide a diverse and engaging experience beyond simple shooting mechanics.
