MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize melee combat and stealth over gunfights, according to the development team. The game will not feature gunplay as a central mechanic.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Focus on Hand-to-Hand Combat and Stealth
Puzzles and Environmental Interaction are Key
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, MachineGames' design director Jens Andersson and creative director Axel Torvenius detailed the game's gameplay design. Inspired by their work on titles like the Wolfenstein series and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the developers emphasized the importance of hand-to-hand combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth mechanics.
Andersson stated that the game's focus on melee combat is a natural fit for the Indiana Jones character, who isn't known for his gun-slinging abilities. The team drew inspiration from Chronicles of Riddick's melee system, adapting it to align with Indy's unique fighting style. Players can expect to utilize everyday objects as improvised weapons, adding a layer of creative problem-solving to combat encounters.
Beyond combat, exploration will be a significant aspect of gameplay. The game will blend linear and open environments, similar to the Wolfenstein games, offering a mix of guided paths and expansive areas for exploration. Some of these open areas will feature immersive sim elements, providing players with multiple approaches to solving challenges. Stealth, including both traditional infiltration and a novel "social stealth" mechanic utilizing disguises, will be crucial for navigating these environments.
Disguises will be strategically placed within levels, allowing players to blend in and access restricted areas. This adds another layer of strategic depth to the gameplay experience.
Game director Jerk Gustafsson previously emphasized in an interview with Inverse that the team intentionally downplayed gunplay, focusing instead on challenging aspects like hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and puzzle-solving. The game will incorporate a variety of challenging puzzles, with some optional for players seeking a less demanding experience. The developers aim to provide a balanced experience catering to different player preferences.
