January 28th 2024.
As a reader, I was initially skeptical about the new Indiana Jones game, The Great Circle. The reveal of a first-person perspective had caused some controversy among fans. While some were concerned about potential motion sickness, others pointed out that first-person games like Call of Duty are still some of the best-selling titles every year.
Before the Developer_Direct, I had assumed that the game would be a third-person action adventure, similar to Xbox's popular Uncharted series. However, as I watched the Indiana Jones segment unfold, my disappointment turned into excitement. MachineGames had shown me something unexpected and intriguing in this genre.
Depending on your age, you may not even be aware that games like Uncharted and Tomb Raider were inspired by Indiana Jones. Without the weight of those titles, it only makes sense for the original artifact hunter to forge its own path. And during the gameplay reveal, there was a moment that truly solidified my belief in the first-person perspective. When I saw Indy's silhouette against a pillar, I was completely sold.
After the Direct, I reflected on MachineGames as a developer. Formerly known as Starbreeze, they have created some incredible titles like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness, all of which were in first-person. And as MachineGames, they are most well-known for their Wolfenstein games, also in first-person, which are praised for their witty writing, personality, and action-packed gameplay.
When Todd Howard said that MachineGames was the perfect developer to take on Indiana Jones, I couldn't help but agree. The trailer for The Great Circle showed glimpses of the developer's DNA, particularly from the Riddick games. And the infamous tentacles from The Darkness are essentially the same mechanics as Indy's iconic whip. It all seemed to fit together seamlessly.
For years, Sony has set the standard for cinematic storytelling in games with their popular third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective. It's no surprise that many of their games follow this formula. However, PlayStation has not had much success with first-person games, aside from competitive multiplayer. But beyond that, the first-person perspective has fallen out of favor.
Capcom took a risk with their first-person approach in Resident Evil 7 and Village, and while they were successful, they couldn't quite match the popularity of their remakes. The traditional third-person perspective remains the more popular choice. But when it comes to creating a truly scary and immersive experience, there's no denying that first-person is the way to go.
When director Jerk Gustafsson stated, "You aren't just playing as Indy, you are Indiana Jones," I could see their vision. Initially, I had wanted a game that was like Uncharted, but after seeing the gameplay reveal, I realized that this was something different and potentially better. Only time will tell if The Great Circle will surpass the Uncharted series, but with MachineGames focusing on what they do best, I have a feeling that this will be the definitive Indiana Jones experience.
I also couldn't help but think about MachineGames' previous release, Wolfenstein Youngblood, and how this quote from the Indiana Jones movies fit perfectly: "You lost today, kid. But that doesn't mean you have to like it."
And on a final note, I have a request for the developers: can we please have a level featuring a young Indy with River Phoenix and a cameo from Indy's dad? That would truly be the icing on the cake for this game.
In conclusion, I have high hopes for Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. The first-person perspective may have been a controversial choice, but after seeing MachineGames' track record and their passion for this project, I am convinced that they will deliver an unforgettable Indiana Jones experience.
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