Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Premium Edition – PlayStation 5 Review

 It’s been a long time coming, but finally, Indiana Jones has returned to the realm of video games – and what a triumphant return it is. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Premium Edition on the PlayStation 5 feels like both a love letter to fans of the series and a bold step into modern gaming. It’s a title packed with heart, adventure, and just the right amount of whip-cracking nostalgia.

First Impressions

From the moment the game boots up, you’re transported straight into Indy’s world. The opening sequence is cinematic, with Harrison Ford’s unmistakable likeness and voice (thanks to excellent voice acting and motion capture work) lending the game an immediate sense of authenticity. It's clear from the outset that the developers had immense respect for the source material.

The Premium Edition offers a few extras too – a beautiful art book, a digital soundtrack, and early access skins that allow you to outfit Indy in classic looks from the films. These additions, while not strictly necessary, definitely sweeten the deal for longtime fans.

Story and Setting

The Great Circle introduces a fresh mystery for Indy to solve: an ancient network of sacred sites around the globe connected by an enigmatic ‘Great Circle’. From the bustling streets of 1930s Cairo to the misty mountains of Tibet, the settings are rich and varied, steeped in the romanticism of classic adventure tales.

The story strikes a fine balance between seriousness and humour. Indy’s dry wit is ever-present, and the supporting cast is both memorable and well-written. There’s an especially charming dynamic between Indy and his new partner, Sophia Miles, an intrepid archaeologist who often challenges Indy’s way of doing things. Their banter feels natural and brings a refreshing dynamic to the narrative.

Gameplay

At its core, The Great Circle is an action-adventure game, but it cleverly mixes exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a way that feels very true to the spirit of Indiana Jones.

Exploration is a joy. Levels are expansive without feeling bloated, encouraging players to poke into every nook and cranny. Hidden artefacts and journal entries reward those who take their time, offering fascinating snippets of lore that enrich the worldbuilding.

Puzzle-solving is another major component. True to Indy’s archaeological roots, you’ll spend plenty of time deciphering ancient scripts, aligning mirrors to open hidden doors, and navigating deadly trap-filled ruins. The puzzles are smartly designed: challenging enough to make you think, but never so obscure as to become frustrating.

Combat is perhaps the most surprising element. It’s fluid and satisfying, mixing fisticuffs, whip attacks, and gunplay. The whip, in particular, is masterfully implemented – not only as a weapon but as a tool for traversal and puzzle-solving. Snapping a gun out of an enemy’s hand or swinging across a chasm feels every bit as cool as you’d hope.

There’s also a real sense of weight to the fights. Indy isn’t a superhero; he’s a man who wins battles through grit, wits, and a bit of luck. You’ll often find yourself improvising – throwing nearby objects or using the environment to your advantage – which adds a thrilling spontaneity to encounters.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, The Great Circle is stunning. The environments are richly detailed, with gorgeous lighting effects that bring each location to life. Whether it’s sunlight streaming through a temple’s broken roof or the flicker of torches in a deep underground cavern, there’s a tangible atmosphere that’s consistently impressive.

Character models are equally well done, capturing both the ruggedness and humanity of Indy and his allies. There’s a slight stylisation to the designs that keeps them from falling into the uncanny valley – a wise artistic choice.

Sound design is equally top-notch. The iconic Indiana Jones theme is woven through the soundtrack at just the right moments, providing those spine-tingling ‘hero moments’. Voice acting is uniformly excellent, and ambient sounds – from the bustle of markets to the distant echoes of ancient tombs – are richly immersive.

Premium Edition Extras

It’s worth noting that the Premium Edition’s extras genuinely add value. The digital art book provides fascinating insight into the development process, showcasing early concept art and commentary from the creative team. The soundtrack is a wonderful standalone listen, capturing the spirit of classic adventure cinema beautifully.

The early access outfits, while mainly cosmetic, are a nice nod to fans who want to see Indy in his various classic looks – from the leather jacket and fedora to the dusty desert attire from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Performance

On the PS5, the game runs beautifully. Load times are practically non-existent thanks to the SSD, and the framerate is rock solid at 60fps, even during hectic action sequences. There’s a performance mode and a fidelity mode; personally, I preferred the performance mode, as the smoother gameplay really complements the fast-paced combat and traversal.

Haptic feedback on the DualSense controller is subtly used but effective – you’ll feel the tension of Indy’s whip or the impact of punches in a way that draws you deeper into the experience.

Criticisms

No game is without flaws, and The Great Circle does have a few rough edges. Some platforming sections can be a bit finicky, with Indy occasionally missing jumps you were sure you lined up correctly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can cause occasional frustration, especially during timed sequences.

The enemy AI, too, could use a bit of work. While they’re serviceable in combat, they sometimes behave oddly, like running straight into traps you’ve set or failing to notice you when you’re clearly within their line of sight.

Finally, while the story is largely excellent, it does drag a little around the third act. There’s a section in the Amazon that feels slightly padded out compared to the rest of the briskly paced adventure.

Final Verdict

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Premium Edition is exactly what fans have been waiting for – a brilliant, heartfelt adventure that captures the magic of the films while delivering modern, exciting gameplay. It’s cinematic, it's packed with charm, and most importantly, it's fun.

While it’s not without a few stumbles, the sheer passion poured into this project shines through at every turn. If you’ve ever dreamed of cracking a whip, solving ancient mysteries, and punching Nazis in the face, this is the game for you.

It’s a must-play for Indiana Jones fans and a highly recommended pick for anyone who loves a good action-adventure romp. Grab your fedora – adventure awaits.

Score: 9/10