Indiana Jones Source: Ark Invades Melee Combat

MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones adventure, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will prioritize close-quarters combat over gunfights, according to the development team. This design choice reflects the iconic character's preference for wits and brawling over firepower.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Focus on Hand-to-Hand Combat

Stealth and Puzzles: Key Gameplay Pillars

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, design director Jens Andersson and creative director Axel Torvenius detailed the game's gameplay mechanics. Drawing inspiration from their work on titles like Wolfenstein and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, the developers emphasized hand-to-hand combat, improvised weaponry, and stealth as core elements.

Andersson explained that Indy's character wouldn't fit a shooter mold. "Indiana Jones isn't a gunslinger," he stated. "Hand-to-hand combat, however, is perfectly in line with his persona." While referencing Chronicles of Riddick's melee system as a starting point, the team adapted the mechanics to align with Indy's unique fighting style. Expect creative combat using everyday objects like pots, pans, and even musical instruments. The developers aim to capture Indy's resourceful and often humorous approach to combat.

Beyond combat, players will explore a diverse world blending linear and open environments, similar to the Wolfenstein series. These open areas will offer immersive sim-like gameplay, allowing for multiple approaches to challenges and enemy encounters. Andersson described these sections as providing players significant freedom to solve problems creatively.

Stealth will play a crucial role, incorporating traditional infiltration methods and a novel "social stealth" mechanic. Players can discover and utilize disguises to blend into environments and access restricted areas. Andersson highlighted the abundance of disguise options within each major location.

Game director Jerk Gustafsson previously emphasized the deliberate downplaying of gunplay in an interview with Inverse. He explained that the team focused on developing challenging aspects like hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal before tackling gunplay, which they are confident in their ability to execute well.

The game will also feature a robust selection of puzzles, ranging in difficulty to appeal to both casual and hardcore puzzle solvers. Gustafsson confirmed that the most challenging puzzles will be optional, ensuring accessibility for all players.