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 a focus on shooting mechanics.

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 design. Inspired by their work on titles like 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 mechanics.

"Indiana Jones isn't known for gunfights," the design director explained. "Hand-to-hand combat, however, fits his character perfectly." While drawing inspiration from Chronicles of Riddick's melee system, the team adapted it to better suit Indy's unique fighting style. Players will utilize everyday objects – pots, pans, even musical instruments – as improvised weapons. The goal is to capture Indy's resourceful and somewhat clumsy heroism within the game's mechanics.

Beyond combat, exploration will be a significant aspect. The game blends linear and open environments, similar to the Wolfenstein series, offering a mix of guided paths and expansive areas for player agency. Some larger areas will approach the complexity of immersive sims, allowing for multiple solutions to challenges. Enemy camps, for example, will encourage exploration and creative problem-solving.

Stealth will be crucial, incorporating both traditional infiltration and a novel "social stealth" system. Players can discover and utilize disguises to blend in and bypass restricted areas. Each major location will offer various disguise options, providing alternative routes through the environment.

A previous interview with Inverse revealed that gunplay was intentionally downplayed. The game director stated that the team prioritized other gameplay elements, such as hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal, before addressing gun mechanics.

The game will also feature a robust puzzle system, ranging in difficulty to cater to both casual and hardcore puzzle solvers. Some particularly challenging puzzles will be optional, ensuring accessibility for a wider player base.