Unraveling the Chaotic Combat of Indiana Jones: A Dynamic Blend of Improvisation and Heroic Charm

In a captivating conversation with PCG global editor-in-chief Phil Savage at Gamescom, the developers at MachineGames delved into the intricate details of how their highly anticipated game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, builds upon their previous acclaimed works, including the new Wolfenstein titles and the cult-favorite Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay. Their emphasis on rollicking, scrappy improvisation has ignited a newfound excitement for this thrilling adventure.

Blending Unconventional Heroism and Chaotic Combat

Embracing Indy's Unorthodox Fighting Style

Jens Andersson, the design director at MachineGames, eloquently explains the team's approach to capturing the essence of Indiana Jones' combat prowess. "Indiana Jones, he's not a gunslinger, right? He doesn't go guns blazing into situations," Andersson said. "So it could never be a shooter, should never be a shooter. But hand to hand combat, that makes total sense."This philosophical shift away from traditional shooter mechanics aligns with the studio's desire to authentically represent the iconic archaeologist's fighting style. Andersson's previous work on the acclaimed Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, which boasted some of the best first-person melee combat in gaming, has provided a strong foundation for this endeavor.

Capturing Indy's Unlikely Heroism

The team's commitment to authenticity extends beyond just the combat system; they aim to capture the essence of Indiana Jones' unlikely heroism. "He's not a fighter, that's not his nature, even though he ends up in fights all the time," Andersson explained. "He's an unlikely hero, lucky—how can we replicate that into gameplay, make the player feel that humor, how do we get that across?"This balance of Indy's reluctant but resourceful nature is a key focus for the developers, who are determined to translate that dynamic into the gameplay experience. Andersson emphasized the importance of imbuing the combat with a "semi-chaotic" quality, allowing players to leverage the environment and improvise with a variety of objects, from "pots and pans that you pick up and smash into people's heads" to the unexpected inclusion of "banjos."

Blending Melee Combat and Environmental Interaction

The team's commitment to delivering a combat system that reflects Indy's unorthodox fighting style is evident in their description of the gameplay. Andersson explained, "Compared to even Riddick, that has a different style of hand to hand combat. [The Great Circle] is much more semi-chaotic, lots of things around the environment that you can pick up—pots and pans that you pick up and smash into people's heads…"This emphasis on improvisational brawling and environmental interaction sets the Indiana Jones game apart from the more refined and choreographed combat of the Riddick franchise. The developers are tackling the challenge of programming and consistently implementing this "semi-chaotic" approach, which has the potential to deliver a truly unique and engaging combat experience.

The Whip as a Versatile Tool

Adding to the diverse combat arsenal, the iconic Indiana Jones whip will play a significant role in both combat and traversal. Andersson confirmed that the whip will have a dedicated button, allowing players to utilize it as a formidable weapon and a crucial tool for navigating the game's environments.The incorporation of the whip, alongside the improvisational melee combat and environmental interactions, promises to imbue the gameplay with a sense of dynamism and adaptability that aligns with the charismatic archaeologist's signature style.

Expanding on Stealth Mechanics

Beyond the thrilling combat, the developers at MachineGames are also exploring the potential of stealth mechanics in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Drawing inspiration from their work on the Wolfenstein reboot games, the team aims to expand the player's options for stealthy approaches.Andersson described the game's alternating between more open and linear areas, creating a "clear delineation" reminiscent of The New Order and Colossus. "There are also more open areas, almost bordering immersive sim-style, like there's an enemy camp, here you're supposed to get into the main building, figure it out, and you can explore," he explained.While pure stealth infiltration will be an option, the game will also introduce an exciting social stealth element, building upon the nail-biting, Tarantino-esque sequences from the Wolfenstein series. "Every big location has a number of disguises for you to discover," said Andersson. "That helps you pass as someone that belongs there, gives you access to areas you otherwise would have a really hard time getting through."This multifaceted approach to stealth and exploration promises to deliver a rich and dynamic gameplay experience, allowing players to adapt their approach to each situation and immerse themselves in the world of Indiana Jones.