Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s DLC Reminds Me Why I Fell In Love With The Franchise In The First Place

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It wasn’t ideal for me to become an Indiana Jones fan at the moment I did, given that the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull happened when I was old enough to start appreciating movies, but before that, I had only seen the original trilogy as a toddler. Consequently, my fondness for what’s often considered the franchise’s least impressive film sparked when I watched it at nine years old, and it fueled my interest in the series despite its general criticism.

Overnight, I turned into a die-hard Indiana Jones enthusiast. With my savings, I snapped up every DVD available. I pleaded with my mom to get me “Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb” for my original Xbox when we stumbled upon the now-closed Gamestation in our hometown. My obsession with Indiana Jones grew so profound that I started believing archaeology was my destiny.

It’s clear that instead of becoming an archaeologist on Time Team like my nine-year-old self aspired, I ended up writing this article. However, my passion for the Indiana Jones series, which I’ve nurtured for nearly two decades, remains unwavering. Yet, the journey has certainly been challenging.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Saved My Love of The Franchise

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Broke Me

For decades now, the original Indiana Jones trilogy has occupied a deeply cherished spot in my heart. Although Kingdom of the Crystal Skull may not be considered a great film by many, it stirs up a lot of fond memories for me. But Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny left me utterly broken.

The first Indiana Jones film I’d be watching on a big screen since I was nine, the anticipation for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, set to release in June 2023, had me absolutely thrilled. My enthusiasm was so intense that my wife and friends cautioned me about setting overly high expectations.

James Mangold is going to direct this one! That’s exciting, since Phoebe Waller-Bridge from ‘Fleabag’ will also be in it. We can’t wait! And even though Harrison Ford may be getting older, his love for Indiana Jones makes us hopeful that this will be a great addition to the franchise.”

Or if you want to keep the exclamatory style:

“We’ve got some fantastic news! James Mangold is directing the new Indiana Jones movie and Phoebe Waller-Bridge from ‘Fleabag’ is joining the cast. We can hardly contain our excitement! And despite Harrison Ford being a bit older, we’re confident that his passion for the character will make this movie a success.

On the opening night, I found myself engrossed in “Dial of Destiny,” the latest Indiana Jones adventure. Technically, it delivered on all the elements I eagerly anticipated. Yet, something was amiss – it just didn’t feel right. The portrayal of Indy, the dynamic action sequences, the narrative, and the enigmatic mystery at its core, they all seemed slightly askew, leaving me with a sense of unease.

After exiting the cinema, I was barely recognizable from my old self; I slipped into a brief period of melancholy for approximately a week. The thought that this might be the end of one of my most cherished series left me desolate, affecting not just my emotions, but also stirring sadness in my inner nine-year-old self.

Like a Giant-Sized Angel, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Rescued Me

After watching Dial of Destiny, I made sure to take its lessons to heart. Ever since that initial teaser trailer for MachineGames’ Indiana Jones project in January 2021, I had been filled with anticipation for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. As the release date approached, my excitement grew more and more difficult to suppress, though I did my best to keep it under control.

By the year 2024, December finally arrived, and it seemed like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was receiving excellent reviews all around. However, reviews aren’t always the final word on a movie’s quality. While most critics agreed that it represented a positive development for the franchise, I found myself remaining cautiously optimistic – I didn’t want to get too carried away, given past experiences.

Instead of holding out for the complete release, I ended up purchasing the Premium Edition upgrade for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, allowing me early access. And let me tell you, I’m thrilled with my decision! The moment I caught sight of Alfred Molina’s Satipo behind Indy’s shoulder and figured out the game’s first mission, I knew everything was going to turn out just fine.

Afterward, I experienced around 20 hours of sheer delight. The game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, was an absolute treat for a die-hard Indiana Jones fan such as myself, even if it wasn’t flawless. It provided me with everything I desired and more. This game skillfully conveyed its own compelling standalone narrative while also acknowledging the groundbreaking films that preceded it. In one swift move, it rekindled my trust in the entire Indiana Jones series.

Indiana Jones: The Order of Giants Is The Perfect Distillation of the Franchise’s Formula

The recent release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s Order of Giants DLC provided a succulent tidbit that I couldn’t help but indulge in, following the satisfying dose of Indy content from the main game. Although it’s not without its issues, this 3-4 hour side adventure set within the Vatican section serves as another delightful reminder of why I have such an affection for this franchise.

Title “Indiana Jones: The Giants’ Enigma” tells an action-packed tale. Our hero, Indy, finds himself entangled in another legendary riddle, with relentless fascists on his heels. With almost uncanny expertise in ancient lore, he navigates through puzzles, plunders tombs, clashes against a clandestine cult, and confronts a character straight out of Greek mythology. Throughout this thrilling journey, there are numerous brawls, whip-cracking escapades, and self-aware quips galore.

As a devoted Indiana Jones fan, I must admit that The Order of Giants didn’t merely check off franchise staples; it reveled in each detail, acknowledging why this series is so cherished to begin with. It was like my favorite archaeologist was taking a stand again, hat in hand, proving that the Indiana Jones I adore isn’t going anywhere just yet – he’s just brushing himself off after a close call.

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2025-09-12 02:39