Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Giants' Order Review – A Must-See

A New Chapter in the Indiana Jones Saga

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was one of 2024’s most anticipated games, offering players a rich and immersive experience as they explored ancient tombs, captured historical moments, and tackled fascist threats. The game quickly became a late Game of the Year contender, largely due to its expansive world that included fully explorable locations such as the Vatican, Egypt, and Sukhothai. These areas were filled with hidden secrets, challenges, puzzles, and disguises, making the main game an unforgettable adventure.

However, when it comes to the DLC titled The Order of Giants, the experience is quite different. For those returning to the world of Indiana Jones, hoping to relive the magic of the main game, this expansion might leave them feeling disappointed. While there are some brief opportunities to explore parts of the Vatican and the river in Rome, the majority of the content is linear, consisting mostly of caves and puzzles that can be frustrating rather than engaging.

A Linear Adventure

The DLC begins with a conversation between Indiana Jones and Father Ricci, who is accompanied by his pet parrot. This interaction sets the stage for a quest to find a golden dagger, which is believed to be hidden deep beneath the Vatican. Unlike the main game, which allows players to set their own goals and explore at their own pace, The Order of Giants follows a strict linear path. Players are guided along a single route, solving puzzles and collecting items as they go. While some caves and ruins may appear to offer alternative paths, they often lead back to the same point, limiting the sense of exploration.

Father Ricci’s quest for the golden dagger introduces players to the concept of the Giants, a key element in the main game's narrative. However, the DLC does not delve deeply into the secret society associated with the name. Instead, players must search through dozens of notes scattered throughout the environment to uncover the story. In terms of cutscenes and dialogue, the DLC is relatively sparse, offering little in the way of narrative depth or character development.

Puzzles and Content Challenges

While there are a few optional items to collect—such as new artifacts and hidden safe combinations—the difficulty level of the puzzles has been increased significantly. This change can make some of these tasks feel less rewarding, especially when compared to the more balanced challenge of the main game. The DLC features four major puzzles connected by long cave systems, which serve as the primary content. The extended length of the DLC is partly due to the complexity of these puzzles, which can be quite obtuse.

Another issue is the frequent need to input multiple button taps to read through notes related to the puzzles. This mechanic can disrupt the flow of the gameplay and detract from the overall experience. Unlike the main game, which seamlessly blends action, stealth, puzzles, and casual exploration, The Order of Giants feels more like a straightforward adventure without the dynamic elements that made the original so engaging.

A Disappointing Conclusion

The final boss battle and the acquisition of the golden dagger of legend are expected to be a highlight of any Indiana Jones adventure. However, in this DLC, both feel underwhelming and lack the excitement that the main game delivered. There is no significant story resolution, and the ending is abrupt, leaving players with little to reflect on. The absence of a meaningful cutscene where Indy gains insight into the Order of Giants makes the conclusion feel rushed and unsatisfying.

Despite these shortcomings, The Order of Giants is still a polished and visually appealing game. However, the content feels devoid of what made the main game so compelling. The puzzles, while challenging, did not provide the satisfaction that players might have hoped for, and the lack of substantial content beyond the main storyline left much to be desired.

For those who purchased the Premium Edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at launch, the DLC might not live up to expectations. If you're considering whether to play The Order of Giants, it might be best to skip it unless you are a die-hard fan of the franchise. While it offers a continuation of the story, it lacks the depth and engagement that made the original game so special.