REVIEW: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the new "The Order of Giants" DLC on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has set a high bar for licensed action-adventure games, and MachineGames delivers a truly cinematic experience that feels faithful to the films while offering depth for players. The game's story, set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, sees Indiana Jones chasing a mysterious power connected to the Great Circle across iconic locations including Vatican City, Giza, the Himalayas, Shanghai, and Sukhothai. The mix of first-person exploration with third-person contextual sequences may initially feel unusual, but it allows for precise puzzle-solving, engaging stealth sequences, and fluid combat. The whip is brilliantly implemented, serving as a traversal tool, combat weapon, and puzzle-solving mechanic, and every movement or swing of it feels satisfying and cinematic.

The world design is a highlight. Large sandbox levels like Vatican City and Giza encourage exploration, with hidden relics, collectibles, and optional Fieldwork missions that reward curiosity. Adventure Books offer permanent boosts, incentivising careful observation, while the "Lucky Hat" mechanic keeps the action flowing without excessive frustration. Stealth mechanics are particularly strong, letting players sneak past enemies, hide bodies, or use disguises strategically. Combat feels weighty and responsive, with stamina management, melee, firearms, and explosives all requiring thought. Voice acting is superb across the board, with even Indiana Jones himself sounding convincingly like Harrison Ford. Cutscenes are smooth, beautifully animated, and bring the story to life.

The Order of Giants DLC expands this foundation impressively. Set in Rome, it immerses players in a fresh story that feels connected yet distinct. Indiana is called to help Father Ricci track a Roman artifact, but the quest quickly escalates into a perilous journey involving sinister plots by Emperor Nero, gladiator games, and the mysterious Cult of Mithras. The cultists, clad in dark red robes, strike from the shadows, adding tension to both stealth and combat encounters. The DLC opens up new areas across Rome, from the crumbling Colosseum ruins to the serene Vatican Gardens, then descending into the foreboding Cloaca Maxima and hidden crypts below the city. The sense of verticality and layered design in the catacombs and sewer systems adds depth to exploration, and the puzzles, while sometimes easy, are integrated naturally into the environment and story.

Graphically, both the base game and DLC are striking, with detailed environments, well-animated characters, and atmospheric lighting that enhances the sense of adventure and danger. If you have the Xbox Series X make sure you download the extra graphics/textures pack, yes I know it is another 40gb, but if you have room on your hard drive it is worth it, if you are on Xbox Series S, it wont make too much of a difference.

Combat and stealth remain as satisfying as in the main game, and new encounters with cultists and complex traps give players more opportunities to test their skills. The DLC is best enjoyed after a fresh playthrough or at least following the Vatican level, as it picks up the narrative seamlessly and adds layers of intrigue without feeling tacked on.

Minor criticisms remain. The DLC is relatively short, leaving players wishing for more content, and some puzzles lack challenge. For the main game, the shift between first- and third-person perspectives can feel jarring at times, and a full third-person option might have suited players used to that viewpoint in action-adventure titles. These, however, are small blemishes on an otherwise polished experience.

Overall, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an outstanding action-adventure game, blending cinematic storytelling, engaging gameplay, and faithful franchise recreation. The Order of Giants DLC complements the base game beautifully, delivering new locations, intriguing characters, and fresh challenges. Together, they create an experience that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy. Base game: 9/10. With the DLC included, the adventure only becomes richer and more satisfying, cementing the series as a benchmark for licensed games done right.

Out Now on Xbox, get the Premium version and you will get this and any future DLCs included.

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The Order of Giants DLC is available separately at 

Xbox.com

REVIEW: DOOM™: The Dark Ages (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Game and artwork provided by Bethesda

Review by Jon Donnis

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest instalment in the legendary first-person shooter franchise, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks in 2025. Marking the eighth main entry and the third in the modern series, it takes players back in time, setting the story long before the events of the 2016 reboot. This prequel explores the origins of the Doom Slayer, immersing players in a gritty techno-medieval war between humanity and the demonic forces of Hell.

Unlike its fast-paced predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages shifts the gameplay towards a more grounded and deliberate style. The combat feels weighty, reflecting the Doom Slayer's transformation into an ironclad force of nature. Enhanced melee options add a layer of tactical depth, and the introduction of slow-motion glory kills allows players to feel in control even amidst chaotic battles. The game's standout innovation is the Shield Saw, a versatile tool that can block, parry and attack with a single input, rewarding skill and timing over frantic shooting. This fresh combat mechanic redefines encounters, requiring players to engage carefully rather than relying solely on speed and reflexes.

The arsenal expands with new weapons such as the Skull Crusher, a unique gun firing bone fragments that fits perfectly with the dark medieval setting. Alongside traditional melee weapons like the iron mace and flail, these tools diversify combat styles, encouraging experimentation. Another new feature is the ability to pilot massive machines, including a cybernetic dragon and a towering 30-storey Atlan mech, adding spectacular moments that break up the combat flow and showcase the game's grand scale.

Narratively, the game delves deeper into the Doom Slayer's past, adding layers of complexity to his motivations and the brutal war he fights. Set in the kingdom of Argent D'Nur, players witness the brutal conflict between the Night Sentinels and Hell's armies, led by the cunning Prince Ahzrak. The story is richer in character development, enhanced by well-crafted cutscenes that elevate the game beyond mindless shooting. It explores themes of control, betrayal and resilience, particularly through the relationship between the Slayer and his manipulative master, Kreed Maykr.

The game's world is atmospheric and immersive. The techno-medieval aesthetic blends grim castles and ruined fortresses with otherworldly Hellscapes, creating an environment that feels both ancient and futuristic. While the graphics are solid, they tend to lean towards a muted palette, which fits the setting but may lack some of the vibrancy seen in earlier entries. The sound design is atmospheric, though the musical score does not quite reach the iconic heights of previous Doom games, which might disappoint some fans expecting bombastic metal anthems.

Despite the deliberate pacing, combat remains engaging, demanding patience and strategy rather than pure aggression. The Shield Saw system rewards mastery and keeps encounters fresh, while the variety of enemies and the introduction of massive mechanical foes prevent the gameplay from becoming stale. However, some players might find the slower pace less thrilling than the relentless action they are used to. 

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a bold new direction for the franchise. It blends weighty, strategic combat with a compelling story set in a richly imagined world. Although the soundtrack and visuals may not impress everyone, the game's innovative mechanics and atmospheric setting make it a worthwhile experience. It is a welcome challenge for fans of first-person shooters seeking something a little different, and it sets a strong foundation for future additions to the series. I score Doom: The Dark Ages a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://amzn.to/4jF6b8J