Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Doesn’t Have Photo Mode But 1 Gameplay Element is Still Terrific Attention to Detail

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle comes out on December 9 and is going to be the biggest project MachineGames has taken on. While the game won’t include a traditional Photo Mode, a feature newer games have included to show off graphics, it makes up for it with a unique in-game camera.

This new in-game tool won’t just be a screenshot of what you see in-game but will offer more detail. This camera doesn’t just snap generic screenshots but replicates the perspective, angle, and height at which the photo was taken, making each image unique to when it was taken.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Doesn’t Have a Photo Mode, but Something Better

The camera in The Great Circle doesn’t just have a cosmetic function, it plays a big role in solving puzzles and exploring the world. It was inspired by The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones TV series where Indy’s photographic skills were shown during his World War I reconnaissance missions.

MachineGames has tried to bring it authentically into the game. While the series offered a glimpse into Indy’s early life, it was often dismissed as non-canonical due to inconsistencies with the films. Using details from this series could be controversial but it is just a camera, which is well done so, who cares?

Speaking in an interview with Minnmax, the developers noted that the camera gives out pictures depending on how the player takes it. It captures objects from different perspectives, depending on the angle and height.

There isn’t a photo mode. It’s the actual photo that the player took and we went to great length to get that working. Almost to the point that we regret it, but it’s awesome.

This attention to detail will make it so it’s much more immersive and distinguish it from generic in-game screenshot tools. Though some fans find this addition controversial, its ability to encourage creative exploration is cool.

The Game Has a Lot of Expectations Riding On It

Launching first on Xbox Series X/S and PC, The Great Circle should be a win for Microsoft, especially after a year of mixed reception for other exclusives. PlayStation players will have to wait until 2025 to join the adventure, but the game’s inclusion on Game Pass is a big win for accessibility.

With MachineGames’ reputation for crafting narrative-rich experiences and Bethesda’s backing, this title represents a pivotal moment for both Xbox and the Indiana Jones franchise.

we WILL be playing

— Jason🐀 (@pricerocks245) November 26, 2024

As Harrison Ford bids farewell to Indiana Jones on the big screen, The Great Circle paves the way for the character’s legacy in gaming. With legendary voice actor Troy Baker taking up the fedora, we’re in for a whole new Indy adventure in just a few days.

The Great Circle is set to be MachineGames’ biggest and longest project, surpassing its previous Wolfenstein titles. With nearly four hours of cutscenes, players can expect a cinematic experience for the narrative which will span weeks in the game’s time.

If MachineGames succeeds in delivering a captivating story and engaging gameplay, The Great Circle could set a benchmark for future adaptations. It would also be a win for the franchise after the mixed reception to last year’s Dial of Destiny.

With its release just days away, all eyes are on our favorite adventure. Whether it lives up to its potential remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the game promises to let players experience Indiana Jones’ world like never before.