Indiana Jones embarks on a new thrilling quest in *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*, where he faces nefarious villains intent on unlocking the formidable powers of the Great Circle. This action-adventure game, developed by MachineGames and Bethesda, features the talented Troy Baker stepping into the iconic shoes of Indiana Jones, as he travels the globe battling Nazis, Blackshirts, and other adversaries.
Setting of *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*
Set in 1937, *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* takes place in a fascinating timeline situated between the classic films *Raiders of the Lost Ark* and *The Last Crusade*. In an insightful interview with IGN, Craig Derrick, the executive producer at Lucasfilm Games, emphasized that “the story that you experience in this game enriches those films, as much as the films bring a lot of story back to this.” This narrative aims to seamlessly connect the two beloved films.
Returning to the story is Dr. Marcus Brody, Indiana’s steadfast ally and Dean of Marshall College. The year 1937 paves the way for potential appearances by other fan-favorite characters. While Sallah is a prime candidate given the exploration of Egypt, enthusiasts may also anticipate cameos from Short Round or a young Harold Oxley, and certainly, Marion Ravenwood, who plays a significant role in Indiana’s life.
By 1937, Marion has been a topic of discussion as their relationship took a turn before *The Last Crusade*, with her revealing in *The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull* that Indy postponed their wedding just a week prior. At this point, she’s likely pregnant with Mutt (portrayed by Shia LaBeouf). Their current relationship status, however, is still shrouded in mystery—whether they have recently parted ways or are still an item might influence the events of the game. Regardless, Marion is mentioned in Indy’s journal, which features a note signed, “for your next adventure, Marion,” suggesting her importance in the storyline.
The year 1937 is also notable as it occurs shortly before Indiana reunites with his father in *The Last Crusade*, hinting at potential insights into their father-son dynamic prior to his search for him.
The Indiana Jones Chronology
- 1912: *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade* (Prologue)
- 1935: *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*
- 1936: *Raiders of the Lost Ark*
- 1937: *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*
- 1938: *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*
- 1944: *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny* (Prologue)
- 1951: *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny* (Flashback)
- 1957-1961: *Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull*
- 1969: *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny*
For the sake of clarity, *The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles*, which recounts the adventures of a younger Indy between 1908 and 1920, has been excluded from the timeline. Its place in the official canon remains debatable.
Much of the game takes explorers to iconic locations such as Egypt and Italy, offering an exciting backdrop for Indiana’s escapades.
Canon Status of *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*
Whether *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* is considered canon remains uncertain, as Craig Derrick did not provide a definitive answer. He remarked, “It’s authentic to Indiana Jones… how the story really connects those two movies.” His comments suggest a narrative that enriches existing lore but stops short of confirming its official standing within the franchise canon.
This ambiguity doesn’t seem to diminish its value, as the game is designed to feel standalone much like the films. The importance of canon could only arise if significant alterations to Indiana’s character or backstory were introduced.
MachineGames’ Design Director, Jens Andersson, shared similar sentiments, stating, “I don’t think we’re trying to change anything. We want to build on what’s there and enrich it.” This approach focuses on expanding the narrative universe rather than overhauling established storylines.
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