Do you enjoy adventure games about treasure hunters? What are the first titles that come to your mind?
Naturally, Uncharted and Tomb Raider. However, on December 9th, 2024, another game with a similar vibe was released — Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Interestingly, this title is both inspired by the aforementioned games and serves as a gaming continuation of the franchise that started it all, bringing the story full circle!
Today, we’ll tell you a bit more about the newest Indiana Jones title and its noticeable similarities (as well as differences) compared to the already iconic Uncharted and Tomb Raider series. Let’s dive into a brief comparison!
Storylines and Protagonists Comparison
In the Uncharted series, the story revolves around Nathan Drake (Morgan), a treasure hunter highly skilled in the art of thievery.
Due to his mother’s theory that their family is descended from Francis Drake, Nathan often follows in the legendary explorer’s footsteps, seeking his treasures and the artefacts, Drake failed to obtain.
In Tomb Raider, the protagonist is female. Lara Croft is an archeology specialist from an aristocratic family—intelligent, athletic, and adventure-driven, with a strong desire to uncover historical mysteries and surpass her father’s achievements.
Throughout the series, players accompany Lara on her dangerous expeditions to the world’s farthest corners, discovering ancient civilizations’ secrets and collecting rare artefacts, frequently facing life-or-death battles.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, while part of the Indiana Jones franchise, is neither a continuation of any previously released games nor a film adaptation.
This title introduces an entirely new story, set in 1937 between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
After accidentally stealing a seemingly insignificant artifact, Jones embarks on a quest to uncover the secret of the mysterious Great Circle, which holds immense power. However, he must act fast to stay ahead of the Nazis.
Gameplay, Mechanics, and Graphics – Are They Similar?
When it comes to gameplay, all three games share many similarities. They are action-packed adventures featuring obstacle navigation, combat (both melee and with weapons), puzzles (e.g., finding exits), and agility challenges (especially during climbing or… falling).
Each game also includes various collectibles.
The latest Indiana Jones instalment, though graphically similar to the aforementioned games (although it looks better and even more photorealistic, thanks to the new id Tech 7 Motor Engine), has one key difference — a first-person perspective.
Third-person perspective is used only in selected moments, such as climbing.
Meanwhile, in both Uncharted and the newer Tomb Raider entries, the gameplay is entirely from a third-person perspective.
The Great Circle also stands out with its semi-open locations, allowing for far more exploration compared to the relatively confined maps of Uncharted and Tomb Raider.
Key Differences and Similarities – Which Game Should You Play?
It’s a tough choice, but it’s worth noting that the cinematic adventures and the iconic Indiana Jones character were the inspiration for both Tomb Raider and Uncharted.
All three protagonists share a love for adventure and risk, and their escapades have a similar tone.
Interestingly, the developers of The Great Circle clearly drew inspiration from the aforementioned games when designing its mechanics, so as we mentioned earlier, the story truly comes full circle here!
Which game should you play? If you’re a fan of adventure games, we recommend playing all three titles due to their similar mechanics and gameplay, as well as the fact that each offers a compelling, immersive story, numerous puzzles, and the chance to embody iconic characters.
But what stands out in each title?
- Tomb Raider – The only franchise of the three to feature a female protagonist. Its newer instalments also include well-developed RPG and crafting elements. An additional advantage is its extensive series, comprising 12 main games and 4 spin-offs.
- Uncharted – Nathan Drake’s adventures offer a more compact narrative, wrapped up in 4 games, with numerous emotionally engaging storylines. Uncharted also provides excitement not only through treasure hunting but also through Nate’s thieving expertise, letting players experience the dangers directly tied to his knack for getting into trouble.
- The Great Circle – This game revolves around the character who inspired the other two heroes. Players step into the shoes of the legendary Indiana Jones, a fan favourite among movie lovers and gamers for nearly 45 years. Its more open locations and superior graphics (thanks to its 2024 release) give this game an edge. Additionally, The Great Circle is just one of many titles chronicling Indiana Jones’ adventures!