When it comes to Indiana Jones, there’s a unique vibe that goes beyond the tangible aspects like the plot, characters, and music. It’s in the way it was filmed, its choreography, and its overall tone. These intangible features are what have endeared the series to audiences over the years, making them a tough act to follow in a video game adaptation.
For MachineGames, the developer behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the challenge lay in not only crafting a stellar, contemporary gaming experience but in capturing the essence of the films. Striking the right balance was key: a game that feels fresh yet resonates with the spirit of the cinematic adventures it draws from.
Chatting with the team at MachineGames reveals their fascinating methods, blending modern game design with classic film techniques, all aimed at hitting that magical sweet spot they’ve been chasing.
Take, for instance, a seemingly minor scene that truly encapsulates the thoughtfulness of their process. Remember the iconic moment from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ where Indy faces off with an intimidating swordsman? What’s set to be an epic duel ends hilariously with Indy pulling out a gun and shooting the adversary. It’s a classic, but how does such a scene translate into a game, particularly one that’s wild about complex boss battles?
As Creative Director Axel Torvenius puts it, “That scene perfectly captures the kind of humor central to classic Indy films. We’ve been careful to incorporate that humor into our combat encounters, ensuring they remain varied and rewarding.”
Clearly, this scene isn’t just an incidental move on MachineGames’ part. It’s indicative of their broader mission: to mirror the films’ magic, even when the fit isn’t immediately obvious in a gaming context.
Right from the get-go, getting the ’80s cinematic look and feel spot-on was paramount for the team. Torvenius adds, “We didn’t want to reinvent how Indiana Jones looked or felt – keeping true to ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was our core ambition.”
Their dedication extended beyond tone and writing to the technical specifics: color palettes, film grading, audio techniques, and more were scrutinized. Then, translations of these components into the gaming medium were tackled with vigor.
Stories abound in the team’s efforts. Like how they applied set-building rules to game locations: “Games let you roam, so the challenge is maintaining the illusion. We pinpointed key observation points and designed those meticulously,” explains Torvenius.
For more controlled moments like cutscenes, MachineGames could go even further. By involving a Director of Photography, they ensured every motion-captured cinematic felt just right, capturing the early films’ visual storytelling essence.
Sound plays as crucial a role as visuals in recreating the Indiana Jones allure. From the memorable John Williams score to the iconic sound effects – even the classic Wilhelm Scream gets its due. Audio Director Pete Ward explains their approach: “We pinpointed elements that define Indy’s sonic world, such as his voice, the whip, the gunshots, and sounds of epic battles.” Their work involved hours upon hours of recording and a commitment to faithfully recreating original sound techniques.
When tasked with composing the game’s musical score, MachineGames turned to Gordy Haab, renowned for his thoughtful adaptations of John Williams’ works in Star Wars video games. Haab’s touch ensures that while the music nods to the film scores, it also carves out new thematic territory suitable for this fresh adventure.
Telling an original story set between ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Last Crusade’ required meticulous attention. Lead Narrative Designer Tommy Tordsson Björk dives into the wealth of Indy lore, bringing intertwining narratives to life, with help from Lucasfilm Games. Their goal was not just to tread familiar ground but to craft new segments of Indy’s epic journey.
MachineGames delves deep into both the series and the era’s history. They draw on decades of experience, similar to their approach with the likes of The Chronicles of Riddick. “Our approach is rooted in staying true to what made the originals great while paving the way for new narratives that match the classic tone and spirit,” affirms Björk.
Finally, turning the pulse-pounding episodes of a movie series into a captivating gaming experience involved capturing dynamic performances through extensive motion capture, says Torvenius. From death-defying stunts filmed in high-ceiling studios to the visceral impact of every punch thrown, the authenticity feels unparalleled.
The intricacies extend to gameplay elements too. Whether it’s puzzling over traps or using everyday items with cinematic humor, the game aims to immerse players in a story as memorable as the films.
In essence, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle reimagines that legendary scene with the swordsman, embedding the same humor and surprise into its gameplay. Through solid research, unparalleled effort, and hearty dedication, MachineGames ensures this game takes its rightful place in the Indiana Jones legacy.
Excitingly, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be gracing Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (with Game Pass), as well as Steam, starting December 9. Opt for the Premium and Collector’s Editions and gain a head start with early access from December 6.
