Is Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: The Order Of Giants Worth Your Time?

MachineGames’ latest Indiana Jones adventure, The Order of the Giants, expands the thrilling experience of tomb raiding and relic recovery. This downloadable content (DLC) invites players to explore previously off-limits areas in Rome, engaging in new quests, puzzles, and combat scenarios that maintain the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Last updated: 04 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Order of the Giants is a new DLC for Indiana Jones: The Great Circle, adding fresh content and experiences.
• This expansion takes players to previously inaccessible areas in the Vatican and Rome.
• Players engage in puzzles, combat, and stealth mechanics, reminiscent of classic adventure gaming.
• New characters, including Father Ricci, enrich the storyline as players hunt for the Nameless Crusader's helmet.
• Though not revolutionary, the DLC enhances the original game’s mechanics with exciting new elements.

Setting the Scene: A New Adventure Awaits

For fans of Indiana Jones, the films have always been a nostalgic return to tales of adventure, heroism, and good vs. evil. The latest game, The Great Circle, successfully harnessed that nostalgia, offering players an engaging action experience. Now, The Order of the Giants takes that foundation and builds upon it, allowing players to dive deeper into the lore surrounding the Nameless Crusader.

The DLC opens in the Vatican, an intriguing choice that adds layers of historical context and richness to the narrative. Players meet Father Ricci, an engaging character with a pet parrot, Pio, who accompanies him on his archaeological quests. This quirky duo sets the stage for an adventure filled with exploration and discovery.

Exploring the Vatican: A New Open World

The Vatican serves as the first open-world area introduced in The Great Circle, and The Order of the Giants expands this setting by unlocking previously restricted locations. Players are challenged to navigate through the papal mansion, which is now under heavy guard. The inclusion of Black Shirts, loyal to Mussolini, highlights the historical context of the era, showcasing that the fight against fascism extended beyond Nazi Germany.

The Storyline: Uncovering Myths

The narrative revolves around Ricci's quest to uncover more about the Nameless Crusader and his legendary helmet. This mythical warrior's treasures are hidden in the sacred chambers beneath the Vatican, adding an air of mystery and excitement. The storyline is delivered through eavesdropping and confessional notes, encouraging players to engage with the environment and piece together the plot through exploration rather than constant dialogue.

Gameplay Mechanics: Combat and Stealth

As with The Great Circle, The Order of the Giants features a balance of combat and stealth. Players must often rely on their wits and ingenuity to conserve health and stamina. The ability to sneak up on enemies and dispatch them silently is crucial, particularly when Indy is often unarmed or limited to makeshift weaponry.

The game's mechanics are heavily influenced by the need for stealth, with the emphasis on traversing environments undetected. This adds a layer of tension and strategy, making each encounter feel significant. Players will find themselves engaging in careful planning and execution as they navigate through enemy-infested areas.

Puzzles and Challenges: A Nod to the Classics

Puzzles play a significant role in The Order of the Giants, drawing inspiration from the franchise's history. Players will encounter challenges that require matching ancient symbols, rotating stone pillars, and manipulating various artefacts to unlock secrets. While some puzzles provide a satisfying challenge, others may prove frustrating due to their complexity or unclear objectives.

One notable puzzle involves guiding a flaming ball bearing through an intricate maze, testing players' problem-solving skills under pressure. This design choice reflects a classic adventure gaming approach, reminiscent of the puzzles that made previous titles in the genre memorable.

Visuals and Atmosphere: Immersive Environments

The graphics in The Order of the Giants continue to impress, depicting the crumbling architecture of Rome with stunning detail. The environments feel authentic, moving beyond the cartoonish landscapes often found in some other series. Lighting plays a crucial role in establishing the game's atmosphere, as flickering torchlight casts haunting shadows, enhancing the sense of adventure and danger.

Moreover, the soundtrack subtly incorporates elements of John Williams' iconic scores, heightening the emotional weight of key moments and adding a layer of nostalgia that fans of the franchise will undoubtedly appreciate.

Overall Experience: Satisfying but Familiar

While The Order of the Giants does not drastically reinvent the gameplay established in The Great Circle, it does provide a solid expansion that is enjoyable and immersive. Players can expect around five hours of content filled with puzzles, combat, and exploration. However, some may find this familiarity slightly underwhelming, as it does not introduce groundbreaking changes to the core mechanics.

The absence of recurring characters, such as Annika Lund, who played a pivotal role in the main game, hints at potential future expansions. This leaves players eager for more content that may further deepen the storyline and introduce new elements.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indiana Jones

The Order of the Giants serves as a worthy addition to the Indiana Jones gaming franchise, enriching the narrative and gameplay experience while maintaining the charm of the original. For fans of adventure, exploration, and puzzle-solving, this DLC is an opportunity to once again don the fedora and embark on a quest filled with excitement and intrigue. As the adventure continues, players are left wondering what other mysteries await Indy in future expansions.

FAQs

What platforms is The Order of the Giants available on?

The Order of the Giants is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 (coming in 2026), and PC, allowing a wide range of players to enjoy the adventure.

How much does The Order of the Giants cost?

The expansion is priced at £17.99, which provides players with several hours of additional gameplay and content.

What is the main storyline of the DLC?

The storyline revolves around Father Ricci's quest to uncover the secrets of the Nameless Crusader, with players exploring new areas in the Vatican and battling against fascist forces in pursuit of ancient treasures.

Are there new characters introduced in this DLC?

Yes, players meet Father Ricci, an archaeology-obsessed priest, along with his pet parrot, Pio, who adds charm and depth to the story.

How long does it take to complete The Order of the Giants?

Players can expect around five hours of gameplay in this expansion, filled with puzzles, combat, and exploration.