MachineGames’ first-person adventure, set between two of the franchise’s most well-known films, is making its way to PlayStation.

The upcoming title Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will release for PlayStation 5 on April 17. The game, developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, is already confirmed for Xbox and PC, but the PS5 version will arrive with platform-specific enhancements, including full support for the PS5 Pro.

Set in the timeline between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game follows Indiana Jones across a range of international locations, from the deserts of Egypt to the Himalayas and Sukhothai’s jungles. The story centers around uncovering clues tied to an ancient mystery known as the Great Circle.

Gameplay and Features

The game is a first-person, single-player title, deviating from the third-person format of most previous Indiana Jones games. The gameplay includes puzzle-solving, environmental traversal, and combat, with the whip remaining a central tool. Tools such as a lighter and camera are used for exploration, adding to the investigative focus.

MachineGames has incorporated PS5-specific features including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers through the DualSense controller. Visual cues have also been embedded into the controller’s lightbar to indicate in-game status changes. These include different lighting behaviors depending on player health, combat status, or recovery actions.

Technical Enhancements

On a technical level, the game runs at a stable 60 FPS on PS5, with selective installation options for players who prefer to download only specific language packs. The use of the console’s SSD is intended to reduce loading times and enhance texture streaming.

The PS5 Pro version includes native 4K resolution and extended ray tracing features. This is intended to deliver higher frame consistency and visual detail, particularly in scenes with dynamic lighting or environmental complexity.

According to the development team, the game utilizes a ray-traced global illumination system on both standard and Pro models. These additions aim to create a more realistic rendering of light and shadow, especially in varied environments like temples, caves, and urban interiors.

Audio and Immersion

Audio implementation includes support for Sony’s 3D audio technology. This is expected to create directional sound effects during gameplay, enhancing player awareness during stealth sequences and exploration. HD rumble is also supported, particularly in cinematic scenes or during scripted action moments.

Accessibility and Player Guidance

The game integrates Community Game Help—a PS5 feature that allows players to view tips submitted by other users for specific sections of the game. All main objectives and sub-tasks in missions are supported, with contextual help designed to reduce friction during gameplay without external walkthroughs.

Early Access and Release

Players who opt for the Premium Edition will receive access up to two days earlier than the global release date. That version is being offered across platforms but does not appear to have PlayStation-exclusive content beyond the hardware-specific performance enhancements.

Platform Expansion

Originally announced as an Xbox console exclusive, the PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle marks a strategic shift. Bethesda, now under Microsoft’s ownership, has made selective titles available to non-Xbox platforms. This release follows that approach, expanding availability without timed exclusivity.

Summary

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle introduces a new approach to the franchise in video game form, with a first-person format and modern hardware features. The PS5 version will offer performance benefits including faster loading, real-time lighting effects, and expanded controller interactivity. The game is scheduled to launch globally on April 17, with early access starting April 15 for certain editions.