Indiana Jones et le Cercle Ancien — Why MachineGames’ Adventure Stands Out and What’s Next

How Indiana Jones Snuck In as 2024’s Adventure Surprise

Few games in 2024 came out of the blue and genuinely impressed me the way Indiana Jones et le Cercle Ancien did. MachineGames-a studio I used to associate exclusively with the Nazi-blasting chaos of recent Wolfensteins-caught just about everyone off guard by capturing the very soul of a Hollywood legend. There wasn’t the tidal wave of hype you expect from a franchise borne out of Spielberg, Lucas, and John Williams’ iconic music, but maybe that’s why it hit so well: expectations were cautious, and the result was a true adventure that felt more Indy than anything since the heyday of ‘80s cinema.

• MachineGames absolutely nailed the Indiana Jones vibe-world-spanning puzzles, ancient ruins, fistfights with Nazis, and a sense of pulpy mystique.
• The coming DLC “L’Ordre des Géants” might actually justify paying extra, something rare for single-player adventures these days.
• A Switch 2 port is announced for 2026, but technical concerns are real, considering how demanding the core game is on current hardware.
• For once, a major licensed game isn’t just cashing in on nostalgia—it’s pushing the genre forward.

Breaking Down Why Cercle Ancien Works

This isn’t MachineGames’ usual playground. I went in wondering, “Can a studio known for headshots and explosions really pull off Indy’s blend of puzzles, peril, and archaeology?” What they delivered is a tight, globe-trotting adventure that doesn’t just pay lip service to the movies. The level design takes you from secret tunnels under the Vatican to crumbling temples in Thailand, with precisely the kind of deathtraps, ancient mysteries, and enemy-packed setpieces you’d hope for. The pacing isn’t perfect (a couple of sluggish stealth bits drag things down), but overall, it’s a love letter to fans—without falling into the trap of being just another bland adaptation.

The fact that it scored a solid 8/10 with critics, especially from folks who don’t hand out praise lightly to licensed games, tells you a lot. And as someone with a low tolerance for half-baked cash-ins (hello, most movie tie-ins), I found myself caring about uncovering every last secret. It’s that rare thing: a blockbuster with actual heart and respect for the material.

L’Ordre des Géants: Can an Expansion Keep the Magic Going?

Expansions for single-player narrative games almost always feel like post-launch filler—a couple of new rooms, recycled baddies, then credits. But with L’Ordre des Géants dropping September 4th, MachineGames is taking a real swing: an entirely new mystery rooted in Roman-era legends, a menacing ancient cult, and Rome’s labyrinthine Cloaca Maxima as a playground for puzzles and exploration. As a fan, what makes this intriguing isn’t just the promise of more content, but that the extension digs even deeper into what made the base game feel like classic Indy—piecing together obscure clues, dodging deathtraps, and outsmarting zealous adversaries.

Will it be worth the price tag? If the main game’s level of polish and creativity carries through, I’ll be the first to grab my (digital) fedora for another round. That said, expansion packs have been hit-or-miss this generation—especially in an age where “deluxe editions” are too often just a way to squeeze extra cash from day-one buyers. Here’s hoping MachineGames delivers substance, not marketing fluff.

Switch 2 Port in 2026: Cautious Hype or Recipe for Disaster?

The announcement that Cercle Ancien is headed for Nintendo’s still-mysterious Switch 2 in 2026 came out of nowhere, and it instantly raised some red flags. Yes, the Switch 2 is touted as a much beefier machine, but let’s be real: Indiana Jones et le Cercle Ancien is a graphical beast, especially if you want all the bells and whistles like ray tracing. The current version is punishing even on PC unless you’ve got a decent rig. Sure, cloud streaming could be an out, but do Switch players want a cloud-only experience—or another rough compromise?

Nintendo’s track record with third-party technical marvels is mixed (remember The Witcher 3’s Switch performance? Impressive, but always a tradeoff). No word yet on who’s handling the port or what technical sacrifices might be made. If it works, it’ll be a triumph for handheld adventure fans; if not, expect a new round of memes about melting consoles. For now, I’m equal parts excited and wary—the concept is great, but we need details before raising our hopes (or wallets).

TL;DR

If you love real adventure—not just recycled IP—Indiana Jones et le Cercle Ancien is the best surprise of the year. The coming expansion could keep the momentum going, but the Switch 2 port faces big questions. MachineGames proved licensed games can deliver. Let’s hope they keep the streak alive—no oversized marketing boulder in sight.