Indiana Jones & The Great Circle Proves How Games Can Avoid A Common Nostalgia Trap

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Nostalgia can often be a double-edged sword for long-running franchises, but provides a perfect example of how it can be wielded effectively. The most recent entry in the franchise was the subject of much hype and ballyhoo during its three years in development, and now that the finished product is in players' hands, people have been largely pleased with it. The mass appeal of the game is certainly due in no small part to the recognizable name and image of Dr. Jones himself, as well as the classic movies he's associated with.

For millions of people all over the world, the movies are the pinnacle of the adventure genre, full of moments that left an indelible mark on the fabric of pop culture. Being able to work with such a recognizable license affords many opportunities to, but it also risks falling into the trap of simply resting on the franchise's laurels. Despite this, is somehow able to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and originality.

For those interested in a hit of nostalgia, couldn't have started on a better note. The game's prologue mission is a recreation of the iconic opening scene from wherein Indy and his ill-fated guides delve into an ancient Peruvian temple in search of the legendary Golden Idol. All the now-famous beats from the movie are present here in the game, from the gauntlet of booby traps to the attempted backstabs and Indy's frantic getaway from the rolling boulder.

In making a shot-for-shot recreation of such a well-known scene, offers players something famous and familiar to enjoy, but it also invites direct comparisons to a source material that it now must live up to.

Opening with such an overt homage to what is arguably the most famous moment in the entire franchise – and indeed, one of the most famous in all cinema – is a risky move on 's part. In making a shot-for-shot recreation of such a well-known scene, offers players something famous and familiar to enjoy, butit also invites direct comparisons to a source material that