Indiana Jones and the Broad Circle: Eurogamer’s Game of the Year 2024

It is rare for a title released in the final stretch of December to create not only a lasting impact on nearly a dozen distinct team members, but also a significant one that almost instantly overshadows the past year’s selection of equally captivating games they have all been enjoying. Yet, this is exactly what Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has accomplished for the Eurogamer team in recent weeks, stealthily seizing this year’s most coveted accolade before any of us truly recognized what was unfolding.

This achievement speaks to the prowess of MachineGames and its effort in creating an adventurous experience filled with a mysterious and ancient story circling the globe, alongside its strong commitment to enabling players to engage in their own improvised fun. Moreover, it serves as a reminder for us as reviewers to continually embrace the full extent of what any given year has in store; dismissing such a polished, brilliant gem simply because it is released during a less than convenient time is a disservice to you, our audience.

This spirit of enjoyment and unabashed spontaneity is also what characterizes Eurogamer’s second game of 2024, Team Asobi’s delightful Astro Bot. This year saw a thrilling neck-and-neck race between these two titles, with both standing above nearly everything else when the final vote was cast.

In many ways, these two titles occupy almost opposite ends of the gaming spectrum – one is a PlayStation mascot platformer that joyfully traverses 30 years of gaming history, while the other is a vibrant Xbox hit that combines light and spontaneous stealth mechanics with crisp puzzles and intense melee action. However, I believe both resonate with a similar, underlying desire that we all feel – a fatigue of being spoon-fed the same uninspiring AAA offerings year after year, and a longing to explore, twist, poke, and truly understand what makes these games tick. We crave challenges, engage with what lies before us, and seek to experience joy and satisfaction throughout.

That is not to say we are deliberately avoiding some of the darker themes that also contribute to remarkable games. The sheer volume of horror titles on this year’s list is clear evidence of that. Indeed, these too can be exquisite interactive experiences that spark our minds in the same ways that titles like Astro Bot and Indiana Jones do. Nevertheless, I believe it is that unique blend of player-driven chaos and creativity that The Great Circle taps into that has made it the deserving champion of this year’s selections.

The invitation to pick up a broom, a hammer, or even an instrument, and then have Indy wield them with such finesse and mischievous confidence that you don’t even have to think twice about where that object will land in the next five seconds is invigorating. It is destined to smash and splinter the closest Nazi guard’s temple, buckle their knees, and knock them out cold. Thus is the fate of every item that passes through Indy’s hands, as it is simply too delightful not to (well, aside from the numerous biscuits, bananas, and prickly pears you might find lying around – those are going straight into Indy’s mouth to recharge his health and stamina).

Yet, despite the predictable outcomes of all these various items, The Great Circle remains alive with surprises. Your approach may be thwarted by a concealed guard you overlooked on your path, causing your stealthy takedown to erupt into a frantic flurry of tossed bottles, seized trowels, and chaotic punches. Alternatively, you might encounter a small brain-teasing puzzle that provides a delightful distraction for a moment, urging you to take a break to solve a proposed gaming riddle or unlock a chest where skill books, currency, and other enticing goodies lie in wait. You may even choose to pause for a moment to spend quality time with its diverse cast of characters, from your charming companion Gina to the Sukhothai village chief and his cat, Fried Egg.

Or perhaps you’ll stumble upon a completely different rabbit hole as you navigate its intricately designed areas, leading to one of The Great Circle’s standout side quests, many of which are so substantial, not to mention almost integral to the overarching narrative, that you’ll want to see them through regardless. Frequently hidden away from the comfort of The Great Circle’s main story missions, they transport you to a variety of different locations across its expansive maps that you might not have otherwise explored, each crafted with unique storylines and environments that lend a distinct flavor to every single experience. Some delve into stealth-driven rescue missions, while others focus on Indy’s penchant for tomb raiding. There’s even one that feels like a tribute to PT – a genuinely impressive