10 Best Licensed Video Games Of The Generation (So Far)
1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
For years, Indy fans had to sit and watch as Uncharted and Tomb Raider ran away with the formula he inspired in the first place. And while there’ve been Indiana Jones games before, none in the modern era have managed to really feel like an Indiana Jones movie.
The Great Circle finally changes that.
Developed by MachineGames (of Wolfenstein reboot fame), this is hands-down the best use of the license since the LucasArts glory days. It doesn’t try to outdo the competition with scale or spectacle - instead, it focuses on something far more important: immersion.
This isn’t just a third-person action game with a fedora slapped on. It leans into first-person perspective to put you in Indy’s shoes - cracking whips, solving puzzles, brawling with Nazis, and navigating ancient ruins like a proper academic turned adventurer. The whip isn’t just for show either; it’s integrated into traversal, combat, and puzzles in a way that feels authentic rather than gimmicky.
The game also slows down when it needs to. There’s an emphasis on storytelling, mystery, and pacing - something the films (well, the good ones) knew exactly how to balance, all accompanied by a noteworthy performance by Troy Baker channeling young Harrison Ford flawlessly. And yes, the hand-to-hand combat is meaty and satisfying in a way that makes you feel every punch.
The Great Circle doesn’t just use the Indiana Jones name - it earns it. And after years of knock-offs, it’s nice to see the original back in the spotlight where he belongs.