MachineGames has rolled out the first substantial update for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, introducing cutting-edge ray tracing capabilities alongside numerous gameplay improvements and bug fixes. The update, released on December 8, 2024, marks a crucial step in enhancing the gaming experience for players with early access to this highly anticipated title.
The most notable addition in this update is the implementation of Full Ray Tracing (Path Tracing) for compatible NVIDIA graphics cards. This advanced visual feature, which requires a minimum of 12GB VRAM, promises to deliver unprecedented visual fidelity to Indy’s latest adventure. However, AMD users will need to exercise patience as FSR support is still in development for a future update.
The comprehensive update addresses various aspects of the game, with particular attention paid to gameplay mechanics that had been causing frustration among players. One of the most significant fixes targets the whip mechanics, a cornerstone of the Indiana Jones experience. Players had reported issues with the whip unexpectedly detaching during swing sequences, which has now been resolved. Additionally, the developers have fixed an animation glitch that was particularly noticeable during bridge-crossing sequences in Nepal, where Indy’s legs would snap unnaturally into position.
Combat and stealth mechanics have also received considerable attention. The update resolves several issues that impacted player interaction with enemies, including a bug that prevented players from blocking punches while looking at nearby pickup objects. Another notable fix addresses the AI response time when players attempt to steal valuables from enemies, creating a more realistic and challenging experience.
The development team has also focused on improving the game’s companion character interactions. Several fixes target issues with Gina, a key NPC, who would occasionally fail to appear at crucial moments or become stuck during cooperative puzzle-solving sequences. These improvements are particularly evident in locations like the Wat Si Sawai in Sukhothai and the Chamber of Fire during the Silver Trial mission in the Vatican.
Visual and performance improvements feature prominently in this update. PC players using 8GB VRAM cards will notice enhanced performance in larger game levels. The update also addresses specific graphics issues, such as flickering torch effects at high refresh rates and rendering problems with sand-pouring animations on AMD graphics cards. HDR and DLSS users will be pleased to know that the moiré effect previously visible on white walls has been eliminated.
Quality-of-life improvements include the addition of a “Reset to Default” option in the game’s menu system, faster photo inspection from the journal, and various UI refinements. The update also ensures that previously missable content, such as photo opportunities, journal notes, and Adventure Books, remains accessible when revisiting levels or after completing certain game sections.
For PC players specifically, the update addresses several platform-specific issues. Alt-tabbing problems that prevented inventory access have been resolved, and the developers have fixed issues related to cloud save compatibility between Steam and Xbox platforms. The update also improves the reliability of video mode changes and addresses various graphical artifacts that were appearing during cutscenes.
However, the development team acknowledges that some challenges remain. Players launching the game with DLSS enabled may experience reduced performance, though a temporary workaround has been provided through the graphics options menu. The team continues to work on resolving this issue and implementing AMD FSR support in future updates.
This comprehensive update demonstrates MachineGames’ commitment to polishing and perfecting the Indiana Jones experience. The attention to detail in addressing both major and minor issues, from fundamental gameplay mechanics to subtle visual improvements, suggests a deep understanding of player feedback and a dedication to maintaining the high standards expected from this iconic franchise.
As Indiana Jones and the Great Circle continues its early access period, this update sets a promising precedent for the game’s ongoing development and support. Players can look forward to future updates that will further enhance their archaeological adventures, with AMD FSR support being one of the most anticipated upcoming features.
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