Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants DLC Expands Adventure Beneath Rome
A new expansion for Bethesda’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers four to five hours of additional gameplay, immersing players in the catacombs of Rome and a compelling new mystery.
The world of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle expands with the release of The Order of Giants, a downloadable content pack that sends the intrepid archaeologist back to Italy. This time, Indy ventures beneath the streets of Rome, initially on a quest for a legendary Crusader helmet once belonging to a Nephilim giant known as Gibborim. However, the search quickly unravels a conspiracy involving a mysterious cult attempting to unleash a long-dormant power.
The DLC seamlessly integrates into the existing game, becoming available after completing the Vatican level and dynamically scaling to the player’s current ability level. According to one reviewer, this integration is so smooth it “suggests that it could just as easily have been shipped with the game.” The Order of Giants isn’t merely a continuation of the main storyline; it’s a self-contained adventure complete with cutscenes, intricate puzzle rooms, and a challenging new boss encounter.
A recurring critique of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle centers on its optional content. “The problem with Indiana Jones is that many of those optional tasks by rights should be an integral part of the game,” a source noted. These tasks often involve complex puzzle-solving, yet the game provides little incentive for players to pursue them. The Order of Giants, while feeling akin to an “unfinished side quest” in some respects, offers a more substantial experience.
Gameplay in the expansion leans heavily into exploration and puzzle-solving, with Indy utilizing his signature whip and fists when necessary. Players will navigate Rome’s ancient sewer system, the Cloaca Maxima, by boat after traversing subterranean tunnels. Two notable puzzles involve solving intricate networks, one requiring precise timing to guide a burning ball through a track. While not overly difficult, the puzzles can occasionally prove frustrating due to their complexity.
The visual fidelity of The Order of Giants is particularly striking on PC, especially with high-end hardware. Running the game with an RTX 4090, the environments achieve an almost photorealistic quality. “Marbled floors shine, reflecting the subtle colours of the surrounding room. Subterranean walls glisten with moisture as walls are illuminated by the crackling fire of a burning torch,” one observer described. The expansion appears to fully leverage the game’s advanced graphical capabilities.
Troy Baker’s performance as Indiana Jones continues to impress, capturing the essence of the iconic character with remarkable accuracy. “Only occasionally did his uncanny portrayal of Harrison Ford’s Indy miss its mark,” according to reports.
However, the expansion isn’t without its flaws. Like the original game, optional elements can be easily overlooked, despite offering significant gameplay opportunities. The reviewer pointed out that these “nuggets are, unfortunately, diluted with other, more run-of-the-mill collectables.” A more effective system for alerting players to nearby side quests is needed, beyond simply checking the in-game journal.
Despite these minor shortcomings, The Order of Giants is a welcome addition to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. It delivers the expected thrills and adventure, and leaves players hoping for further DLC expansions.
Verdict: 8.5/10
