The Indiana Jones franchise, while having experienced a decline in cultural prominence over the past twenty years, remains a cherished classic among its global fanbase. For many who grew up watching the films, the initial trilogy is a fond memory, filled with quotable lines and unforgettable scenes. Fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the numerous references embedded within Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Upon launching Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, players are greeted with a title screen that pays homage to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a clear indication that developer MachineGames poured their heart and soul into this project. The game seamlessly integrates iconic musical motifs and clever one-liners, which contribute to its genuine feel. A plethora of Easter eggs not only pay tribute to the original films but also deepen the connection to the franchise’s legacy, such as an early nod to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Exploring References to The Last Crusade in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle






Unpacking the Father and Son Quest in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
As players progress through the Vatican level, they will encounter a side quest titled “Nun in Trouble,”where they join forces with Gina Lombardi to track down her missing nun friend. This quest entails a perilous ascent up the Borgia Tower, culminating in a confrontation with a guard. After successfully navigating this challenge, players receive a key to a mysterious room located midway up the tower.
Once inside, the “Father and Son”side quest unfolds, requiring players to use a Polybius Square to decipher a code hidden within a nearby poem to unlock a safe. This rewarding endeavor yields four collectibles: two photographs and two key documents.
The photographs capture moments of Indy discovering an ancient cat mummy in Siwa and conversing with Antonio in his Vatican office, hinting at an ongoing surveillance operation targeting Indy. The accompanying documents are even more intriguing, implying that these spies may have a wider interest in the Jones family dynamics.
Connections to The Last Crusade Through the Father and Son Quest
Among the documents found, the “Junior Report”outlines the individuals surveilling Indy, while the “Senior Report”reveals that Indy’s father, portrayed by Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, is also under observation. This report highlights that Henry Walton Jones Sr., who dedicated his life to the pursuit of the Holy Grail, is not viewed as a threat to a particular project, leading to his removal from the list of targets.
The report further notes the estrangement between father and son, suggesting that Indy is unlikely to involve his father in his quest to recover the stolen cat mummy. Upon completing the “Father and Son”quest, Indy expresses surprise, exclaiming, “They were even spying on you, dad?”linking back to their complex relationship.
Notably, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set just one year prior to the events of The Last Crusade, making this Easter egg a delightful foreshadowing of the father-son reunion that fans have long anticipated.