Latest news with #IndianaJonesandtheGreatCircle
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Xbox Game Pass is hitting the first-party release cadence subscribers deserve
2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years for Xbox Game Pass yet, thanks to a series of first-party acquisitions finally delivering exceptional day one titles. After years of stilted day one releases and disappointing exclusives, Xbox Game Pass has finally transformed into the excellent value offering it always should've been. Being an Xbox Game Pass member hasn't always been easy. While the concept of a video game subscription service that regularly updates with day one first-party releases (and the occasional third-party curio) was good in theory, rarely has its release slate been able to hit a good, reliable cadence since it initially launched back in 2017. Fast forward eight – yes, count them, eight – years later, and in 2025 the ducks that company head Phil Spencer and the rest of the Xbox higher-ups spent so long getting in a row now look to be finally paying off. This year alone has seen countless Xbox Game Pass treats available at launch, solidifying just how well the service can work when it hits a stride – at least on the consumer side. In truth, Xbox Game Pass received its proper supercharge at the end of 2024 with the launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in December. Whereas licensed games previously had a reputation for being a bit ropey and half-assed in terms of quality, this was the most recent example of what can happen when a studio truly understands the source material. More than a facsimile of the Indiana Jones concept, Machine Games' title put you in the shoes of cinema's most famous adventurer through the act of exploration, investigation, and yes, bashing Nazis over the head with whatever object is lying around. I honestly believe Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would have been a game of the year contender had it not been released so late in the year. A sentiment largely thought impossible for a first-party Xbox game just a few years ago – outside of the Forza Horizon series, of course. While Xbox's release calendar has shifted wildly in recent months to see its first-party titles now come to rival platform PlayStation not too long after, the value of Xbox Game Pass is still retained due to the high calibre of exclusives that have launched into the service this year. January was a tad quiet, but February treated members to another charming release in Avowed. In my review, I dubbed it an 'RPG let down by its progression system', but it was still a fun adventure, I'm glad players seeking that high fantasy itch could scratch. Since then, Xbox's recent first-party studio acquisitions have continued to pay off exponentially, with the likes of South of Midnight, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered, and most recently Doom: The Dark Ages being instantly available to play. Admittedly, getting to this point hasn't been a cakewalk, and I honestly wish Xbox could have spent time assisting its existing family of first-party studios like The Coalition or Halo Studios (previously 343) to reach it. Instead, it spent its energy scoffing up a ream of independent developers like some sort of twisted all-you-can-eat buffet. Compulsion Games, Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory were all early acquisitions made during the end of the flailing Xbox One generation with the intention of bolstering the Xbox platform's release slate. It's certainly done that, but midway through the Xbox Series X |S generation, a lot of players are already looking ahead to the future. An X-traordinary start For now, however, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for a subscription service that has, up until now, felt like a slow drip feed of exciting games to play, as opposed to the full-fledged gush members have been led to expect. It's not just been great for first-party exclusives, either. By partnering with some of the year's surprise hits, Xbox has been able to bolster its lineup with more games that make the idea of subscribing even more enticing than it otherwise would be. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the most obvious example as one of the biggest surprise hits (and most critically acclaimed games) of the year, giving this quirky turn-based RPG about a doomed expedition trying to save their home a broader audience than it may not have been able to reach otherwise. For all the troubles Xbox Game Pass has experienced over the years, such as constantly delayed exclusives and splintering into an increasingly confusing list of tiers, it has always done a great job partnering with third-party publishers to help plug gaps. This year, that means heavy-hitters such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Atomfall, of course, but also smaller gems like Revenge of the Savage Planet and Blue Prince. I can't remember a time prior to now when Xbox Game Pass members (at least those subscribed to the Ultimate tier) have had such a great selection of additions to choose from. It only looks to continue throughout the rest of 2025, too, with high-profile releases like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Remedy Entertainment's FBC: Firebreak also set to launch into the service immediately on day one. For years now, I've been one of the Xbox Game Pass model's biggest critics. And though I still believe that great art, which video games absolutely are, is worth paying for, there's no denying that 2025 has seen the service ascend to its strongest value offering yet. At a time when Nintendo has kicked off higher tier pricing in advance of the Nintendo Switch 2 's arrival, subscribing now to Xbox Game Pass this year would already see you well fed through to the end of 2025 – and that's not even including all the great day one releases to come. I doubt such a strong Xbox Game Pass release cadence will continue into 2026 (although I'm happy to be proven wrong). Until then, it's hard not to make the most of this strong flow of exciting games that before now has only ever felt like a stilted drip.
Business Mayor
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is selling faster on PS5 and PC, even though it has more players on Xbox
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is selling faster on PS5 than it did on Xbox The PS5 release is also outperforming the PC version This is despite more gamers playing the game on Xbox Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is selling faster on PlayStation 5 than it did on PC and Xbox. That's according to data from head of market analysis Rhys Eliott at market research firm Alinea Analytics. The company estimates that 'just under 5 million' Xbox gamers have tried Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, though 'the overwhelming majority' did so via the Xbox Game Pass service. As a result, the game is now selling faster on PS5 than it did on Xbox, despite having fewer players on the platform. It is also beating the PC launch (via Steam), selling '28% faster' in the same period. You may like Bear in mind that the PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched on April 17, 2025, more than four months after it came to Xbox and PC and after its initial marketing cycle. The firm notes that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has sold more than 300,000 copies on PC (via Steam) to date, with the PS5 version expected to exceed that. What does this mean for the future of Xbox? (Image credit: Microsoft) Eliott argues that it's clear that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would have sold even faster on PS5 if it were available on day one, as it would have benefited from the initial marketing push. This will likely push Xbox to release more on PS5 on day one in the future, despite potential outcry from some of the most vocal core fans. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. It seems undeniable that the inclusion of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox Game Pass has harmed its sales on the platform. According to Alinea Analytics, subscription numbers 'have largely saturated' and are unlikely to grow, leaving Xbox in a bit of an awkward position where drastic changes are needed to grow revenue. Day one PS5 releases could help offset the lost sales on Xbox and the lack of new subscribers, helping releases remain profitable. The firm argues that eventually all first-party games will release on PlayStation platforms on day one, which seems likely.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is out on the PlayStation 5…and is a rare gaming gem
This is the greatest Indy game ever made - and I mean that with all my heart, which is safely beating in my chest having not been ripped out during a black magic cult ritual WHIPS DON'T LIE Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is out on the PlayStation 5…and is a rare gaming gem Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DECENT Indiana Jones game is hard to come by - a rarity. Like hidden treasure the stubborn archaeologist would scour the ends of the Earth to uncover. The last glistening relics unearthed were The Fate of Atlantis and The Last Crusade - buried deep in the pixelated history books of MS Dos - a bygone era of last century. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Indy's quest take him around the world, including Egypt Credit: Bethesda Others that followed, like The Staff of Kings and The Infernal Machine, proved to be nothing more than fakes, shiny forgeries of little worth. However, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an astonishing artefact. A game of pure brilliance that takes your breath away like a chilled monkey brains appetiser. 9 The bullwhip is cracking - sweep the legs or disarm the enemy Credit: Bethesda After an earlier release for the PC and Xbox, it's now out on the PlayStation 5. It serves up the perfect blend of cinematic and interactive gaming that is both compelling as it is immersive. Its cut scenes don't drag on, yet you feel like you're watching the movie. At the same time, the combat and puzzles are engrossing enough to give you the best experience yet of playing as Indy. Set between the events of Raids of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, you play as everyone's favourite archaeologist (sorry Ms Croft). 9 Hand-to-hand combat is classic Indiana Jones Credit: Bethesda Indy sets out on a quest across the globe to unearth the mystery surrounding the Great Circle. After a terrific tutorial where you relive the epic opening to the Raiders film, you set about the shimmering halls of Marshall College with Marcus and prepare for your adventure. The attention to detail MachineGames has put into each level is astonishing and there are some lovely nods to previous games - the overturned bookcase at the university reeked of the opening to the point-and-click classic Fate of Atlantis. And it's this love and dedication to the franchise that really sets the Great Circle apart from the rest. Visually, it's stunning and the characters are brilliantly rendered. Troy Baker is superb as Indy and you can hardly tell the difference between him and Harrison Ford if you shut your eyes. The quips, the grunts . . . it's Indy! The score also adds to the immersive experience. It harks back to Raiders and delivers perfectly-timed crescendos during the cut-scenes and in-play. 9 Weapons vary but are not the main source of combat Credit: Bethesda As you'd expect, there's plenty of jet-setting to be done and Indy's infamous red-lined travel map stops off at just about every corner of the Earth. From the Vatican to the Himalayas and Iraq, each location is beautifully detailed and there's plenty of freedom - you can venture off the beaten track to find hidden rewards that would otherwise be missed. 9 The glistening halls of Marshall College show off the game's stunning visuals Credit: Bethesda Combat is classic Indy. Hand-to-hand punches thwack like hardened cricket bats when delivering short or heavy blows. It's the main form of attack and thoroughly satisfying. There's also a incredible 'clunk' when you knockout enemies using a creative array of melee weapons. Pick up a sturdy wrench, a broomstick or even a guitar . . . all can be used to take down the bad guy. It's not very pretty but it gets the job done - just like Indy would in the films. 9 The characters are superb and faces well-rendered Credit: Bethesda His trusty sidearm is also an option but it's not as devastatingly clinical as it should be. A few well-placed headshots failed to down the enemy at times. But the pistol is not the main feature. This isn't a shoot 'em up. Don't expect to mow down wave after wave of screeching Nazis. No, the main attraction is Indy's bullwhip. Aim a high crack to the face to disorientate the enemy or sweep the legs to gain an advantage. You can disarm people with a quick flick and it's also used to swing from one place to the next. 9 There are plenty of satisfying puzzles throughout the game Credit: Bethesda It's not the hardest game in the world, although you can adjust the difficulty settings of the enemy - how aware they are, the number that will come at you from afar or close up. And it did feel like it was a little too easy to creep around in stealth mode. The puzzles are decent enough and some even have you scratching your fedora for a while. And there are plenty of side quests to rifle through leading to lots of replayability - in all, you can expect about 20 hours of fun in Indy's shoes. Keep an eye out for the outfit changes too - the PlayStation 5 version had a very cool ability to play Indy in his Temple of Doom kit. A nice touch. 9 There's plenty of option to go off the beaten track in the game Credit: Bethesda The clever haptics of the PS5 controller really stood out for me. As you creep through the jungle, the controller vibrates and clicks at random making it feel as though hairy tarantulas are crawling up your hands. Everything about this game will have you smiling like Short Round watching Willie fall off an elephant. 9 After so many disappointing games, Indy finally serves up a whip cracker Credit: Bethesda This is the best Indiana Jones game ever made. I mean that with all my heart - one that is still safely beating inside my chest and yet to be ripped out by a nutter in a furry skull hat ready to plunge me into a fiery pit during a black magic cult ritual. After the continued disappointment of previous games and the abject horror of recent movies, the Great Circle is the perfect antidote for fans - the Indy film that never was.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Port of Huntsville on the power of inland ports; navigating a trade war
This embedded content is not available in your region. On Episode 827 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about the shockwaves that have been reverberating throughout the trade community due to the trade war. The Maritime Professor Lauren Beagan drops in to talk about the massive collapse in container bookings that has happened over the past month. How soon will we feel the pain in volumes on the trucking side? Beagan also breaks down recent maritime policy regarding new port fees as well as the Panama and Suez canals. Port of Huntsville CEO Butch Roberts believes we're in for an inland port renaissance. We'll find out how the port works, whom it serves and why big investments in air and intermodal will be a boon for shippers. Plus, gambling bookkeeper busted; Kodiak goes SPAC; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle drops on PS5; and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 00:55 Headlines: $4M gambling theft; Kodiak goes SPAC 03:31 The power of inland ports | Port of Huntsville 08:15 It's not a Bug, it's a feature 22:12 Navigating a trade war | Lauren Beagan 22:44 Port fees and maritime policy | Lauren Beagan 42:12 Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Port of Huntsville on the power of inland ports; navigating a trade war | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Indiana Jones & The Great Circle: Release Date & PS5 Pro Enhancements
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle After seeing the beauty of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox, I'm excited to fire it up on the PS5 Pro. When I learned the hit title was headed to the PS5, one of the first things I was interested in learning about was the enhancements we might see when the game runs on the PS5 Pro. I've dug up some information on that, as well as the fast-approaching confirmed release date and the special editions. The game officially launches on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro on April 17. Pre-order customers of the Premium Edition will receive two days of early access and can begin playing on April 15. Any users who pre-order will receive the Last Crusade Pack. Pre-order users for the Premium Edition will receive The Order of Giants Story DLC, digital artbook, and Temple of Doom outfit. There is also a Collector's Edition for PC and Xbox. We'll get into that a bit more below. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The new game will benefit from enhancements on the PS5 Pro, per Push Square. The game is set to be "visually optimized" for the PS5 Pro, offering improved visual fidelity and performance. Additionally, two new whip abilities, "Open Season" and "Sleight of Hand," will be introduced. With "Open Season," whip-cracking an enemy will temporarily cause them to take more damage from subsequent attacks, while "Sleight of Hand" allows players to disarm an enemy and have their weapon fly toward Indy. The hope is that these enhancements will provide a more immersive and dynamic gameplay experience for PS5 Pro users. The game's campaign mode takes place in 1937. The story takes place between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. One of the most attractive things about the game is that it feels like a movie or television series from the IP that wasn't made. Oftentimes, games made after movies don't add to the story. This one does. The game is played from a first-person perspective, which was a bit of a deterrent for me initially. I've gotten a little bored with first-person games. However, there is something about first-person in The Great Circle that works. The way you experience the action would be nerfed to the game's detriment without it. If you've played it on Xbox, you know what I mean. A limited Collector's Edition includes everything in the Premium bundle, plus a custom globe with secret storage, a replica of the Allmaker Relic, an oversized SteelBook, and a collector's adventure journal. Bethesda has done an excellent job packaging this thing in a manner that'll make you smell a hint of leather and see particles of dust from an old artifact. Take a look. Indiana Jones Be on the lookout for post-event content with a concentration on the imagery in the game on PS5 Pro
