Why Indiana Jones Can't Harm Dogs in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

An Adventure in Toning Down Violence

Indiana Jones, one of cinema's most beloved characters, has won hearts with his charm, intelligence, and willingness to take risks. Yet, as exciting as his adventures may seem, he has a limit to how far he's willing to go. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, an adventure game developed by MachineGames, takes a notable approach to maintaining the essence of Indiana's character, especially when it comes to animals.

Focusing on Stealth Over Combat

The game surprises some fans by not being a straightforward action title. Instead, it combines action elements with an emphasis on stealth and strategy when facing enemies. Although Indiana Jones is a character known for his daring spirit and occasionally brutal tactics, there's a certain line he wouldn't cross. The developers at MachineGames have gone out of their way to ensure that the character's moral fiber is intact, especially in delicate situations involving animals.

The Dogs of the Game: A Protective Standpoint

A peculiar yet captivating aspect of the game is the behavior of enemies that accompany dogs in patrols. Indiana Jones cannot harm or shoot the dogs in these situations, forcing the player to find creative, non-violent ways to distract or scare them away. This is not merely a matter of toning down violence but has a clear narrative rationale.

The Reason Behind Indiana's Tolerance

There is a deeper lore explanation behind this choice that enhances the character's backstory. As revealed in The Last Crusade, Indiana Jones was nicknamed after his childhood dog. In another book, Indiana Jones and the Dinosaur Eggs, it's made clear that this pet was his best friend and someone he never got over the loss of. During his adventures, Indiana expresses his preference for dogs over snakes, solidifying this narrative thread. Given this character development, it becomes evident why Indiana Jones would spare a dog from harm, mirroring his emotional bond with his childhood companion.

MachineGames and Indiana Jones' Repercussions

The game developers are known for adding respectful touches to their narratives. MachineGames, specifically, is familiar with handling the dilemma of protecting pets within a game world. Notably, their previous work in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus centered around a difficult moment that required the player to make a harsh decision, all while managing to tell a compelling story. Considering this and the sensitive tone the developers strive for, it's feasible that guidance from Disney and Lucasfilm, the owners of the Indiana Jones franchise, influenced their decision regarding Indiana Jones' relationship with dogs.

Is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Worth Playing?

If you haven't had the chance to play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle yet, it's worth considering picking it up. ComicBook gave the game a 4/5 rating in their review, praising its ability to deliver a satisfying Indiana Jones experience and one that was well worth the wait. The game captures the spirit of the original character, respecting the essence of the adventure genre and providing an emotionally engaging gameplay experience that should not be missed.