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Skill Tree has become a core feature in most modern RPGs, rewarding players for progression. However,Indiana Jones and the Great Circlelooks to break the norm and take a bold, refreshing approach by completely removing the skill tree. Instead, it relies on a traditional upgrade system, emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and discovery to unlock abilities.
By relying on optional and hidden rewards rather than a rigid skill progression system, the game promises to bring a dynamic and player-driven experience where every decision feels consequential, and the journey will be specifically tailored to the individual and how they approach their challenge.
Indiana Jones and the Great CircleWants to Prioritize Immersion Over Progression
In a recentinterview, Design Director Jens Andersson shared some insights on how the game was designed. Andersson explained that their main focus was to immerse players inthe game’s narrative and make them feel like they are Indiana Jones.
To achieve this, the skill tree progression system was removed and replaced with a more immersive and grounded approach. Rather than acquiring abilities through an arbitrary upgrade system, players unlock new tools and powers through in-game lore and exploration.
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Boss Was “Quite Surprised” When Todd Howard Made Him an Offer He Couldn’t Refuse
While exploring hidden and unknown areas like Indy, players will find Adventure Books that offer new abilities. This method makes it feel as if players are naturally discovering new things rather than progressing at a set pace (in terms of power and abilities).
The biggest challenge here is that they are all optional and many of them are quite hard to find. […] But that is what makes those Adventure Books exciting as well; you never know what an Adventure Book you find can contain.
This encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of the world, solve various puzzles, and uncover mysteries to gain power, giving them the freedom to define their own Indiana Jones adventure.
Additionally,this makes each playthrough unique and exciting. As Andersson said, nothing is fixed, and players’ progression is based on what they choose to do.
MachineGames Aims to Capture the True Indiana Jones Fantasy
At its core,Indiana Jones and the Great Circleis not focused on making players the most powerful version of the character. Instead, it’s more about experiencing the adventure, solving puzzles, and making choices that reflect who Indy is as a character.
So,the developers wanted to design the game, from its combat system to puzzle difficulty, to ask players a very simple yet effective question: If Indy were in your shoes, what would he do or think? This makes the absence of the skill tree even more immersive.
“Todd had long nurtured this idea…”: The Critical Role Todd Howard Played in Creating Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
With no clear path to power (a feature typical of skill trees), players are free to do whatever they want or take on any challenge. However, they need to be cautious, as every decision they make has some consequences (like missing an adventure book or some ammo for a weapon) that can affect their adventure.
It should be noted that this unique approach to progression might not be for everyone, but Indiana Jones is not your typical archaeologist and professor, so why should a game based on him follow conventional RPG mechanics?
In the end,Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which will be out on 6th December, is taking a massive risk by removing a skill tree but it’s the one risk that should pay off by providing players with a deeper and more authentic experience.
Shubham Chaurasia
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
At FandomWire, Shubham has spent over a year diving into the evolving world of live-service, action, and open-world games. Whether it’s the democratic galaxy of Helldivers 2 or finishing enemies in titles like Assassin’s Creed or Ghost of Tsushima, Shubham brings a sharp eye and genuine enthusiasm to everything he writes.When he’s not writing, you’ll probably catch him clutching rounds in Valorant or leaping off virtual cliffs into a pile of enemies for the perfect finisher. Outside of gaming, Shubham recharges by hitting the gym or heading out on long, spontaneous bike rides, always chasing the next open road. No matter the game or the gear, he’s always committed to bringing readers timely, accurate, and engaging updates from across the gaming industry.
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