MachineGames’ latest release, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, successfully encapsulates the enchanting spirit familiar to fans of the legendary archaeologist. Renowned voice actor Troy Baker, known for his work in The Last of Us and BioShock Infinite, lends his voice to Dr. Henry Jones, Jr., immersing players in an adventure that spans ancient cultures and global sites. Set in 1937, the game is positioned between the iconic films Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, as Jones races to secure a priceless artifact before it succumbs to the ambitions of the Nazis.
In a review from ScreenRant, the game is lauded for its cinematic feel, with a notable emphasis on the soundtrack, a critical component of any Indiana Jones experience. Composer Gordy Haab, celebrated for his scores in popular Star Wars titles, such as the Star Wars Battlefront reboot, contributes his talent to this venture. He seamlessly blends his unique style with that of John Williams, infusing Williams’ classic themes into the score where fitting.
ScreenRant had the opportunity to converse with Haab about his creative process for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The discussion explored his approach to integrating both familiar and new musical themes, the distinctions between scoring for Indiana Jones versus Star Wars, and his reflections on the project’s positive reception and prospects for future sequels.
Gordy Haab on His Journey to Indiana Jones & The Great Circle
A Full Circle: Haab’s First Video Game Score
ScreenRant: Given that Todd Howard has been interested in creating an Indiana Jones game for many years, how early did you become involved, and what kind of guidance did he offer?
Gordy Haab: I certainly received direction from Todd, primarily through the audio director of MachineGames, Pete Ward. We were able to collaborate effectively, allowing Todd’s feedback to refine our work. I joined the project about a year after its production began, which is relatively early for video game development, enabling me to absorb the narrative and craft themes over a span of three years, ultimately creating something I truly cherish.
Did your first score for an Indiana Jones game influence your work on this project?
Gordy Haab: Absolutely everything, [laughs]. My first score was for Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings. It all began with a Star Wars fan film that showcased my ability to craft an epic score. Jumping into a famed franchise like Indiana Jones thrust me into intense expectations. However, nearly two decades later, I’ve developed a more profound understanding of how to manage the associated pressures, channeling my identity as a fan into my compositions.
How do you distinguish the musical style of Indiana Jones from that of Star Wars?
Gordy Haab: The nuances are fascinating. Indiana Jones carries a playfulness that differs from the more serious tones found in Star Wars. The humor embedded in the adventure appeals to me personally and resonates with the adventurous spirit of the character. Capturing this balance through music allows me to connect with the narrative’s light-hearted elements.
Haab’s Themes & Emotional Character Representation
The Intriguing Theme of “The Great Circle”
What was your intention when incorporating Marion’s theme early in the game?
Gordy Haab: The narrative unfolds between Raiders and Last Crusade, following a poignant breakup for Indy. I aimed to deepen his character by illustrating a shared human experience of loss without crossing into overly sentimental territory. The subtle inclusion of Marion’s theme was meant to evoke internal conflict and reflect the freshness of his emotional struggles.
How did you envision Gina’s character’s theme?
Gordy Haab: In contrast to Williams’ romantic themes, I wanted Gina to embody adventure and excitement, akin to Indy himself. Her theme carries a playful yet adventurous tone, hinting at a potential romantic relationship without strictly adhering to traditional romantic motifs.
What are some of your other cherished original themes?
Gordy Haab: The opening track, aptly titled “The Great Circle” , plays a crucial role in establishing the narrative’s thematic essence. Musically, I designed the theme to emulate the concept of connecting points across the globe, interweaving pitches that encapsulate the journey’s mystical elements. Additionally, there’s “The Flood” , a dramatic piece with choral elements that enriches the game’s climactic moments much like iconic themes in previous Indiana Jones films.
Impact of Gameplay on Haab’s Compositions
Navigating Musical Dynamics Through Gameplay
Given the cinematic nature of the game, how did this affect your scoring approach?
Gordy Haab: The game’s narrative is rich, contributing to a seamless scoring experience akin to film composing. Each cutscene can stand as a short film, allowing me to with the storytelling, while ensuring environmental themes enhance gameplay moments. Crafting music for puzzles provided a unique challenge; it was essential that the music complemented the player’s experience without overshadowing the focus required during gameplay.
Anticipating Fan Reactions
Uncertainty in Reception
How would you compare the development of this game with others in terms of reception?
Gordy Haab: It’s a good question. The development process for this game was streamlined and enjoyable. Yet, with large franchises like Indiana Jones or Star Wars, there’s always this prevailing anxiety regarding fan reception. Ultimately, I believe the game’s lightheartedness and clever self-referential humor contributed significantly to its positive reception. While we hoped for success, the gratifying response took us by surprise.
Deliberate Divergence from Recent Releases
Focusing on Their Own Narrative
Did the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny influence the development of your game?
Gordy Haab: While it could have impacted our expectations, we intentionally tuned it out. Our focus was on delivering a strong narrative that stood apart, ensuring we created a story nestled comfortably between the beloved original films. Our commitment was to stay focused on our vision, and thankfully, we succeeded in capturing an authentic Indiana Jones experience.
Future Prospects: Sequel to Indiana Jones and The Great Circle?
Hope for Sequel Prospects
Do you have insight into a potential sequel or upcoming DLC for the game?
Gordy Haab: While I’m aware of planned DLC, I cannot confirm a sequel yet. However, there is optimism regarding its potential. The overwhelmingly positive reception may have sparked internal discussions on expanding the franchise further. While I can’t confirm anything specifically, as a fan, I’d absolutely love to see a sequel.
Discovering More About Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an action-adventure game developed by MachineGames, inviting players to step into the shoes of Indiana Jones, voiced by Troy Baker. The game unfolds in a gripping narrative as Jones embarks on a quest to thwart nefarious forces seeking the power of the mysterious Great Circle, all set in the thrilling backdrop of 1937, situated between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is accompanied by a captivating soundtrack accessible via digital streaming platforms.
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