I was recently having issues with disc based games on ps5 having their hours reset - so it’s a breath of fresh air to play a console that doesn’t disrespect discs.

I call it ‘the back button’ for some reason

So, I'm gonna start off by saying I've been using Playstations since the Playstation 2 came out.

I'd dabbled in some of the PC games that Xbox had and had some genuine fun, but it was never for long because my gaming PC had shit for RAM.

My older brother's been playing Xbox since the Xbox 360 came out.

To this day, I remember being a kid and playing Halo Reach, Gears of War 2, so many classics.

As I got older, I missed those games. That nostalgia.

I decided since Playstation was killing off physical games and telling me I don't own any of the digital games I've bought, I decided to simply get an Xbox.

So, when I got a hefty paycheck after having all my bills for the month paid off... I got a Series X.

The moment I logged in, set up, and queued up the premium subscription, I had access to every game I'd ever played from back then, and some games I'd wanted to play for years. Stunning 4k graphics, super fucking fast load times, and all the satisfaction of not having to huck money at Playstation and hope I get to keep my stuff.

I'm officially converted to Xbox now. And... It feels so fucking good!

This makes the menu no longer boring, its also on Xbox one which is a huge W.

This is an edit because it seems that lots of people don't see the gradient on the menu, the green part.

Game Title: Gears of War: E-Day

Platforms:

• PC, Xbox Series X/S (Oct 6, 2026)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 87 average - 90% recommended - 39 reviews

Critic Reviews

A Gaming Network - Marcel Dee - 9 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day delivers a visually stunning and emotionally intense campaign that captures the chaos of Emergence Day. With brutal combat, organic exploration, strong side content, and some of the best visuals Xbox has delivered in years, it deserves serious Game of the Year consideration, even if the Marcus and Dom connection could have been stronger.

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

Video Review - Quote not available

But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 9.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day shines by showing off humanity’s perseverance. Every new character stands out, never overshadowed by the legacy of Marcus or Dom.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day feels like the first true Coalition Gears of War game. It's a shift away from Gears 4 and Gears 5, and it feels like the game the studio genuinely wanted to make, capturing what made the original trilogy special while finally pushing the series forward in its own way. They've taken the horror, brutality, brotherhood, and incredible gunplay that defined those games and used them as the foundation for something more modern. Expanded movement gives combat more freedom, while perks and modifications add another layer of experimentation, and the larger environments make Emergence Day feel like a genuine catastrophe happening around you.

Gears of War: E-Day is incredible. Despite a handful of frustrations keeping it from perfection, it's one of the best games I've played this year.

DayOne - Jesse Norris - 10 / 10

The Coalition have elevated the franchise to new heights, crafting an engaging, brutal and surprisingly intimate campaign that’s full of smart gameplay mechanics and wonderful surprises. It’s the best Gears has ever felt to play, and the best it’s ever looked and sounded on the big screen. Gears of War: E-Day? It's a fucking masterpiece.

Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 4 / 5

Kalona is the real star of «Gears of War: E-Day», transforming so dramatically throughout the campaign that it feels like the game's main character. The story and characters are less memorable, but the weighty, satisfying gunplay and improved movement make for a solid «Gears» experience. It gets repetitive, but fans of the series should feel right at home.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

Gears of War E-Day may have the best gameplay the series has ever delivered, but between bullet-sponge enemies, co-op-focused design and a story with little to say, this may well be the weakest Gears campaign to date.

EntreMandos - Kevin Arbelo - Spanish - 9.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day not only revives one of Xbox's greatest franchises, but also manages to restore much of the identity that seemed to have been lost in its last two installments. The Coalition understands what made the original trilogy special: the brutality of war, the depth of its characters, an oppressive atmosphere, and spectacular action that doesn't have to sacrifice emotion

Eurogamer.pt - Adolfo Soares - Portuguese - 3 / 5

Following Marcus and Dom on Emergence Day is an action-packed rollercoaster ride. Gears of War: E-Day shines on the PC with stunning graphics and addictive combat, with the weapon customisation adding an extra touch. Unfortunately, the pace drops off in the final third of the campaign, let down by a dull ending and an uninspired boss.

GRYOnline.pl - Zbigniew Woźnicki - Polish - 8 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day successfully fulfils its mission of returning to the roots of the series, whilst offering noticeable improvements over all previous instalments and reminding us once again of the horror of the Locusts. Unfortunately, it also suffers from issues with pacing and enemy AI, while pushing Marcus into the background in favour of a new character. Nevertheless, this dynamic, emotional and extremely brutal shooter should appeal to fans of the series – and many others as well.

GameBlast - Alexandre Galvão - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day returns to the series' roots with an intense, well-executed campaign and refined combat. It plays it safe rather than innovating, but it's an easy recommendation for veterans and newcomers alike.

GameOnly - Michał Marasek - Polish - 7.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day’s campaign is a real emotional rollercoaster when it comes to gameplay, but a major disappointment in terms of its story. No wonder Marcus Fenix wasn’t the focus of the game’s marketing.

Gameliner - Bram Noteboom - Dutch - Unscored

The Gears of War: E-Day campaign is a true blockbuster, but it doesn't necessarily come without a fight. (review in progress)

Gamer Social Club - Adam S. D. Stewart - 9.5 / 10

E-Day succeeds in telling the story of Emergence Day in a gripping, desperate, and most importantly, fun way. The culmination of 20 years as a franchise, refining everything the series is into a must-play XBOX title that takes you on a gloriously brutal, emotionally-satisfying, and epic, cinematic adventure.

INVEN - Hongman Yoon - Korean - 8.7 / 10

'Gears of War: E-Day' returns to the series' starting point, Emergence Day, bringing back its darkest atmosphere yet and the core appeal of Gears. If you've been missing the explosive, hard-hitting battlefields of the original trilogy, 'Gears of War: E-Day' is sure to be a satisfying choice.

Lords Of Gaming - Paul Martin - 9.3 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day does not disappoint; the story starts strong and only gets better. For players who have experienced the previous entries in the franchise, there are plenty of easter eggs scattered throughout. Any graphic and audio-related glitches I ran into were very minor and did not detract from the experience overall. For me, this game is in the running for my Game of the Year.

MondoXbox - Matteo Merlano - Italian - 9.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day delivers arguably the series’ strongest campaign, combining mature, restrained storytelling with the return of Marcus Fenix’s charismatic presence. Already among the franchise’s finest entries, it could become a serious Game of the Year contender if its content-rich multiplayer matches the campaign’s quality. Regardless, Xbox players should not miss this outstanding return to form.

Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 9 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day is firing on almost every cylinder - a fantastic back to basics prequel that makes the Locust Horde scary again while delivering weighty, brutal gameplay that keeps you hooked.

Oyungezer Online - Engin Vural - Turkish - 8.5 / 10

It's definitely a step in the right direction for the franchise. With its story, the way it's presented, and the gameplay, a solid GoW game is waiting for us. They've kindly reminded us once again why we love this series. We can easily overlook a few minor flaws.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day marks a brilliant return for one of Xbox’s most iconic franchises, allowing players to experience E-Day and witness the beginning of Marcus and Dom’s story from a completely new perspective. The Coalition isn’t revolutionising the familiar formula, but in a way it’s building on it – improving mobility, shooting and exploration, offering a varied campaign, and in the process showcasing the immense capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. It’s a modern Gears game that never forgets its roots.

Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day is a good shooter and an excellent introduction to this universe for those who, like me, have spent years following the franchise only from the outside. There's a long, very well-produced campaign, visually impressive, and one that probably gains another dynamic when shared with friends.

RageQuit.GR - Giorgos Dempegiotis - 85%

Gears of War: E-Day marks a return to the series’ roots, without, however, feeling like a typical “reimagining” of the past. The Coalition took the core elements that made Gears of War special and rebuilt them masterfully, into a satisfying game that isn’t groundbreaking or the best shooter you’ve ever played, but is certainly capable of entertaining fans of the genre.

Rectify Gaming - Will "FncWill" Hogeweide - 9 / 10

The longest Gears of War Campaign succeeds in entertaining gameplay, intriguing open world chapters with side objectives, and plenty of content to enjoy. The Campaign embraces co-op like no other game does these days and you could argue it's one of the best games that we have witnessed in the series.

E-Day understands that Gears of War has always been about more than shooting monsters. It is about the people standing beside you while you do it. Whether that person is sitting beside you on the couch in split screen, joining you online from across the country, or simply standing beside Marcus as an AI companion, E-Day constantly comes back to the idea that surviving this world is easier when you never fight alone.

Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 4 / 5

Gears of War: E-Day combines everything Gears fans love about the series into an overwhelming and immensely earnest celebration that stands proudly alongside the original trilogy.

República DG - Erick Felipe - Portuguese - 9.2 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day marks the return of Marcus and Dom in an excellent campaign, with renewed gameplay, impressive graphics, and a few issues that don’t overshadow the game’s major achievements. One of the best Xbox titles of this generation, worthy of all the attention.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 4 / 5

It could be seen as a return to form or as a retread of the series’ glory days, but in any case it’s a fun and bloody good time.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 8.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day modernises the series without losing its trademark weight, pairing brutal combat and meaningful weapon customisation with strong character work, smart exploration and only a handful of frustrating solo-play shortcomings.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 4 / 5

Even in a silo, Gears of War: E-Day delivers a rollercoaster of action and emotion that ranks alongside the series’ best campaigns. The Coalition grounds the global devastation of Emergence Day in a deeply human story, letting players watch Marcus and Dom’s friendship forge into an unbreakable brotherhood. It retains the franchise’s signature brutality while completely reinvigorating the moment-to-moment combat. While the narrative plays it safe compared to the tragic finality of Halo: Reach, it sticks the landing and beautifully sets the stage for a new trilogy. Gears of War: E-Day serves as the perfect entry point for newcomers, and explores the devastating, series-haunting history veterans have waited twenty years to experience.

Seasoned Gaming - Ainsley Bowden - 9 / 10

With two decades of expectations on its shoulders, The Coalition succeeded in crafting another classic Gears game with E-Day. Its technical brilliance is matched by strong character development and modernized gameplay, resulting in one of my favorite experiences of the year.

Sirus Gaming - Lexuzze Tablante - 9 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day is more than I could have hoped for: a focused, tightly contained, action-packed story filled with memorable characters and moments that deliver an emotional rollercoaster for those brave enough to witness the horrors of the first days of Emergence Day. E-Day is what a Gears of War game should be: relentlessly fun, engaging from all angles, and best experienced with friends.

SmashPad - Alex Quevedo - 4.5 / 5

Gears of War: E-Day injects new life into the franchise and sets a new tone moving forward. It captured the spirit of the original Gears of War with putting just enough of a new spin on things. It’s definitely a highlight of the series. A perfect reload, indeed.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 9.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day is the best game in the series. The story gives us an up-close and personal look at the events of E-Day, providing a horror-filled and harrowing experience. Meanwhile, the enhancements to movement are very welcome, and gunplay feels more varied with a great roster of weapons and the inclusion of mods.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9.5 / 10

This prequel once again raised the bar for the series and the genre, delivering one of the year's most brutal, jaw-dropping shooters.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 5 / 5

Gears of War: E-Day is everything I wanted from a prequel and more. It finally delivers the Emergence Day story fans have waited two decades to experience, while deepening the relationship between Marcus and Dom and returning the series to the darker, horror-inspired tone of the original trilogy. With the best gameplay the franchise has ever had, incredible visuals, excellent pacing and memorable characters, E-Day isn’t just the best Gears game yet; it’s one of Xbox’s strongest exclusives in years.

TodoJuegos - Jorge Guerrero - Spanish - 9.5 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day brings back the series’ brutality from a more human perspective, placing Marcus and Dom at the heart of Emergence Day. The Coalition returns to the beginning while expanding the formula through exploration, upgrades and less restrictive areas, without losing the core identity that defines Gears of War.

Tom's Hardware Italia - Andrea Riviera - Italian - 9 / 10

Pending a final analysis that must inevitably evaluate server stability and the longevity of the multiplayer offering, what The Coalition has delivered with this campaign is a truly remarkable achievement. The seventeen hours spent on the streets of Kalona offer no downtime and suffer from absolutely no filler; instead, they build into a relentless crescendo of drama, explosions, and emotion, culminating in an ending that lays the groundwork for something significant for the future of this prequel.

2026 has been a stellar year packed with stunning productions (just look at the technical magnificence achieved by highly anticipated titles like Requiem or Pragmata), but the emotional and gameplay impact of this comeback certainly commands attention. If the multiplayer suite and Horde mode can match the sheer excellence and passion poured into the writing of this story campaign, we are looking at one of the best games of the year and undoubtedly the best shooter of 2026.

Wccftech - Alessio Palumbo - 7.4 / 10

Gears of War: E-Day has been promoted as the most ambitious game ever made by The Coalition, but to be honest, it feels like a step back from Gears 5 in several ways. The narrative is a lot less memorable, and the side content is forgettable. Its saving grace is that the third-person shooter gameplay is better than ever, thanks to improved movement and fluidity, making combat encounters generally a lot of fun. Still, it's not the kind of masterpiece that sells a console like the original did.

I didn't find the trailer all that interesting, but decided I'd try it today given it's on Gamepass. It looks great, runs really well, has some cool platforming sections, combat is decent, and the story is interesting enough to pay attention to. The environment is really cool also. So if you're bored playing Call of Duty or whatever give this a shot, I think several of you will enjoy it even if it didn't peak your interest at first.

Post conversation edit:

I can see where many of you are coming from with simplistic and repetitive combat, that seems to be the most common complaint. The part about the studios budget woes I don't get, it's not your money it's Microsofts and from what I remember from their earnings reports they are doing just fine. The music is a big positive, I think the performance for an UE5 game is solid, and I guess if you cant find any interest in the story then you definitely dont have much of a reason to play through it. I enjoy following the stories in games, I know there are many gamers who really only care about combat and or skill trees or whatever, but to each their own.

I gave up on this controller long ago, but then I decided to pull it out of my drawer, and lo and behold the rubber has now completely separated instead of just bubbling up. Not my first post on this controller. This thing is an overpriced piece of crap. Within the first year I had that rubber bubbling off and a broken bumper button. I used a warranty process through Microsoft to get a new one and I was getting nowhere. During that process the warranty expired and I was stuck with this piece of junk. Don't buy these. I'm an adult and I play single player RPGs. There's no extreme gaming happening here.

Edit: to the people saying I'm filthy: this controller has been sitting in it's cradle on a shelf after the RB became finicky. This is just the honest condition it was in. No I don't live in a swamp, no I'm not filthy, yes this controller is just a piece of crap like half of you have also experienced. The biggest insult of buying this controller was the runaround I got during trying to warranty when this rubber first started peeling at the curved part in under one year. Oh yeah, and one of the caps on the trigger length adjuster fell off 🗑️

Just got home and finally looked at what we got from Fan fest 25.

Thank you team Xbox for a wonderful event

The game runs like a dream on the series X 40fps mode (unlocked with VRR), I’m sure that part of why I like it as I can’t stand 30fps. But other than that, the smaller hand crafted world is a breath of fresh air. I really tried to like starfield but it just wasn’t for me. Gameplay is fun, exploration is great.

In general I have a pretty short attention span, not finishing many games I’ve started even though I like them, haven’t felt this in the slightest here. I also rarely comment on Reddit but props to Obsidian. I really think that most people hating on this game haven’t even tried it.

Wouldn’t call it groundbreaking by any means, just a solid 8.5 game that keeps on giving and is pure fun, hoping for a DLC.

Video description:

Gears of War E-Day is The Coalition betting on the enduring appeal of good, old-fashioned Gears of War gameplay and top tier presentation, and its a bet that pays off.

Summary:

1. Looks and runs best on PS5 Pro.

2. Xbox Series S is the weakest performer but still looks and plays well.

3. Xbox Series X and base PS5 perform mostly identical with PS5 having the edge due to better shadows, fewer dips below 60fps, and rock solid 30fps (no stutters) in cut scenes.

Bought a ps5 a little while back but its basically gathered dust until I decided to fire it up to tackle demon souls.

Didn't realise quick resume wasn't a thing and unplugged my ps5 to move it (it was a making a noise like it was about to literally take off and smash a window) and it started the game like i hadn't been playing it fml.

I swear I wont forget about that incredible xbox feature ever again

I thought I would play this again and wow I honestly can’t believe how well this game still stands up by todays standards, the graphics , slow motion , particle effects are incredible for a 10 year old game ..

Hey just a heads up to anyone ordering the new “Soft Melon” colorway for the Elite Series 2 on Amazon. The controller is NOT the same gold in the stock photo. I ordered two separate times to confirm it wasn’t an accident and the actual color of the controller is more of an orange. Pretty disappointed.

I’ve been playing with this and enjoying the nostalgia trip. Having the pause buttons in the old spot messes me up on the regular and the shape of the controller feels way different than the current series X controllers

Overall I’m pretty happy. Haven’t figured out if I can program the black and white buttons, but the fat triggers are enough to spark joy

It’s called the Duchess from Hyperkin

Posting this because somebody else was interested when I commented it in a different thread

Edit: it’s a wired controller. Didn’t think to mention that since I prefer wired

Tips or accessories that will enhance the experience I already got the rechargeable battery pack

I have been playing cod bo6 for the last few days and I noticed that the game is filled with hardcore players, I rarely get other Xbox player from all the other 9 players while matchmaking, they are always on pc playing with m&k and higher fps advantages. Now days no one uses mic too, which makes the game feel a bit empty for me. Do any of you agree or is it just me?

I mean, my Series X is a day one unit, so almost 6 years old. Never cleaned, never disassembled. My company for thousands of hours in the past half a decade. These couple of weeks are especially tough in Europe, the temp in my room is 30+ C, and 40+ C outside. But who cares, says my Xbox, and it's just keep doing its f*ing job. Completely silently, as usual. Thank you guys for creating this beautiful monster 💚

Game Title: Avowed

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Feb 18, 2025)
• PC (Feb 18, 2025)

Trailers:

• Avowed Story Trailer
• Avowed - Official Gameplay Trailer

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 81 average - 84% recommended - 91 reviews

Critic Reviews

4News.it - Danilo Di Gennaro - Italian - 8.8 / 10

Avowed represents quintessential game design according to Obsidian Entertainment. While not offering a radically new experience, the return to the world of Eora is an exciting action RPG, graced by the traditional care the development team put into the script. Free to be able to create one's alter ego among a thousand opportunities for customization and to direct it indiscriminately toward the paths of good or evil, Avowed puts players within a setting that is the antithesis of the dispersive risk of an endless open world, with gameplay devoted to action and fun. It may not be a revolution, and technically some hiccups are there, but for all fans of the genre it is a must.

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Wait for Sale

"Despite issues with some of the games shallower systems I found myself having a great time most of the time I played Avowed."

AltChar - Semir Omerovic - 85 / 100

Rich with a vibrant world, intriguing story, remarkable companions, and engaging combat, Obsidian's first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed, offered so much flavour that I found it hard to stop playing.

Andrenoob - Andres Perdomo - Spanish - 9 / 10

Avowed is a game that takes the risk of showing the best of Obsidian Entertainment and delivers everything you expect. Delivering an adventure worth playing if you love RPGs.

Atarita - Atakan Gümrükçüoğlu - Turkish - 90 / 100

Avowed looks like it's going to make a name for itself for a while. I have no doubt that it will give you a good time with its scenario, missions, characters and lots of content. It has some problems, but they are not insurmountable. Its structure that leaves the player free is its most impressive feature.

But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford - 9.5 / 10

Avowed marks another triumph for the folks at Obsidian. Through its gorgeous world, memorable characters, frenzied combat, and intuitive yet deep customization system, it highlights player agency. Everywhere in its gameplay and narrative, ensuring that each playthrough offers something new. More importantly, it does so while never compromising the strength of its core story.

CGMagazine - Dayna Eileen - 8 / 10

Avowed is a game I have had my eyes on for four years now, even before I set eyes on any gameplay. Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios always manage

Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 8.3 / 10

Obsidian Entertainment stays true to its strengths and delivers great story telling and dialogues. Gameplay wise Avowed is fun but not very complex as the player character can pretty much do everything and doesn't have to commit. All in all this release is a solid action RPG that is available in the game pass from Day 1.

Checkpoint Gaming - Luke Mitchell - 9.5 / 10

Avowed is impressive in almost everything it sets out to do. It has sharp writing, captivating companions, an intriguing story and a varied world that is just thrilling to explore. It's visually stunning, too, with high production values including satisfying audio that makes the Living Lands feel bustling with life. Where many games falter in offering "bigger and more", Avowed smartly focuses on its strengths, making for a breezy yet vibrant RPG that feels polished and intelligent, offering lots to do but never outstaying its welcome. Obsidian Entertainment has once again proven they are skilled storytellers, offering a must-play adventure for anyone who has a love for the fantastical.

Console-Tribe - Francesco Pellizzari - Italian - 88 / 100

To answer the question posed at the beginning of the article, for us, pronouns have absolutely nothing to do with the success or failure of a title, and Avowed is proof of that: an excellent RPG, with some flaws, but many strengths, including an engaging plot, choices that change the game world, and almost total freedom of action. Do yourself a favor: play Avowed, or you'll regret it.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 3 / 5

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Dexerto - Jessica Filby - 4 / 5

It may not be groundbreaking, but Avowed certainly leaves one hell of a mark on the RPG genre. The game's fun, challenging, and extremely enjoyable to play from start to finish, even when you're being hounded by giant mechanical undead creatures.

Digital Spy - Joe Draper - 4 / 5

Avowed is full of consequential player choices, meaningful side content and rewarding exploration all backed up by slick movement and some of the best combat in a first-person action RPG. It might not reinvent the genre, but Obsidian has achieved everything they set out to by creating a super fun adventure worth your time.

Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 8.5 / 10

Avowed offers an immersive RPG experience that combines exploration, combat, and storytelling in Obsidian’s signature style. The Living Lands world is alive with life, encouraging exploration and experimentation, while combat offers flexible weapon and spell choices. Companions add a personal and dynamic touch to the journey, and despite some limitations in customization and combat interaction, Avowed remains a promising experience for RPG fans, offering an adventure full of mystery and challenges.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

There's a lot to admire in Avowed—its old-school RPG soul, captivating world, and flexible gameplay—but predictable writing and some questionable design choices make this Obsidian experience less engaging than it could be.

Enternity.gr - Christos Chatzisavvas - Greek - 9 / 10

The journey into the world of Pillars of Eternity continues through Avowed, the newest RPG from Obsidian. And it's great!

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 3 / 5

Obsidian has delivered an action RPG with a weak technical component, in which it doesn't do anything exactly new or epic, but its combat gameplay is exciting and the story interesting enough to deliver an entertaining game.

EvelonGames - Joel Isern Rodríguez - Kaym - Spanish - 7.8 / 10

Avowed is an RPG that reflects both the talent and limitations of Obsidian. It is a solid, enjoyable game with moments of quality, but it falls short of being unforgettable. Its magic system and vertical exploration stand out as strong points, complemented by an artistic design brimming with personality. Additionally, its performance is smooth, delivering a more than satisfactory technical experience.

Expansive - Laurie Jones - 4 / 5

Avowed is a wonderful RPG that feels like Skyrim’s true successor, at least until TES VI arrives, despite the scale and scope making it feel a tad barren in the genre’s current landscape. Combat is the game’s truly shining star with its variety and wealth of options and the writing is as compelling and engaging as you would hope and expect from this world and developer. Between that and the healthy amount of content you can find and the beautiful environments to explore, you’ll find yourself going deep under Avowed’s spell. We absolutely need more from this world and franchise as Obsidian continue to be one of the crown jewels in Xbox’s developer crown.

Explosion Network - Dylan Blight - 9 / 10

I wasn't ready for the breadth of lore and world-building here that would have me both enamoured by this game, its characters, and its setting.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 79%

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GRYOnline.pl - Przemysław Dygas - Polish - Unscored

Avowed is a great RPG, it’s as simple as that. This game made me forget about mediocre The Outer Worlds and refueled my trust for Obsidian. The creators of great role playing games are back and their new game is full of all the things that made New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity or Tyranny so good. (Review in progress)

Game Rant - Josh Cotts - 7 / 10

Avowed's first-person combat and respect for player choice make it a journey worth having, but flaws in its story and design make it a one-way road.

GameOnly - Daniel Kucner - Polish - 8 / 10

Video Review - Quote not available

GameSpot - Alessandro Barbosa - 6 / 10

Avowed's impactful and satisfying combat is undone by a widely unbalanced upgrade system and an uninteresting story that wastes its potential.

Gamer Guides - Patrick Dane - 84 / 100

Avowed continues Obsidian’s tradition of creating excellent RPGs that feel heavily linked to well-trodden genres, yet not doing quite enough to carve out a new identity. There’s a lot to be charmed by, be it nuanced characters and choices, a heavy dialogue focus, and a compelling central mystery where what’s ‘good’ isn’t often clear. While it doesn’t push the envelope, it does enough to justify its place, and for just the price of a GamePass subscription, it’s easy to recommend trying.

Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 85 / 100

Avowed takes a few hours to find its feet, but once it does, this RPG provides an unforgettable journey that never outstays its welcome. Avowed features a jaw-dropping world to explore, complete with a solid cast of intriguing characters and choices that will remain with you long after the credits roll.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is a solid title, though its appearance leans towards the conventional. It doesn't introduce particularly innovative mechanics or standout concepts, but it consistently delivers quality gameplay across all aspects-story, combat, and exploration-ranging from decent to excellent, without any major flaws. If you're a fan of traditional sword-and-magic (with a hint of firearms) settings, immersive storytelling, and the freedom to shape your own destiny, particularly in the style of Obsidian's atmospheric narratives, Avowed is definitely worth a look.

GamesFinest - Luca Pernecker - German - 8 / 10

Avowed proves once again why Obsidian Entertainment is one of the leading studios in the RPG genre. With a world that deserves to be explored at leisure, remarkable freedom in decision-making, fascinating characters and a gripping story that draws you in, the game is an impressive achievement. The action-packed combat system also provides plenty of fun. It's just a shame that weaker side quests as well as technical problems and bugs tarnish the overall impression. Even if Avowed does not offer any groundbreaking innovations and has minor weaknesses here and there, it is a game that experienced and future role-playing game fans absolutely must experience!

Gaming Nexus - Eric Hauter - 8 / 10

While balanced in a way that forces the player to experience almost everything the game has to offer, Avowed is still a lot of fun. A great story, fun companions, and a richly designed world all contribute to an overall good time. Just remember to take your time early on, because this game wants you to see everything, and it will punish you for trying to skip ahead.

Geeks & Com - Anthony Gravel - French - 9 / 10

Avowed offers the perfect balance I'm looking for between freedom and narrative cohesion to keep me invested in the adventure. The story is excellent, the choices are important and the gameplay is a key part of the fun. There's no doubt in my mind that RPG fans will find pleasure in exploring Eora and discovering all its mysteries.

Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Avowed is Obsidian at its finest. It is the fantasy RPG that I hoped it would be without consuming my entire life to experience it. We’ll be talking about this game for a long time and replaying it whenever the itch returns. Sure, it isn’t the most ambitious and grand RPG ever made, but it shines in everything it does.

Hardcore Gamer - Adam Beck - 4 / 5

A traditional RPG with a lot of charm, Obsidian Entertainment continues to impress with Avowed.

Hinsusta - Pascal Kaap - German - 9 / 10

Avowed is an outstanding action-fantasy RPG with a magical world and a spectacular combat system. Avowed is a successful action RPG that impresses with its magical and spectacular combat system. Avowed not only impresses with its thrilling battles, but also with its deep and lively world

IGN Deutschland - Elena Schulz - German - 9 / 10

Avowed is an old-school RPG at heart, allowing you to shape your character and the world around you with your choices while still providing a very modern and action packed open world to explore.

IGN Italy - Andrea Giongiani - Italian - 8 / 10

A very good RPG that struggles with a divided identity. It's excellent for newcomers, offering accessibility and appeal, but veterans seeking a more complex experience might find themselves craving something that is not there.

IGN Spain - Rafa Del Río - Spanish - 8 / 10

Avowed is forceful, solid and very powerful visually but, after almost sixty hours running around the five zones that include the Living Lands, the end catch me off guard and without having fulfilled many of the expectations I had made with its release. After the gems of Grounded and Pentiment, Obsidian fails to offer that personal and unique touch of previous titles. With Avowed, Obsidian has opted to reach the widest possible audience by creating a powerful and very pretty product that doesn't trust the player and softens too much everything we expect to find in a game from the company.

INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.3 / 10

With its well-established lore, solid narrative, and highly polished world, Avowed is a fantastic game that lives up to Obsidian Entertainment’s reputation. However, compared to other games in the genre, its world feels overly rigid and lacks the sense of being truly alive, which keeps it from standing among the very best.

Just Play it - Yacine Tebaibia - Arabic - 8 / 10

Avowed offers a fun experience with a branching story, smooth and deep gameplay, and a visually stunning world full of color and detail. Though it has some technical issues, like performance instability and simplistic AI, it’s still worth playing for RPG fans.

Le Bêta-Testeur - Patrick Tremblay - French - 10 / 10

Avowed kicks off 2025 with a bang with an epic RPG experience. It’s already establishing itself as one of the major titles of the year. After so many hours spent exploring the Living Lands, it’s hard to shake its spellbinding appeal. The world, lore, and characters are among the most carefully crafted I’ve ever encountered, a testament to the attention to detail and love that has gone into this universe.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 8.5 / 10

Despite a few issues, Avowed had me hooked throughout. It's a beautiful, incredibly charming game that does its best to fill a gap where the Elder Scrolls 6 should be.

Lords Of Gaming - Mahmood Ghaffar - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is one of Obsidian’s most ambitious projects to date. They meticulously crafted vibrant zones that culminate into a beautiful, yet wild, Living Lands continent. Best of all, they delivered such an amazing experience while making it so streamlined for players. Whether that comes from the accessible lore glossary, helpful mini-map, or robust and flexible skill trees, Avowed is a joy to play and stays well within its scope. Even its rougher edges cannot deter your adventure in the Living Lands.

Manual dos Games - Joao Victor - Portuguese - 8 / 10

Avowed is a game with an expansive universe and an engaging story, complemented by solid gameplay and rich exploration. However, it fails to deliver overly simplified mechanics and an unbalanced difficulty curve, which undermines the depth of the experience.

MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 9.3 / 10

With Avowed, Obsidian confirms itself as one of the best RPG studios around, capable of reworking a now-classic formula by rejuvenating it, lightening it up, and combining it with first-rate storytelling, world building, and gameplay mechanics. We are undoubtedly in front of a true gem of the RPG genre, to be played without hesitation.

MonsterVine - Luis Joshua Gutierrez - 4.5 / 5

I'm happy to report that Avowed has the sauce, and this is perhaps Obsidian Entertainment at its absolute best. Every time I stepped away from the game to do something else, all I could think about was how much I wanted to step back into this world and find new things. The more I thought about the game, the more I enjoyed it. Avowed is a game that asks a lot of its players but delivers on it, too. It creates a unique sense of exploration while covering intense topics such as imperialism and nature preservation with a fun combat system that encourages you to try new things.

NextPlay - Brad Goodwin - 7.5 / 10

Avowed offers a serviceable RPG experience that relies a little too heavy on its ravishing combat and compelling world-building. The story, while distinguished, can falter occasionally due to some unfair dialogue choices and suffered writing. Despite this, Avowed is still a game worth playing because it capitalises and personalises action-RPG tropes and mechanics found in its peers.

Nexus Hub - Andrew Logue - 8 / 10

Avowed is easy to recommend to fans of The Outer Worlds or even Skyrim, blending epic, flexible role-playing with Obsidian's signature writing and storytelling - even if it feels more like comfort food at times.

PC Gamer - Shaun Prescott - 82 / 100

Bigger than it first appears, Avowed is an engrossing and gorgeous action-RPG set in one of the most engaging fantasy worlds going, though it lacks the complex systems of its most beloved contemporaries.

PPE.pl - Maciej Zabłocki - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is a solid RPG that combines first-person exploration (although there is also a third-person mode) in the style of titles from Bethesda with the depth of dialogue and choices native to Pillars of Eternity. Although the optimization leaves a lot to be desired, and the side quests could be more original, the engaging storyline and extensive conversation systems make up for many of the shortcomings. The game will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Obsidian games and anyone who appreciates the freedom of conflict resolution. If you are ready to turn a blind eye to the technical pains, Avowed offers a beautiful expedition into the magical world of Eora, which you will remember for a very long time.

Pizza Fria - Matheus Feldmann da Rosa - Portuguese - 7.4 / 10

If you’re looking for an accessible RPG with a visually stunning world and rewarding exploration, Avowed could be a worthwhile option. Its focus on straightforward combat and item gathering could appeal to players who don’t care as much about narrative complexity or deep RPG systems.

PowerUp! - Leo Stevenson - 9 / 10

Avowed is a genuine triumph and one of the first major releases from Xbox game dev buying spree that will pay dividends. It's a deep, complex and though-provoking RPG from masters of the genre. It revels in being played and tugs at the back of your lizard brain beckoning you back when you take a break.

Press Start - 8.5 / 10

Like The Outer Worlds before it, Avowed is Obsidian's truncated spin on a well-worn genre-and a genre they've got plenty of experience in. For those eagerly awaiting the next Elder Scrolls, this is a satisfying scratching of that itch even if its role-playing elements are stripped back to make room for more action. It's a bright, boisterous adventure full of politics and a fluid combat system that marries all manner of might and magic.

Restart.run - John Carson - Recommended

We need more games like Avowed. It’s not impossibly huge, it doesn’t hold you hostage for hundreds of hours, and it doesn’t try to be the last game you’ll ever need to buy. Instead, Obsidian Entertainment has made another engaging addition to an existing lore-rich world that’s fun and rewarding to explore. It's filled with great characters brought to life with excellent writing.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Unscored

Avowed is not the Obsidian fantasy RPG I wanted, but the decently fun spell-slinging parkour FPS I didn't expect.

SECTOR.sk - Táňa Matúšová - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

Avowed doesn't aim to make you a superhero in an epic story on great battlefields. Instead, it wants you to listen, uncover the narrative page by page, find characters who reveal something important, and perhaps keep you uncertain about your final decision until the very end. A vast array of dialogue and combat choices is somewhat hindered by a lack of enemy variety. Minor visual and technical shortcomings slightly impact the otherwise unique aesthetic of a game that challenges you to reflect on your core principles and values.

SIFTER - Gianni Di Giovanni - Worth your time

Strong writing, a world packed with loveable weirdos, and lore for days, Obsidian have managed to transition the world of Eora from the top down to the front on, building a world that'll encourage you to pick at every nook and cranny of the Living Lands.

Seasoned Gaming - Don Lionheart - 8.5 / 10

Avowed is superb, with true RPG goodness, real choices, deep systems, fun combat, and a true understanding and reverence of Eora.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

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Spaziogames - Italian - 8.3 / 10

Avowed has a lot of strenghts, from its worldbuilding to its RPG systems, and it entertains for at least forty plus hours thanks to them. Obsidian didn't reinvent the RPG wheel, but considering how cold is Bethesda's first-person RPG throne, and how far still a new The Elder Scrolls game might be, this is a very solid effort that any RPG fan should try.

Stevivor - Jam Walker - 7.5 / 10

There’s just something about Avowed that makes it feel very much like a product built for a subscription service. Not in a live-service game kind of way, but in a Netflix Original Movie kind of way.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 9 / 10

Obsidian Entertainment continues to live up to players' expectations of delivering a game with quality writing, engaging choices, and compelling gameplay. Avowed is all those things and more: an epic fantasy that'll keep you hooked, which makes it one of the best RPGs this decade.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 8 / 10

Avowed delivers satisfying combat, engaging exploration and fun weapon-switching combinations, making it an enjoyable action RPG despite its generic story, weak soundtrack and frustrating technical issues. Whether this is Obsidian’s greatest is debatable, but its strong side content and Game Pass availability make it at least worth a playthrough.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4 / 5

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Avowed. Obsidian has crafted another fantastic RPG, and while it does nothing revolutionary, the quality it shows across board make it a joy to play. A game I would highly recommend to any RPG fan.

TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 3 / 5

Avowed is a valiant attempt at fantasy you can play your way, but while it delivers well enough with combat, the narrative just isn’t there. Too ambitious in what it wants to do, it falls way short.

TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 9 / 10

Avowed is an incredible RPG. Its vibrant world and stellar cast make every moment a joy to take part in, enhanced by a script that gives equal measure to drama, action and humour. Coming hot on the heels of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Microsoft's software revival is well underway.

Tom's Guide - 4 / 5

If you like Obsidian RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas and Outer Worlds, Avowed will be the game for you. It serves up everything you know and love about the company's games, with plenty of quirky elements and strange characters. Its lore is as profound as it is confusing and convoluted from minute one. But in the end, it's a fun RPG that'll keep you busy for a while.

Tom's Hardware Italia - Andrea Riviera - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Avowed was everything I wanted from Obsidian: a role-playing game where choices truly impact the adventure, and writing plays a fundamental role in the game's structure. It’s not a perfect production—small imperfections, less impactful voice acting, and a level of polish that could have been better prevented the team from delivering a title that could have been truly memorable. But in the end, it doesn’t matter much, because as far as I’m concerned, Obsidian’s new IP is perhaps one of their best projects to date—a true RPG that, while it may not achieve immediate acclaim, could very well become one of the team’s most beloved titles in the long run.

VGC - Chris Scullion - 4 / 5

Avowed is a solid action RPG with an entertaining script, satisfying combat and impressively detailed environments. The inability to clean up side quests after the main story is beaten can be frustrating, but take your time with it and enjoy everything it has to offer, and you'll find plenty of memorable moments.

WellPlayed - James Wood - 6 / 10

Avowed moves Obsidian Entertainment even further toward the action side of Action-RPG with a satisfying combat system and vibrant world stapled to an unengaging narrative and surface level roleplaying systems. Despite its initially promising setup, Avowed never rises above a binge and forget experience.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 7.8 / 10

Avowed is a game full of fun exploration, an interesting story tied to lackluster combat, and an annoying equipment system that keeps it from reaching its full potential. When I was engaged in Avowed, I would spend hours wandering around, talking to NPCs, and completing quests. However, when the game wasn't firing on all cylinders, I was frustrated and frequently bored. It's a game of high highs and low lows, but the highs were enough to keep me engaged despite the flaws.

XGN.nl - Ralph Beentjes - Dutch - 9.2 / 10

Obsidian has proven once again that they are the masters of role-playing games. Avowed has excellent combat, lively characters, a beautiful world and the storytelling is masterful. If they just fix a couple of bugs, they’ve got a masterpiece on their hands.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 8.8 / 10

Avowed is an excellent game. One major issue keeps it from being an all-timer for me, with the gear progression system being as restrictive as it is at launch. They can patch that, and I hope they do as the rest of the game is excellent. Obsidian’s top-tier writing has finally been matched with gorgeous visuals and satisfying gameplay.

ZTGD - Ken McKown - 8 / 10

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ZdobywcyGier.eu - Paweł Bortkiewicz - Polish - 8 / 10

Avowed is a pretty good RPG that is limited in places by its technical state. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable adventure from a standpoint of gameplay and storyline alone. Obsidian definitely knows how to make games that players want to play, but they still need to work on the technical elements, because in this case it could have been polished more.

Anything less than 10 is simply unacceptable.

I joke I joke..

But seriously. What a fantastic game. I also want to give some backstory information so you can compare what bias I do or do not have.

While I am from the 80s, I never seen any of the first 3 movies from beginning to end. I grew up knowing who Indiana Jones was and thinking he was "cool" but just never saw the films.

So I binge watched the first 3 films before the game released to get into the mood. I enjoyed them. Probably liked the 3rd one the best because of the humor from Sean Connery. "she talks in her sleep" LOL

I'm also not a die hard xbox fanboy. I've got the PS5 pro and almost all the games I've beaten in the last two years have been on Playstation.

You can also put me in the category of people that were initially disappointed this game wasn't third person.

But holy crap. It's so much more impressive they created a whole style game I didn't know I loved. I want more of these. Right now. It's like Metroid prime for me. Truly just an amazing "adventure" game set in the first person perspective.

Theres fun adventure segments they kept my attention so well I didn't feel bad or miss the lack of combat in the area.

This is one of the most fun games I've played in YEARS. The story is fun and exciting. The humor is at times laugh out loud funny.

"what happened?"

"uh.... we got hit"

I played on a series x via gamepass, and mostly completed the main missions. I will say there's a couple of side quest I accidentally completed because I thought I was following the main mission, and they were so well done I didn't realize it was a side quest at all until I completed it.

I enjoyed this enough that if the PS5 Pro upgrade is significant, I may rebuy this game just to play it on there. It's already visually stunning on the Series X though. The textures in the worlds just look incredible.

Hands down, one of the best games of "this console generation".

Game Title: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Dec 9, 2024)
• PC (Dec 9, 2024)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 86 average - 91% recommended - 66 reviews

Critic Reviews

ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

"Despite some issues and some weird ideas on how to jump between 1st and 3rd person the exploration and set pieces are amazing.

Areajugones - Ramón Baylos - Spanish - 9.2 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stands as one of the best video games of 2024 and living proof that MachineGames is a studio that knows how to move skillfully in environments different from those we've been accustomed to in the past. It's an adventure/action game that places special emphasis on the first element and strives to make you feel like Harrison Ford himself in front of the cameras. There's no better Indiana Jones game. This must finally be its Holy Grail.

But Why Tho? - Kate Sanchez - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does what this franchise has always done best. It takes the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact and thrusts Indy into cataclysmic mystery and makes sure that charismatic man shines. Punch Nazis, celebrate history, explore the world and then save it. What more could you ask for?

CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 7 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle makes a strong attempt to bring Indy back to gaming with a great narrative and exceptional puzzles, but its minute-to-minute gameplay suffers from frequent perspective changes and clunky combat.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

In a love letter to the character, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle proposes that the series' future isn't in film but in video games.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

Coupled with several jaw-dropping set pieces and puzzles that left me scratching my head just enough that it never became annoying, this is about as enjoyable an Indiana Jones experience as one could hope for.

Daily Star - Tom Hutchison - 4.5 / 5

The Great Circle is a strong first-person adventure video game, packed full of Indiana Jones tropes and humour. It really delivers on its promise of giving gamers a true 80s-style playable version of the movies.

Destructoid - Steven Mills - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an incredibly authentic Indiana Jones experience, and MachineGames really makes you feel like you are Indiana Jones. If you’re looking for an epic journey of exploration with a fun and mysterious story, that’s exactly what you’ll get with The Great Circle, and with a high level of polish to boot.

Digital Trends - Giovanni Colantonio - 4 / 5

When Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is at its best, it’s a clever mix of Dishonored and Uncharted that rewards players for using their brains to get one step ahead of a fascist power grab. It does that while retaining the campy charm of Steven Spielberg’s original trilogy, even if its attempts at Hollywood spectacle can feel a little flat when compared to a medium full of adventure games that have long since beaten Indy to the finish line.

Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 5 / 5

For 32 years, Lucas Arts' “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis” has been considered the best game adaptation of the legendary film series. This honor is now due to “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle”. Machine Games succeeds in perfectly capturing the sense of adventure, charm and wit of Harrison Ford's famous character.

Eurogamer - Katharine Castle - 5 / 5

Smart, fun and so very Indiana Jones, The Great Circle is a stealth action tour de force that marks a bold new era for MachineGames.

Everyeye.it - Alessandro Bruni - Italian - 8.8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle is an action adventure of great depth, well worthy of the name it bears. Moving away from its “shooter” comfort zone, MachineGames has built a fresh and engaging adventure, embellished with a maniacal attention to detail and supported by a palpable passion for the original material.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 91%

With its mostly poor AI and some minor bugs, Indiana Jones is not a perfect game. But beside its minor flaws and especially how the game breathes the essence of its iconic hero it is just one of the best action-adventures in the last few years and a must-have for everyone who loves Indy or the genre in general.

GRYOnline.pl - Adam Zechenter - Polish - 7 / 10

The new Indiana Jones is a game that would rock my world in 2014. Today it’s a game that struggles technologically (Uncharted 4 looks better) and gameplay-wise, with some additional issues. Still, I can’t help but like this game. I see all the flaws (some were really irritating), but I liked the puzzles, the protagonist and some very cool scenes. I had a lot of fun, and my main issue – regarding the immersion-breaking AI – is very personal.

Game Rant - Anthony Taormina - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers some of the best puzzling and tomb-raiding in a video game, matching Spielberg's films in many respects.

GameOnly - Daniel Kucner - Polish - 8.5 / 10

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GamePro - Annika Bavendiek - German - 83 / 100

'The Great Circle' gives us Indiana Jones as we know and love him - even from the first-person perspective. However, the combat system is a problem.

GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle takes an unexpectedly stealthy and freeform approach, making for a faithful, rip-roaring adventure in which you truly embody the famous archeologist.

Gamepressure - Dariusz Matusiak - 7 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from MachineGames studio is a true love letter to fans of the original film trilogy. It's a bit like the fourth Indy movie - and I don't mean Crystal Skull, just the film fans have always wanted.

Gamer Guides - Tom Hopkins - 79 / 100

If you can look past the clunky and out-of-place combat, The Great Circle is a great addition to Indy’s catalogue of adventures. While it shines in the traditionally linear puzzle-solving segments thanks to charismatic characters and wonderful design, the open-world asides make you feel like you’re on your own adventure, too.

Gamer.no - Andreas Gjøsæther Jensen - Unknown - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a wholly enjoyable adventure. While it's not the first time players get to step into the shoes of the good doctor, this is the first time an Indy game has left me with a feeling that's actually comparable to the movies.

Gamers Heroes - Johnny Hurricane - 85 / 100

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle goes to show that MachineGames has an eye for fortune and glory. Not only is this title another great addition to Xbox Game Pass, it’s an absolute must for fans of the infamous Indy.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an excellent example of how to adapt a popular film IP into a video game, delivering a solid and engaging adventure that truly captures the essence of stepping into the shoes of the legendary archaeologist himself. While the game excels in many areas, it doesn't quite reach its full potential due to issues with its guidance system, a somewhat underwhelming overall scope, and a lackluster conclusion. Still, for players who value adventure over action, this is a journey well worth taking.

GamesRadar+ - Josh West - 5 / 5

"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle shows that there's still plenty left for Lara Croft and Nathan Drake to learn about raiding tombs from the master"

Gaming Nexus - Eric Hauter - 9 / 10

MachineGames has fully captured the essence of what makes the original Indiana Jones trilogy great, delivering a fantastic experience full of stunning detail that feels like you are living through one of those 80s Indy adventures. With great characters, amazing graphics, and a stellar story, this game sets a new bar for how to adapt a franchise and give fans a new experience that would otherwise be impossible. A few minor bugs here and there, but otherwise a stellar achievement. Keep 'em coming.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle captures its source material's vibe down to a T, delivering an authentic, swashbuckling Indiana Jones adventure that can stand toe-to-toe with the original trilogy, while strong level design, compelling exploration, smartly designed puzzles, and enjoyable stealth and combat also combine in a well-crafted gameplay experience that might just be MachineGames' best outing to date.

GamingTrend - David Flynn - 95 / 100

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle perfectly translates the fun of the films into video game form. It's a globetrotting adventure that'll have you brawling through deserts, sneaking across a German boat in the Himelayas, and trying not to get bitten by snakes in long forgotten temples. The story is phenomenal, but the real highlight is the gameplay. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is absolute bliss from start to finish, and would make Dr. Jones proud.

God is a Geek - Chris White - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is authentic and exciting, filled with excellent set pieces and some enjoyable gameplay.

Hardcore Gamer - Parker Green - 4 / 5

Closing out a season of fantastic launches, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle finally delivers on the promise of Xbox Games Pass, delivering a high-quality and entertaining single-player adventure that fans of the series will absolutely adore. While it's not the most technically innovative game and it could use an upgrade in the combat department, it's still one of the most entertaining games of the year, and a much more faithful continuation of the Indiana Jones franchise than the most recent films in the series.

Hey Poor Player - Francis DiPersio - 4.5 / 5

While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle might not deliver the most satisfying combat experience, it more than makes up for it with its sense of adventure, storytelling, and exploration. MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks have succeeded in crafting a journey that evokes the timeless thrill of Indy’s cinematic quests, filled with puzzles, peril, and breathtaking locales. For fans of the franchise, this is the kind of adventure that makes you feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of Dr. Jones himself, solving mysteries and outrunning danger at every turn.

Hobby Consolas - David Rodriguez - Spanish - 87 / 100

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the great adventure of the year, a game that breathes affection towards the character and his classic films that we love so much. Prioritizing exploration is a success, as is not wanting to cover more than necessary. Like good treasures, this game should be in a museum.

IGN - Luke Reilly - 9 / 10

An irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt, and far and away the best Indy story this century, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle doesn’t belong in a museum; it belongs on your hard drive where you can play the heck out of it.

IGN Deutschland - Markus Fiedler - German - 8 / 10

A cool story with lots of nice cinematic vibes, but the imprecise controls and stupid opponents tarnish the otherwise good impression.

IGN Spain - Mario Seijas - Spanish - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic adventure, which understands perfectly the franchise that we all love. A game that oozes charisma and manages to put you in Indy's shoes with puzles in lost civilisations and dozens of secrets to discover. A real treat to end 2024 on a high note.

INVEN - Hongman Yoon - Korean - 8.2 / 10

If you are a fan of the original movie series, you will find complete satisfaction with this game. The unique elements of the original film—storyline, camera angles, visuals, sound design, and even clichés—are seamlessly incorporated into the gameplay. However, the somewhat lackluster action sequences leave something to be desired.

Impulsegamer - Gareth Newnham - 4.5 / 5

Not only does it nail the look, feel, and tone of the movies, but it lets players inhabit the character of Indiana Jones in an almost palatable way. This would be for naught though if it wasn’t backed up by a fantastic, engaging narrative and top-tier stealth action gameplay that is as tense as it is thrilling.

Kakuchopurei - Lewis Larcombe - 60 / 100

While it’s not the grand, heart-pounding journey we hoped for, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is still a decent adventure for those craving a quick escape into the world of archaeology, bad guys, and ancient relics.

LevelUp - Pedro Pérez Cesari - Spanish - 8.5 / 10

Instead of following trends or the logical path, MachineGames took what it does best and injected what makes Indiana Jones such a beloved series. It grabs you and delivers a sense of adventure so good, it's easy to forget all its problems.

Lords Of Gaming - Mahmood Ghaffar - 8.2 / 10

By far, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the most cinematic game ever released by MachineGames and Bethesda. The game goes beyond respecting the source material where it can comfortably stand shoulder to shoulder with any other property within the franchise. Though there are some minor hiccups in the stealth and combat sections, make no mistake, the Great Circle is the ultimate Indiana Jones simulator.

Merlin'in Kazanı - Murat Oktay - Turkish - 84 / 100

In this adventure of Indiana Jones, released in a period of FPS and TPS debates, we are in pursuit of the Great Circle. A great game awaits us when you find time to play between long cutscenes.

MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle effectively succeeds in bringing the magic of Spielberg's films to our screens, delivering a vast and fascinating world with a great focus on storytelling and freedom of exploration. The story is always engaging, the puzzles challenging, and the action adrenaline-pumping, making up for a few slips on stealth AI and animations. All in all, a title passed with high marks, hopefully just the first in a series of new Indy games by Bethesda and MachineGames.

MonsterVine - James Carr - 5 / 5

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a massive and immersive adventure. From exploring the Vatican in full to ancient tombs, every sequence feels right at home with the films and is a blast to play. The large action set pieces are fun, but the quiet exploration and puzzle solving is special, allowing you to feel like an archaeologist making a big discovery. Pair that with delightfully cartoonish villains and a massive historical mystery, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers in full.

Multiplayer First - James Lara - 8.5 / 10

Putting its flaws aside, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic adventure that delivers everything fans have come to love about the franchise. It’s a thrilling ride filled with action, mystery, and unforgettable moments, capturing the very essence of what makes an Indiana Jones adventure so iconic. From the heart-pounding chase scenes to the witty dialogue and historical intrigue, it’s everything you could dream an Indiana Jones game would be, and it leaves audiences eager for more. Being Machine Games’ first crack at the licensed IP, they’ve certainly managed to live up to the expectations that fans hold on to for the series; I look forward to what might be a glory-filled future for both the studio and the franchise.

Noisy Pixel - Azario Lopez - 7 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle captures the spirit of adventure with nostalgic puzzles, richly detailed environments, and thrilling set pieces. While it stumbles with lackluster AI and clunky item management, its charm and sense of discovery make it a rewarding journey for fans of the iconic archaeologist.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 8.5 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic outing from Machine Games, further solidifying them as not only masters of the first-person view but also of punching Nazis in the face. The sense of adventure that the game conveys is stellar, and when paired with Troy Baker's superb performance, fans of the fedora-wearing hero are in for a treat.

PC Gamer - Ted Litchfield - 86 / 100

Like if an immersive sim got caught in a teleporter accident with Uncharted. Some aspects of The Great Circle are weaker than others, but it joins Batman Arkham and Goldeneye in the god tier of licensed games.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10

Adventure! Enjoyable, a little banal, sometimes predictable, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a very positive surprise. Simply a great game.

Paste Magazine - Garrett Martin - 8 / 10

I’m as tired as anybody of the “movies becoming games becoming movies” ouroboros that has dominated the last two decades or more of game development, but The Great Circle pulls it off in a way that hits several of my buttons. Whatever cynicism or skepticism I brought into this one wilted somewhere early on, perhaps the first time Vatican librarian Enrico Colantoni cut a rug to a swing 78.

Press Start - Brodie Gibbons - 8.5 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers both high calibre adventure, story and performance in spades, to the point it feels as though it's wading into "uncharted territory" for its publisher. The decision to bop a Nazi should be a foregone conclusion, however the lack of balance in stealth and combat systems kept me in limbo, and left Indiana Jones and the Great Circle just a stone stele's throw from true greatness.

Quest Daily - Julian Price - 8.5 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle feels less like a video game and more like stepping into a classic Indiana Jones film — adventurous, nostalgic, and unforgettable. Despite some clunky traversal and AI quirks, it still delivers everything you’d hope for.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is greatness and there’s no shortage of Nazi-punching excitement to be had, because “Nazis…I hate these guys.” MachineGames was able to capture everything about “Indiana Jones” so well, and Troy Baker is a great Indy/Harrison Ford-alike. The locales, combat, stealth, and exploration are just superb, and I loved every minute of it. I think a lot of what works here is relying on your enjoyment of the franchise, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a grand adventure that looks and feels like a lost entry from the movies. The first-person perspective is sublime, because I’m not playing as Indiana Jones, I am Indiana Jones.

Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may have broken just about every expectation I had for MachineGames, short of the fact that I expected a great game. It's definitely that, but the reasons for that greatness are that it’s an impactful brawler, a stylish action-platformer, and a clever puzzle game, with a solid cast to deliver its movie-like performances, exciting environments to explore, and an excellent score to punctuate the mood. MachineGames goes above and beyond to deliver a thrilling adventure akin to the movies, and they succeed nearly across the board. Just don’t call him Junior.

Siliconera - Thomas Cunliffe - 9 / 10

Whether you’re a casual gamer with a soft spot for Indiana Jones or a fan of cinematic action-adventure titles, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has something for everyone. The game’s customizable difficulty settings and accessible mechanics ensure players of all skill levels can enjoy the adventure. However, don’t expect to spend hours cracking intricate puzzles and riddles — the Great Circle leans more into its action, narrative, and authenticity than brain teasers.

Sirus Gaming - Lexuzze Tablante - 7 / 10

Despite my gripes on sudden shifts to third-person, its plethora of animation bugs and glitches, and meager optimization on PC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle shows a lot of respect to its source material. With its incredible voice-over team especially Troy Baker's amazing performance and portrayal of Indiana Jones, the stunning musical score that captures the essence of John Williams' work, the staggering locations, and the adequate story, it's an authentic Indiana Jones adventure you'll surely enjoy.

Spaziogames - Domenico Musicò - Italian - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one of the best adventures in the series, capable of recreating the great atmosphere of the early days and offering players a story that fits well into the timeline. However, the first person perspective makes it lose much of the dynamism we would expect from an Indiana Jones game.

Stevivor - Ben Salter - 9 / 10

After a few decades with an ageing Indy, the Great Circle is a delightful return to Dr Jones in his prime. Strictly for the fans, in all the right ways.

TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 10 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers an action-packed and entertaining Indy adventure the likes of which we haven't seen in over a decade. With engaging combat, a vast world to explore, and entertaining (if a bit simple) puzzles to solve, a fan of adventure games should be hooked from start to finish.

The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4.5 / 5

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle captures everything that Indiana Jones should be, while also doing things to set itself apart from similar games. Sure it has a couple of issues such as pop-in and slightly repetitive combat but its focus on adventure first give it a sense of discovery and reward that few games can match.

TheGamer - Eric Switzer - 3.5 / 5

It’s a fun story with some decent gameplay variety that’s authentically Indy. You won’t miss much by strictly sticking to the main quest, and in fact, your experience will be better for it. It’s a shame the rest of it falls so flat.

TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle forges its own, distinctive path as an archeological adventure, excellently capturing the feel of the films with its visuals and performances. There's a fun new story here as well, wrapped around its blend of exploration, puzzles and pugilism.

Too Much Gaming - 3.5 / 5

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has the potential to be a favorite for fans of the franchise, delivering an authentic Indiana Jones experience with its story and cinematic presentation. While the game shines in its exploration and puzzle elements, the combat and stealth mechanics’ lack of gameplay variety holds it back.

Worth Playing - Cody Medellin - 8 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an absolutely fun but flawed experience. The full Indiana Jones vibe is present from a story and pacing perspective. The stealth is laughable, but all of the other gameplay elements make up for it. The graphics are good except for an issue or two, while the sound is good enough to elevate the overall experience. Some work needs to be done to make the game run smoothly without the fear that your experience will be abruptly cut due to instability issues. As it stands now, it's a good game and a fine way to cap off a year of big releases before the impending storm of next year's games begins.

XboxEra - Jon Clarke - 9 / 10

Indiana Jones is the original tomb-raiding adventurer and MachineGames have, to put it simply – nailed it. They’ve crafted an unforgettable journey that’s worthy of the franchise. Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? The mystery of the Great Circle awaits.

ZTGD - Ken McKown - 9.5 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best iteration of the character and easily the best thing Xbox has put out in years. MachineGames understood the assignment and nailed every aspect of the character while making it feel like a new entry in the movie/adventure series. The performances are stellar, the puzzles are amazing, and this easily worked its way into my best games of the year.

ZdobywcyGier.eu - Paweł Bortkiewicz - Polish - 8.5 / 10

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is definitely a successful adventure of the iconic archaeologist. Very good and varied gameplay combined with a cinematic storyline and strong characters gives us another hit from Machine Games. If you're a big fan of Indiana then head out into this world ASAP!

gameranx - Unscored

Video Review - Quote not available

I played a few hours of Star Wars Outlaws on it and the sound separation is top notch. Also shout out to the raindrops, you can hear them around the character and it really improves the immersion.

I usually play with a pair of expensive Senheisers, but they have no mic, so I bought these so I can stream to my friends on discord. The sound quality is surprisingly similar but it has more base, sound separation sound wider, and it’s way more comfortable. It was 48€ on amazon and it was a really good purchase. It will be the headset I’ll always use for games for now on.

I could use them for music, but they’re too big to wear outside, it has no bluetooth, I can’t detach the mic and the Senheisers are still a bit better for music.

100% recommend it.

I was planning to get the Series X, but I kept thinking about whether I really needed it or not. I already have the PS5 Pro, and all my new games are already purchased on it. My only real reason for getting an Xbox was to play older games and eventually replace my PS3.
I then decided to go with the Series S, but it took me some time to find one because I specifically wanted the black version. I finally got one today. It’s used, but it’s basically like new. The previous owner barely used it, and I got it with the original box and all the original accessories for $270. I hope that was a good deal, and I also hope choosing the Series S was the right decision.
To be honest, it took me some time to get used to the controller, but it’s actually very good. The only thing I’m missing is my KontrolFreek, which makes the controller much more comfortable for me since I’m used to using one on my PlayStation.
Overall, the console is amazing and very fast, and the games look really good especially the older Xbox 360 games. I’m really happy with it so far.

Spent the morning going through the collection, 13 games didn’t work (right stack), the 53 games in the left 2 stacks all worked. Didn’t test 20 others since wife is playing them or keeping sealed for now.
One note I haven’t seen in other posts is even after you claim a digital license it still wants the game to stay inserted for the install. Metal Gear Solid Master Collection was a bit of a pain about that popping up multiple times for each game.