LONDON: “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is a bold attempt at blending classic adventure tropes with modern gaming sensibilities, although its bland title hardly does justice to the grand scope of its ambition.

This globe-trotting 1930s adventure is steeped in intrigue, setting players on a path to uncover a secret order of giants hidden beneath the Vatican, with the ever-looming menace of Nazi antagonists turning the stakes even higher.

Fans of the “Tomb Raider” series will find themselves on familiar terrain here, although the game also sprinkles in elements reminiscent of “Metal Gear Solid.” However, instead of espionage-heavy stealth, “The Great Circle” leans into satisfying puzzles and visceral hand-to-hand combat. The result is a game that feels rooted in the past — both in its narrative themes and its retro gameplay touches.

The game’s combat is refreshingly physical, emphasizing fistfights over gunplay. The punches land with gratifying impact, accompanied by retro sound effects that evoke arcade classics. It’s an unusual focus in a genre often dominated by firearms, and it works surprisingly well — although the simplicity of enemy AI detracts from the experience. Combat can sometimes feel clunky, with enemies behaving erratically, and often hilariously, as doors inexplicably lock or bodies pile up in awkward positions.

Puzzles are another highlight, designed to strike a balance between challenge and accessibility. They won’t leave players stumped for hours but provide enough complexity to feel rewarding. The puzzles’ old-fashioned mechanics, like physically turning keys or deciphering simple codes, give a nostalgic charm that ties into the game’s 1930s setting.

An upgrade tree powered by collectible “adventure points” adds a sense of progression, allowing players to enhance abilities as they go. The system is straightforward but effective, offering enough variety to make exploration worthwhile without overwhelming casual players.

“The Great Circle” thrives on its pulp-inspired storytelling. The global backdrop feels suitably grand, with locales such as nighttime Rome brought to life in stunning detail. The plot blends historical mysteries with fantastical elements, and while it may tread familiar ground for seasoned fans of the genre, the banter and dialogue keep things fresh as Indy looks to thwart the Nazis’ evil plans.

The protagonist channels Indiana Jones-style sass with ease, while a determined and witty female companion ensures the dynamic never grows stale. The interplay between the two characters is sharp and effective, adding much-needed levity to a story that could otherwise veer into melodrama.

However, the game’s identikit fascist enemies lack nuance, serving as little more than cannon fodder. For a story with such an ambitious concept, it’s disappointing that the antagonists don’t feel more distinctive.

Where “The Great Circle” truly shines is in its environments. From the cobbled streets of Rome to the Pyramids of Giza, the attention to detail is remarkable. The game also makes clever use of its camera, offering subtle hints during exploration and rewarding players with fascinating historical tidbits.

The Great Circle is a film fan’s dream, packed with nods to adventure classics and brimming with nostalgic charm. For newcomers to the genre, it may feel less engaging due to its dated mechanics and occasional lack of polish. Still, it’s a satisfying romp for those willing to embrace its retro roots and cinematic flair.

JEDDAH: Actress Hend Sabri is set to host a masterclass organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission on Jan. 17.
The Egyptian Tunisian actress was featured on the BBC’s 100 Women list for 2024, featuring the British broadcaster’s 100 most influential women.
The BBC described Sabri “as one of the most famous women in Arab cinema” in its listing. In 2019, the actress became the first Arab woman to serve as a judge at the Venice Film Festival.
With titles such as “Finding Ola” and the Oscar-nominated “Four Daughters” under her belt, Sabri is well placed to speak to industry insiders at the event in Jeddah on Friday.
According to the Film Commission, she will discuss the interplay between actors and directors and how the former can employ various acting techniques to serve the filmmaker’s vision.
The session is the latest in a stellar lineup of activities for those involved in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film scene — last week, Saudi actresses Sumaya Rida, Adwa Bader and Mila Al-Zahrani participated in a workshop hosted by the California-based drama school Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Riyadh. 
The workshop is part of the Ministry of Culture and the Film Commission’s Filmmakers Program, which runs until the end of January.

Ivana Chubbuck, founder and director of the studio, is a US acting coach and creator of the widely adopted Chubbuck Technique, known for its role in Oscar-winning and nominated performances. 
She heads the drama school in Los Angeles and conducts acting workshops worldwide.
Chubbuck has worked with renowned actors such as Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone, Terrence Howard, James Franco, Jake Gyllenhaal, Elisabeth Shue, Catherine Keener, Halle Berry, and Jared Leto, among others. 
She is also the author of the best-selling book “The Power of the Actor,” published by Penguin Books’ Gotham division, which has been translated into 20 languages.

Chubbuck’s Riyadh workshop was also attended by Saudi actor and comedian Fahad Albutairi, who shared a carousel of images from the event on Instagram. Among the pictures was a signed note from Chubbuck that read: “Fahad, you are so talented and (I) look forward to continuing our journey together.”