Indiana Jones Swings into Action in Melee-Heavy Adventure

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: A Focus on Melee Combat and Stealth

MachineGames and Bethesda's upcoming Indiana Jones title, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, will prioritize melee combat and stealth over gunplay, according to the development team. This design choice, revealed in an exclusive interview with PC Gamer, reflects the iconic character's established personality and skillset.

"Indiana Jones isn't a gunslinger," explained design director Jens Andersson. "Hand-to-hand combat makes perfect sense." The game will draw inspiration from the melee systems in titles like Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, but with a unique twist to match Indy's resourceful style. Expect inventive brawls utilizing everyday objects as improvised weapons – think pots, pans, and even banjos. The developers aim to capture Indy's "unlikely hero" persona through gameplay mechanics, emphasizing humor and resourcefulness.

Beyond combat, exploration and puzzle-solving will play crucial roles. The game will blend linear and open environments, inspired by the Wolfenstein series. Some areas will feature immersive sim elements, offering players multiple approaches to challenges and objectives. Stealth will be a key component, incorporating both traditional infiltration and a novel "social stealth" mechanic, allowing players to utilize disguises to blend into enemy territory. A wide array of disguises will be available in each major location, providing access to otherwise restricted areas.

Game director Jerk Gustafsson previously confirmed the deliberate downplaying of gunplay in an interview with Inverse. The team consciously focused on developing engaging hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and traversal mechanics, acknowledging their proficiency in implementing shooting mechanics but prioritizing more challenging aspects of the game design. The game will also feature a robust selection of puzzles, ranging in difficulty to appeal to both casual and seasoned puzzle enthusiasts. Even the most challenging puzzles will remain optional, ensuring accessibility for a wider player base. The overall design aims to deliver a unique and authentic Indiana Jones experience prioritizing clever problem-solving and resourceful action over straightforward gunfights.