Order of Giants DLC Review: A Disappointing Expansion Experience

Anticipation and Disappointment: A Look at The Order of Giants DLC

For some time, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into The Order of Giants DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This action-adventure game has been praised for its compelling storyline, intricate level design that encourages exploration, and stunning ray-traced graphics. Many believe it sets a new benchmark for games featuring the iconic Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr.

A Reception Worthy of the Adventure

Upon its release, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle garnered significant praise from both critics and gamers alike. Unfortunately, its late arrival on the gaming calendar meant it missed out on accolades at Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards. This context heightened the anticipation surrounding its upcoming story DLC, which was hinted at even before the base game launched.

Unmet Expectations in Narrative Depth

Focusing on the enigmatic Order of Giants seemed to resonate well, tapping into one of the game’s major mysteries that fans were eager to explore further. However, my experience with the DLC left much to be desired. While some elements reminiscent of the original game, such as engaging gameplay and more intricate puzzles, are present, the promise of a ‘story-driven DLC’ falls flat. The storyline is disappointingly thin, offering little in terms of resolution and concluding abruptly. Players may find themselves bewildered rather than enthralled as the DLC’s logo appears right after the final boss encounter.

Boss Fight and Gameplay Insights

The boss fight itself is enjoyable, complete with a predictable plot twist, yet the overall experience feels deceptively brief and ultimately lacks heft. Drawing from my launch experience with the base game, I sense that others, even those approaching it as side content, might share this sentiment. The introduction of the Cult of Mithras feels rushed, hinting at the potential that remains largely unfulfilled.

Rome’s Cloaca Maxima: A Hidden Opportunity

Equally disheartening was the promise of exploring Rome, which ultimately relies heavily on the Cloaca Maxima, the ancient sewer system. While venturing into sewers fits the genre, it feels like a missed opportunity to showcase Rome’s historical monuments and vibrant streets.

Split-screen comparison showing Path Traced On + RTX Hair Off and Path Traced On + RTX Hair On with NVIDIA RTX 5090.

Visual Mastery with Technical Enhancements

Perhaps the most compelling reason to experience The Order of Giants is to revel in its stunning visuals, which have seen significant enhancements since I last played. The absence of path tracing and NVIDIA DLSS Ray Reconstruction during my earlier playthrough is notable, as recent updates now feature improvements such as ray-traced local lighting that enhances shadow quality in indoor settings. Additionally, the introduction of RTX Hair uses the LSS (linear swept spheres) feature on GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards to render hair more realistically. Although such improvements are immediately evident, keep in mind that this is primarily a first-person game, and cutscenes—where these details shine—are scarce in the DLC.

Performance and Final Thoughts

The game runs smoothly, showcasing MachineGames’ prowess with their MOTOR engine, derived from idTech 7, effectively eliminating issues like stuttering. Overall, the graphical fidelity is impressive. While I would still recommend Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for any adventurer who hasn’t yet played it, I hesitate to do the same for The Order of Giants DLC—especially at its current price of $19.99 unless future seasons offer enhanced content.

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