Reviving the Adventure: MachineGames' Indiana Jones Reboot

The Indiana Jones franchise, once the king of adventure films in the 1980s, has struggled to keep up with the times in recent years. Reviews of the latest installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, suggest that the series has lost its former glory. However, there may be hope on the horizon with MachineGames' upcoming Indiana Jones project.

Since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the franchise has shown signs of aging and Harrison Ford's portrayal of the iconic character has become less convincing. The studio has struggled to find ways to revitalize the series, but MachineGames' fresh perspective could be just what the doctor ordered. Although details about the project are scarce, it could be the shot in the arm that Lucasfilm and Indiana Jones desperately need.

The first three Indiana Jones movies are widely regarded as some of the greatest adventure films of all time. Harrison Ford's portrayal of the witty archaeologist captivated audiences, and each new adventure seemed to surpass the last. Raiders of the Lost Ark was an excellent introduction to the franchise, The Temple of Doom expanded on it in exciting ways, and The Last Crusade brought the series to a thrilling conclusion. The journey was an incredible thrill ride from start to finish, but unfortunately, it overstayed its welcome.

Fans were able to enjoy more of Indy's adventures through The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, but it took nearly two decades for the franchise to return to the big screen. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was supposed to be a triumphant return, but it ultimately fell short. While it was a financial success, the actual plot was lackluster. Harrison Ford did his best to reprise his iconic role, but his performance was a bit less convincing this time around. The film served as a decent conclusion to the series, leading many to believe that Harrison Ford's days as Indiana Jones were over. However, with The Dial of Destiny on the horizon, early reviews suggest that it may be even worse than its predecessor.

These latest entries in the Indiana Jones franchise are indicative of its fading glory. The stories have lost their excitement, the concept has become increasingly absurd, and let's face it, Harrison Ford is now 80 years old. The series desperately needs a change, either through recasting and reinvention or by finally bringing it to an end. While new Indiana Jones adventures may sound enticing, they may no longer be plausible on the big screen. However, MachineGames could offer a fresh perspective for the iconic character.

In 2021, MachineGames announced that they were developing a new Indiana Jones video game. Known for their work on the modern Wolfenstein games, fans are eagerly anticipating what the studio has planned for the adventurous archeologist. Although specifics about the project remain under wraps, it has the potential to revive the franchise. With a new lead character and storyline, MachineGames promises to breathe new life into the series. This could be exactly what the franchise needs, and we can only hope that the wait is worth it.

While it may be too early to call it a success, there is a high chance that this new game will be the most unique Indiana Jones experience in a while. If MachineGames is given free rein to explore the franchise, they could create a truly exceptional adventure. Just as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order reignited interest in Star Wars games, there's no reason why Indiana Jones couldn't do the same for its own franchise.

MachineGames’ Indiana Jones game is in development.