Hey there Legend! Just to bring to your notice that some links and ad banners on this page are affiliates which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We greatly appreciate your support!

Indiana Jones: Burn Propaganda, Ignite Change in The Great Circle

Indiana Jones: Burn Propaganda, Ignite Change in The Great Circle

December 22, 2024 Off

Set fire to fascist propaganda. Literally.

By Ibraheem Adeola

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining archaeological adventure with a healthy dose of rebellion, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers—and then some. Among its many immersive features, the game lets you set fire to fascist propaganda plastered across cities, adding an unexpected layer of satisfaction and thematic depth to an already detailed experience.

Burn, Baby, Burn: The Lighter That Changes Everything

Indiana Jones Burn Propaganda
Image credit: MachineGames/Bethesda Softworks

In The Great Circle, you’ll often stumble upon ominous propaganda posters in places like Vatican City and Gizeh. At first, these visuals feel like set dressing—until you acquire the lighter. While the game doesn’t immediately highlight this mechanic, it becomes clear soon enough: this isn’t just a tool for puzzles; it’s your ticket to burning down fascist ideals, one poster at a time.

The lighter, a seemingly ordinary item, is earned as part of the main storyline. You’ll first encounter it in the bustling Gizeh marketplace, where it’s sold by a vendor with a sly hint in its description:

“A fine lighter that can be used for light and setting things on fire.”

From there, the possibilities ignite. Besides solving in-game puzzles like lighting torches or fuses, the lighter allows you to destroy propaganda in the most literal—and satisfying—way possible.

More Than Flames: Adventure Points for Rebellion

fascist proganda in indiana jones
Image credit: MachineGames/Bethesda Softworks

This mechanic isn’t just about aesthetics or thematic immersion. Each poster you burn rewards you with Adventure Points, the game’s currency for unlocking permanent upgrades. These upgrades can range from improving combat abilities to enhancing exploration tools, making each act of defiance against fascism doubly rewarding.

But it’s not all fun and games. Burning posters in areas teeming with guards can quickly escalate into full-blown combat or a daring escape sequence. The NPC “stooges,” ever-vigilant in their defence of oppressive regimes, won’t hesitate to confront you for your acts of rebellion.

The combination of tangible rewards and the inherent risk of being caught adds a layer of strategy. Do you burn the poster in broad daylight and prepare for a fight, or wait until the area is clear to avoid detection?

Immersive Storytelling Through Subversion

MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks have clearly leaned into immersive worldbuilding, and this small but impactful mechanic is a testament to their attention to detail. The act of burning propaganda isn’t just a gameplay feature—it’s a subtle yet powerful narrative tool.

By allowing players to actively participate in the resistance against fascist regimes, the game bridges the gap between Indiana Jones’ historical context and the player’s modern sensibilities. It’s one thing to watch Indy take down oppressive forces in cutscenes; it’s another to actively dismantle them through your own actions.

Where to Find Propaganda Posters

Cloud Atlas Puzzle
Image credit: MachineGames/Bethesda Softworks

Posters are scattered throughout key locations, often plastered on walls in high-traffic areas. Vatican City, with its labyrinthine streets and ominous fascist influence, is a hotspot. Similarly, the excavation sites in Gizeh feature propaganda prominently near guard outposts and supply depots.

Keep an eye out for posters while exploring and solving puzzles. Burning them not only earns you Adventure Points but also visually transforms the game world, leaving scorched remnants where oppressive symbols once stood.

Combat Meets Chaos: Be Ready to Run

Burning propaganda isn’t without its consequences. NPC guards react swiftly to acts of defiance, often converging on your location within moments of lighting a poster ablaze. The game’s AI ensures that no act of rebellion goes unnoticed, making every poster-burning a high-stakes decision.

If you’re caught, you’ll need to rely on a combination of stealth, parkour, and Indy’s iconic whip to escape. Alternatively, you can stand your ground and fight, using the lighter to ignite fuel barrels or other environmental hazards for an edge.

Why It Resonates with Players

buying a lighter
Image credit: MachineGames/Bethesda Softworks

This feature has resonated deeply with fans for several reasons:

  1. Thematic Alignment: Burning propaganda ties directly into Indy’s legacy as a hero fighting against tyranny.
  2. Player Agency: It gives players a direct way to engage with the game’s narrative themes rather than passively observing them.
  3. Subtle Rewards: The Adventure Points system ensures that acts of rebellion feel rewarding without overshadowing other gameplay mechanics.

The lighter’s ability to burn propaganda is just one example of how The Great Circle balances narrative depth with interactive gameplay. As players continue to uncover the game’s secrets, this mechanic reminds them that even small acts of defiance can have a lasting impact—both in the game world and in their minds.