Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: How To Solve the Bulls of Blood Mystery in Castel Sant’Angelo
Key Takeaways:
- Navigate the Castel Sant’Angelo: Avoid Blackshirts and explore the fortress to uncover hidden passages and treasures.
- Solve the Bulls of Blood Mystery: This puzzle lets you bypass the barracks and gain easy access to key locations.
- Unravel History and Adventure: Dive into an experience rich with historical references, secret treasures, and Indiana Jones-style action.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle offers a classic treasure-hunting adventure, placing you right in the shoes of the iconic archaeologist. One of the most intriguing locations in this escapade is the Castel Sant’Angelo in Vatican City. This fortress holds secrets, danger, and a key puzzle known as the Bulls of Blood Mystery, which could make your journey smoother while adding a thrill of discovery. Ready to tackle this challenge? Let’s break it down step by step.
Castel Sant’Angelo: The Starting Point
The game kicks off with Indiana Jones infiltrating the Castel Sant’Angelo, an ancient citadel now under the control of the fascist Blackshirts. This structure is brimming with historical references and hidden dangers, making it a compelling stop on your journey.
While your main objective might focus on advancing the story, taking the time to explore pays off. Castel Sant’Angelo is a treasure trove of artifacts, secret passages, and puzzles, including the Bulls of Blood Mystery, which allows you to bypass guards and the locked Captain’s Key gate.
Understanding the Bulls of Blood Mystery
The Bulls of Blood Mystery is both a puzzle and a gateway. Solving it grants you access to a secret passage that skips the dangerous Blackshirt barracks. Here’s how to get started and solve this exciting enigma:
Step 1: Starting the Bulls of Blood Mystery
- Locate the Chapel: After entering the Castel Sant’Angelo, head to the chapel opposite the barracks. There are two entrances:
- The right-hand door, guarded by a soldier near a fireplace.
- The left-hand door, usually less guarded but still requiring stealth.
- Evade or Neutralize Guards: Depending on whether it’s day or night, the number and type of guards will vary. At night, expect more guards, but during the day, better-equipped soldiers patrol the area. Silence and stealth are your best allies.
- Collect Russo’s Note: In the right-hand room of the chapel, you’ll find a table with Russo’s Note. This document is crucial to starting the puzzle.
Step 2: Gathering the Remaining Mystery Notes
Next, you’ll need to gather additional items from the chapel to complete the mystery:
- Angel Courtyard Map: Found on the table in the left-hand room.
- Red Bulls Card: Also located on the same table in the left-hand room.
Clear the area of guards by distracting them with throwable objects like bottles. This minimizes the risk of detection.
Step 3: Solving the Bulls of Blood Puzzle
With all the necessary documents in hand, you’re ready to tackle the puzzle:
- Locate the Bull Paintings: These are positioned near the fireplace in the left-hand room of the chapel.
- Rotate the Paintings: Interact with both paintings, turning them 180 degrees so the red bull emblem of House Borgia is on top.
This action will trigger the opening of a secret passageway between the paintings.
Step 4: Explore the Secret Passage
Inside the newly revealed passage, you’ll find:
- A letter from Cesare Borgia, offering historical context and adding depth to the game’s lore.
- A lever that unlocks a gate leading to a zipline.
Using the zipline, you can bypass the locked gate near the Captain’s Key, proceeding straight to the Bastione San Marco.
Historical Context: The Bulls of Blood Puzzle
The puzzle’s reference to House Borgia enriches the experience with historical intrigue. The Borgias were a powerful Spanish noble family in the 15th and 16th centuries, known for their influence in the Vatican. Their emblem, the red bull, is a nod to their legacy, blending history seamlessly with gameplay.
Tips for Success
- Patience is Key: Rushing into rooms without assessing guard patterns can lead to unnecessary fights.
- Leverage the Environment: Use throwable objects like bottles to distract and separate guards.
- Prioritize Stealth: Neutralize guards quietly and hide their bodies to avoid raising alarms.
Adventure Points and Rewards
Completing the Bulls of Blood Mystery not only advances your journey but also rewards you with adventure points. These points contribute to your overall progression, unlocking upgrades and enhancing Indy’s skills.
FAQs
Q1: Can I solve the Bulls of Blood Mystery without fighting guards?
Yes, with careful planning and stealth, you can bypass most guards using distractions and timing your movements.
Q2: What happens if I miss one of the mystery notes?
You won’t be able to open the secret passage until all necessary documents are collected. Check all rooms thoroughly to avoid missing any.
Q3: Is solving the Bulls of Blood Mystery mandatory?
No, but it provides a safer and faster route through the Castel Sant’Angelo, bypassing heavily guarded areas.
