The Broken Sword series is a classic in the point-and-click adventure genre, though its popularity has declined over the years. First released more than two decades ago, the series has endured, with nearly five games in total, some of which have been re-released with enhanced features and updated visuals. The newest release is a faithful remake that not only reimagines the first game’s story with a captivating new animated style but also introduces various quality-of-life improvements that address issues from the older games. For fans of the original design, the game offers an option to play in the classic mode as well.
For those unfamiliar with point-and-click adventure games, Broken Sword is often regarded as one of the best in the genre. Developed by Revolution Software, it was groundbreaking at its time. The game begins with a murder mystery and quickly evolves into a globe-trotting adventure filled with engaging twists and a memorable cast of characters. While it was well-received when it first came out, playing the original PC version now can feel dated, particularly in terms of gameplay, although the story and characters have aged well.
This led Revolution Software to release Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged, a complete remake of the original. The game’s cinematics have been reanimated, and the art style has been revamped, creating a vibrant, animated world where players control the main character using a cursor. Several quality-of-life improvements have been added, such as hints to guide players on where to go or what to do next, and visual cues that indicate when an object has been fully interacted with. These updates make the gameplay more intuitive and enjoyable, without holding the player’s hand too much.
I would go so far as to say that Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged sets a new standard for remaking classic point-and-click games. It stays true to its original animated roots without venturing into 3D experimentation, unlike other remakes. The game maintains a clean and vibrant aesthetic, making players feel like they are part of a living, animated world. While the story itself needs no introduction, as it is well-documented by now, I was impressed by the new updates, and I now consider it one of the best point-and-click games available.
The PC port for Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is also exceptional. It feels well-optimized for various platforms, including the Steam Deck, which I found to be the best way to play it. Since it is not a particularly demanding game, it is well-suited for extended play sessions. While the story remains largely faithful to the original, there were some plot holes in the first game that Revolution Software has successfully addressed in this remake. The removal of the old-school, cumbersome menu system is a major improvement. I always found it frustrating to navigate through every menu option when most led to dead ends. The streamlined user interface now makes it much easier to figure out what to do next, particularly when faced with some of the game’s clever puzzles.
The game offers two distinct modes: Classic Mode, designed for fans of the original game, and Story Mode, which provides hints for players who may prefer more guidance. Classic Mode is ideal for those seeking a nostalgic experience, while Story Mode is thoughtfully crafted to welcome newcomers to the genre. For seasoned players familiar with point-and-click adventures, Classic Mode is likely the best way to experience the game in its original form.
While I appreciated the new visual direction, I understand why some fans have been critical. Certain characters have been redesigned in ways that may have diminished their original charm. However, the animation style evokes the feel of 90s cartoons, which I found fitting for this type of game. The animations themselves are well done, with some delightful interactions that were a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, not all elements have been fully updated, and there are moments when older animations are still noticeable. The developers attempted to use AI upscaling for these sections, but the results were inconsistent.
Overall, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged is an outstanding remaster with many memorable moments. While some fans may have mixed feelings about the new visual design, it serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers with its more accessible approach. The game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, and although it may not offer extensive replay value, the experience is engaging enough to warrant another playthrough in the future.
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged Game Information
- Price: $29.99
- Publisher: Revolution Software
- Developer: Revolution Software
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
