Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged review

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged review

As a gamer who vividly remembers the days when floppy disks ruled and graphics were more pixelated than a 90s sitcom, I must admit that Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged has truly captured my heart once again. Thirty years ago, this game was a breath of fresh air in an industry still finding its feet; today, it’s like revisiting an old friend who’s come back looking better than ever.


In its initial release about thirty years ago, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars told a tale seldom attempted by developers. This point-and-click adventure has always held a sentimental value for me, yet simply because it was remarkable in the past, it doesn’t guarantee the same affection resurfaces after three decades – more so when we’ve witnessed numerous other games since then. Nostalgia can be tricky, but the Reforged edition successfully manages to maintain its relevance in 2024 by incorporating stunning graphics that underscore how captivating the story was back then.

Following an odd incident involving a Parisian café being bombed by a questionable clown, American traveler George Stobbart finds himself entangled in a complex mystery that transcends national boundaries and sparks curiosity. In partnership with journalist and photographer Nico Collard, you delve into the investigation, gathering evidence, interrogating potential suspects, and uncovering leads to advance the case. This captivating narrative remains engaging due to its sharp writing and lively dialogue despite its somber undercurrents. Although certain aspects appear somewhat antiquated, the engaging dialogues between George and Nico make them intriguing characters to explore further.

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged review

For newcomers to Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, gameplay primarily involves examining your surroundings and clicking on items or characters that can be interacted with. As you discover fresh leads, you’ll gradually expand the topics you can discuss, which will help guide you towards where to go next or what action to take. An early instance of this is figuring out a way into a sewer system. By engaging in conversation with a construction worker and showing him a newspaper you found, he’ll be distracted, giving you the opportunity to take his manhole key from his toolbox without him noticing.

Navigating through the complex puzzles can be challenging, but making sensible choices usually leads you to discover the truth. Although the gameplay demands some patience and creative problem-solving, it’s made more enjoyable by Revolution Software’s remarkable efforts in making Broken Sword Reforged visually stunning. The settings have been vividly redesigned to stand out distinctly, boasting an impressive level of detail in every frame. The backdrops, though stationary, manage to breathe life into Paris. The cutscenes have been upgraded to 4K resolution, and revisiting the original will underscore just how stunning it looks now.

As soon as you spot crows soaring over the Parisian sky, it’s clear that the scene has an enchanting Disney-like quality, reminiscent of animated films before computers became predominant. Characters are given fresh, expressive facial movements and actions, making the experience feel more authentic. In fact, George doesn’t merely appear as a lifeless avatar; he seems alive and engaged in natural conversations. The visual enhancements that breathe new life into this classic game are truly remarkable.

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged review

The sound has been enhanced as well, and while it sounds fantastic, there’s still a slight tinny-sound to the dialogue. The soundtrack from Barrington Pheloung is so good, though, and it is always a pleasure to hear the journey it goes on as the story progresses. The voice acting is on point, rarely faltering throughout, and I love the likeable awkwardness of George just as I did back in 1996. Some games are better off staying in the past, no matter how good they are, but Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is not one of them.

Regardless if you’re a novice or an experienced player, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged offers plenty of delight. Its captivating narrative, charming characters, and brain-teasing puzzles make it a joy to play even today. The graphics are breathtaking, and although some dialogue may lack sharpness, the effort put into this remaster is evident. The speed might not satisfy everyone, but it’s all about meticulously searching for clues and experiencing a strong sense of accomplishment as you unravel the mystery.

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2024-09-18 16:16