Late ’90s Paris—an auspicious time and starting point for my all-time favorite globetrotting graphic adventure: Broken Sword. This Reforged version is “substantially enhanced,” with improvements varying in quality, especially for purists like myself. But with options to play the original (and, in my eyes, virtually flawless) game, it makes any of my gripes inconsequential. Reforged offers the best of both worlds.
I readily disclaim my nostalgia for this game, having first played it in my late teens on the Sony PlayStation. Despite some long load times, that 1998 port introduced me (and other console gamers) to what would become a long-running series. Nintendo players may know the game from even later ports on the GBA (see my retro review in PNM Issue #32) or the Director’s Cut versions on DS and Wii. The latter were popular with those unfamiliar with the original game and just getting into the genre. That’s much less so with existing fans (for reasons too numerous to discuss here), but Revolution Software has acknowledged this, excising those weaker updates to focus on the superlative original.
Broken Sword is a story-driven game with an explosive start, literally. There is a bomb blast at a sidewalk cafe, and American tourist George Stobbart gets caught in it. His early motivations may seem limited (not unheard of for this genre). Is it a sense of justice stemming from his law studies and/or survivor’s guilt? More likely, he’s just an inquisitive man on vacation looking for adventure without an itinerary or restrictions on his time and expenses. Being able to partner with a pretty photojournalist certainly helps, too.
Nicole Collard is your non-playable support—a shutterbug George admires and builds chemistry with as the adventure progresses. While she may seem passive (especially compared to George, who is actively traveling historical and cultural crossroads), she has some fun surprises up her sleeve that I won’t dare spoil for first-time players. The relationship between her and George builds organically.
Their initial search to learn more about the deceased cafe victim and his killer (disguised as a clown) soon leads to a mystery whose origins lie in the Middle Ages, the scope and threat of which are hard to imagine. The Knights Templar make for a popular topic in books, movies, and more now (and rightly so), but decades ago, not as much. Broken Sword was a pioneer that encouraged many gamers to learn more about history.
Truly tying all these threads together is the plethora of side characters (and George’s interactions with them). There is no such thing as a lesser NPC in Broken Sword, as even those of limited importance still leave a positive impression. Even seemingly mundane exchanges lead to entertaining, often funny, and memorable results. It’s one of the reasons the Director’s Cut faded after its honeymoon period, as gamers let the devs know these nonessential interactions were, in fact, essential insofar as their contribution to the game’s charm and challenge. Are you showing the greasy tissue you found in the sewer to every character you meet? If not, you’re missing out.
The character vocals impressed the heck out of me in my younger years. Now I better recognize some voice actors in dual roles and their stereotypical accents. Nonetheless, I’m still impressed. Highlights include Rolph Saxon as George and most of the Irish dialects. Modulation stands out, and with subtitles on, you won’t miss a beat. Of course, the vocals are only part of the audio package. The late Australian composer Barrington Pheloung’s orchestral score lives on, chiming in at leading points during the cinematic adventure, making it even more music for your ears. My lone musical issue (though small enough to have no impact on my score) is that the fiddle player in the Irish pub seems slightly off, with overly loud music and choppy transitions between tunes. Some of this may simply stem from growing up with the PlayStation version, where the character got removed (he gives no dialogue). You can do a quick settings adjustment, though, and perhaps a patch will polish this or grant the option to remove it entirely.
But beyond the audio, it’s the game’s visual presentation likely to attract the attention of most players (as well as the most in this review). The original Don Buth Studios art has been redrawn in high definition, and you can flip between both styles instantly with the tap of a button. The joy I get from combing through each screen and studying every change, no matter how small, might be hard for many to understand, but it’s real all the same. Reforged is at its best when staying faithful to the timeless beauty of the original, making subtle enhancements feel natural. A few of the earliest examples are the animated intro, which has never looked better. Now, some cars travel along the city streets, which feels right. Another is the cafe where the explosion took place. While always appearing blown up, it now has even more damage at the site where the bomb sat. Again, it feels right. One more is the character of Flap, described by George as a “gorilla” gangster. He’s gained a few inches to better match his brawny description.
Reforged is less successful when it deviates more than is needed from the original. For example, while I appreciate the autumn foliage lining the block of Nico’s apartment, other color choices in the redrawn scenes feel more like “Paris in the Spring.” The lighting can also be too much or too little—the Hotel Ubu chandelier in one instance and the sewers in another. In the effort to create realism, some details and grittiness that shone through in the original get lost. The redrawn Crune Museum (a singular instance, thankfully) barely resembles the original, especially during the daytime scenes. Warm colors and textures are replaced by something best described as if Sam’s Club built a museum in their Tire & Battery Center; it’s an odd choice.
Thankfully, these gripes are ultimately nullified with the inclusion of the original presentation accessible on the fly (something the Director’s Cut predecessor lacked on Nintendo hardware). Of course, less experienced Broken Sword players, like my wife, might prefer the new version, and I understand that. Heck, I often prefer the new version myself. But don’t hesitate to compare and tinker with settings, especially if playing in handheld mode, where the original shines brightest.
The puzzles reflect the time of the original release. In 1996, the percentage of the global population having cell phones and Internet access was small enough to be counted on one hand. Calling from public telephones and getting info from print is George’s way. You’ll manage a good-sized inventory and talk to everyone you meet about everything you can think of. Those coming from the Director’s Cut version may find it jarring to have more options to work with, but the extra challenge also brings extra charm. However, I’d think long and hard about picking the “Story” experience over “Classic,” at least at the start. Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged having the option is great, but will you soon regret the hints and hotspots?
You can die attempting to solve certain puzzles, but autosaves (and manual ones) lessen having to replay too much. Thankfully, the cursor works very well, even at the default setting, which is paramount for some puzzles that require quick timing or can lead to death. You can also play in handheld mode with a capacitive stylus. Impatient gamers may welcome the option for speedier movement. That said, except for the previously mentioned puzzles built around quickness, Broken Sword isn’t a fast-paced game and is best enjoyed at a pace to savor everything it offers. Oh, and did I mention among point-and-click games, Broken Sword has a puzzle that is the GOAT?
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged respects the fans who helped make it a commercial success. But it also invites new players to discover the game (and, by extension, the franchise) that, for many, has become the genre leader. Don’t be turned off by the awful menu icon, the spoiler screenshot in the listing, or any other marketing blunders. The game itself is outstanding.
It’s the compelling interplay of thrilling story, memorable characters, enjoyable puzzles, and stunning presentation that ensures Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged will become a top choice for a new generation of players. Let’s hope the sequel (and the rest of the series) finds a home on Nintendo hardware. It’s 2024, and my game of the year is a graphic adventure first released in 1996. Go figure.
