Classic point-and-click adventure reimagined
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, developed by Revolution Software Ltd, delivers a focused single-player experience centered on traditional point-and-click puzzle gameplay. The game blends historical mysteries with a globe-trotting adventure and features challenging puzzles and an optional hint system. Its updated 4K graphics and refined controls provide a refreshed way to engage with the story of the original 1996 PC Version.
The game places players in the role of George Stobbart, an American patent lawyer caught in a terrorist bombing in Paris. The investigation evolves from a simple bombing case into a hunt for a mysterious manuscript and relics tied to the Knights Templar. The game emphasizes rich exploration, encouraging players to interact with numerous NPCs who supply clues essential to progressing the investigation, as the protagonist becomes entangled in a conflict between the modern descendants of the Knights Templar and a modern, antagonistic secret society known as the Neo-Templars, who seek ultimate power through hidden Templar secrets.
Explore a detailed mystery across multiple locations
The enhanced 4K visuals feature high-definition landscapes and detailed character models, creating a vibrant, immersive atmosphere. The graphics retain the classic 2D cartoon aesthetic of the original game while eliminating the pixelation seen in low-resolution releases. Character models are updated to match the high-resolution backdrops to provide a cohesive and polished aesthetic that aligns with contemporary standards.
Engage in thoughtful puzzle-solving
The core gameplay involves carefully examining environments, gathering items, and solving puzzles through item manipulation and code cracking. The game’s updated controls for modern systems include full controller support and mouse-touch input. The game also has a Difficulty System where players can choose between Story or Classic mode, which differ with the hint system being disabled in the Classic mode. Additionally, the inventory system and item manipulation mechanics are made more direct and user-friendly to reduce the number of steps required to combine or use items.
The point-and-click mechanics have been improved for more intuitive interaction and smoother navigation, reflecting modern standards without departing from the classic design. These layered puzzles test observation and deduction abilities, rewarding players for clever problem-solving. However, since it is a remastered version of the original PV game, the game does not include any character development features, which limits narrative depth for players seeking more immersive character arcs.
A classic adventure game with layered puzzles
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged offers a solid classic adventure experience revitalized by improved graphics and controls. The game’s addition of different game modes give users the option to engage with the game with an added difficulty. Its carefully crafted puzzles and strong investigative elements create a rewarding gameplay loop. Its blend of historical mysteries and challenging puzzles is an ideal game for both casual players and fans of the original game.
Pros
- Updated 4k resolution graphics
- Play in Classic or Story mode
Cons
- Lack of additional character depth