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Reviews

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged: Review (PS5)

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a game that many point-and-click fans know and love. It first came out in 1996, making it a classic in the genre. This new version, Reforged, is a remake that keeps the original story and gameplay but updates the visuals and makes the experience smoother for modern players. While it’s not perfect, it’s a good example of how to refresh an old game without losing its heart.

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The original Broken Sword was famous for its gripping story about the Templars, way before they became trendy in pop culture with Assassin’s Creed or Dan Brown’s books. You play as George Stobbart, an American who gets caught up in a mystery involving the Templars, and you team up with a French journalist, Nicole Collard. Together, they solve puzzles, talk to different characters, and try to uncover the truth.

One of the biggest changes in Reforged is the graphics. The game now looks much sharper and more detailed, thanks to the updated visuals. There’s even a feature where you can switch between the old and new graphics with a button press. This shows just how much effort has gone into improving the game’s look. The difference is huge—you’ll likely be surprised at how basic the original now seems.

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The game’s art, including both the backgrounds and the characters, looks fantastic. The developers, Revolution Software, really put a lot of work into making the game visually appealing. The soundtrack has also been remastered, which adds a modern feel to the game while still keeping the original’s atmospheric and emotional tone. However, the voice acting is the same as it was in 1996, which can be a bit jarring. Sometimes, the voices are too loud or too quiet, and you can tell they haven’t been re-recorded.

In terms of gameplay, Broken Sword: Reforged sticks closely to the original. It’s still a point-and-click adventure where you explore environments, find clues, and solve puzzles. One nice addition is the option to highlight “hotspots”—places you can interact with. This helps avoid getting stuck, something that was pretty common in older adventure games. The game also has a handy hint system, which can guide you if you’re lost or confused about what to do next.

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There are a few downsides. The voice lines haven’t aged well, and some of the dialogue feels outdated or awkward. Also, some of the puzzles can be frustrating, especially ones that require perfect timing. But the game’s new auto-save feature is a lifesaver, making it easier to jump back in without losing too much progress.

Despite these minor issues, Broken Sword: Reforged proves that this classic story still holds up almost 30 years later. The mystery, humor, and well-written characters make it a joy to play through again. The updated visuals and improved mechanics make it accessible for new players, while still offering plenty of nostalgia for those who played it the first time around.

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged: If you’re a fan of adventure games, or you’ve heard of Broken Sword but never played it, this is the perfect chance to dive in. Reforged strikes a great balance between respecting the original and making it more enjoyable for today’s players. It’s a must-play for both fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Tom Henry

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2024-10-01T20:23:02+0000

About the author

Tom Henry

I worked as a PM in video games, now I'm trying some new things.