Official Review
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a masterful reimagining of the 1996 point-and-click adventure classic. Released on September 19, 2024, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and later for Nintendo Switch, this remaster breathes new life into a beloved game while preserving its core essence.
Visual Overhaul
The most striking aspect of Reforged is its visual upgrade. The original hand-drawn backgrounds have been meticulously recreated in 4K resolution, resulting in stunningly detailed and colorful environments. The new art style closely resembles the original game's cutscenes, evoking classic Disney animations like Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast. This visual enhancement brings locations to life with impressive detail, from the bustling streets of Paris to dark, atmospheric sewers.
A unique feature allows players to switch between the remastered and original visuals at any time, showcasing the dramatic improvement while paying homage to the classic look. This toggle not only serves as a nostalgic treat for longtime fans but also demonstrates the extensive work put into modernizing the game's aesthetics.
Gameplay and Interface
Reforged retains the core point-and-click gameplay but introduces several quality-of-life improvements. The revamped user interface is intuitive and works well with both mouse and controller inputs, making it accessible across various platforms. The game introduces a new Story Mode, which helps players focus on relevant items and provides optional hints, catering to those who prefer a more streamlined experience. For purists, the Classic Mode maintains the original challenge.
The hint system is particularly well-implemented, with customizable timers and the option to highlight interactive areas, ensuring players of all skill levels can enjoy the game without feeling stuck.
Narrative and Characters
The story of American tourist George Stobbart and French journalist Nicole Collard uncovering a Templar conspiracy remains as engaging as ever. The game's writing, filled with dry wit and humor, has largely stood the test of time. While some dialogue has been tweaked to better suit modern sensibilities, the core narrative and character interactions continue to captivate.
Voice acting, a standout feature of the original, remains mostly unchanged in Reforged. This preserves the charm and personality of the characters, though some may notice the audio quality showing its age compared to modern standards.
Audio Enhancements
The soundtrack, composed by Barrington Pheloung, has been enhanced, maintaining its iconic status while benefiting from improved audio quality. The music continues to set the perfect tone for each location and scenario, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere.
Preservation of a Classic
Reforged succeeds in walking the fine line between modernization and preservation. By focusing on visual and interface improvements without altering the core gameplay or story, Revolution Software has ensured that both newcomers and returning fans can appreciate what makes Broken Sword a beloved franchise.
Performance
On modern systems, including the ROG Ally X handheld, the game runs flawlessly, with no reported performance issues. This smooth performance across platforms ensures that the enhanced visuals and gameplay improvements can be enjoyed without technical hiccups.
Conclusion
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a testament to the timeless quality of its source material and the careful consideration put into its remastering. With its stunning visual upgrade, improved interface, and thoughtful additions like Story Mode, it offers an excellent entry point for new players while providing a fresh experience for fans of the original.
The game's enduring charm lies in its well-crafted narrative, memorable characters, and intricate puzzles, all of which have been lovingly preserved and enhanced. While some aspects, such as the linearity of certain puzzles and the quality of voice recordings, may show the game's age, they do little to detract from the overall experience.
For both newcomers to the point-and-click genre and longtime adventure game enthusiasts, Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged offers a compelling journey through a richly detailed world of mystery and intrigue. It stands as a shining example of how to remaster a classic game, respecting its legacy while ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.
