A remake blending nostalgia and innovation, breathing new life into a timeless classic
When it comes to point-and-click adventures, few titles can match the prestige and influence of Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars. Before diving in, it’s important to clarify that this review is spoiler-free, as the story, brimming with puzzles and mysteries, deserves to be discovered step by step. Revealing too much would risk spoiling the experience for those who have yet to enjoy it.
First released in 1996, this masterpiece defined an era, placing Revolution Software at the forefront of the gaming industry. With its mix of historical intrigue, evocative settings, and unforgettable characters, the game captured the hearts of millions. Now, nearly three decades later, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged brings this gem back to life, updating it for modern tastes and technologies without compromising its essence.
A Return to Roots with a Modern Vision
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged is an ambitious project that aims to stay faithful to the original while introducing improvements that make it more accessible to contemporary players. Unlike the 2002 “Director’s Cut,” this version doesn’t just tweak or add content but positions itself as a philological restoration. Charles Cecil, founder of Revolution Software, stated that the goal was to honor the original vision while addressing minor technical and narrative inconsistencies.
One of Reforged’s most captivating features is the ability to switch seamlessly between the remastered and classic graphics. This approach, reminiscent of the remakes of the first two Monkey Island games or titles like Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, allows players to directly compare the two versions. However, unlike other projects, Reforged maintains extraordinary stylistic consistency, modernizing the game without altering its visual identity.
Revamped Graphics that Honor the Original
Reforged’s graphics have been completely redrawn with breathtaking attention to detail. Characters and settings, already iconic in their original form, come to life with sharper textures and smoother animations. What stands out most is the respect for the original style: every element feels designed to preserve the game’s spirit without drastic changes. This is especially evident in the environments, where subtle additions or adjustments enhance narrative coherence.
A notable example involves scenes where the original backgrounds contained inconsistencies or perspective errors. Reforged resolves these issues without diminishing the atmosphere of locations such as Parisian alleys or mysterious Templar catacombs. Additionally, the cutscenes, once compressed to fit the technical limitations of the era, have been restored from original masters and enhanced to meet today’s visual standards.
A Modern Yet Respectful Interface
One of the trickiest aspects of a remake is the user interface, which plays a critical role in games of this genre. Reforged introduces a streamlined, modern interface designed for both mouse and controller. The classic point-and-click mechanics remain intact but feel more intuitive thanks to a cleaner arrangement of on-screen elements.
An intriguing decision was to forgo direct character control, a feature introduced in other remakes. Charles Cecil explained that such a change would have required a complete overhaul of the movement system, disrupting the game’s balance. Instead, the team focused on improving interaction tolerance and adding subtle visual cues to guide players through the most challenging moments.
The Goat Puzzle: A Revamped Nightmare
Speaking of challenging moments, it’s impossible not to mention the infamous “goat puzzle.” This sequence, which tested the patience of many players in the ’90s, has become almost legendary for its difficulty. In Reforged, the puzzle has been reworked to make it less frustrating while retaining its challenge. This choice reflects the project’s overarching philosophy: to respect the original while adapting it to modern expectations.
For those seeking an authentic experience, the classic version of the game, complete with all its quirks, is also available. This duality stands out as one of Reforged’s strengths, catering to both nostalgic veterans and newcomers alike.
A Legacy That Looks Forward
Reforged arrives at a pivotal moment for Revolution Software. Following the success of the series’ fifth installment, funded through Kickstarter, and with a sixth chapter currently in development, this remake bridges the gap between past and future. It doesn’t merely celebrate a classic but prepares the ground for a new generation of fans.
The resurgence of point-and-click adventures, revitalized in recent years by the indie scene and crowdfunding, creates the perfect backdrop for Broken Sword’s return. Its compelling narrative, engaging puzzles, and evocative settings remain unmatched, and Reforged may serve as the ideal entry point for those who never experienced the original.
A Deluxe Remake Across All Platforms
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, ensuring it reaches the broadest possible audience—from genre veterans to curious newcomers. Additionally, support for devices like the Steam Deck provides a portable experience that further highlights the development team’s work.
One noteworthy aspect is the effort put into localization. The available languages, including voiceovers and subtitles, have been restored from original masters and improved to meet modern standards. This attention to detail ensures that Reforged can be appreciated by an international audience.
Conclusion
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged isn’t just a game—it’s a journey through time, a tribute to an era when graphic adventures dominated the gaming landscape. Thanks to its perfect balance of innovation and respect for the original, this remake sets an example of how to revive a classic without compromising its essence.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, Reforged is an unmissable experience. With its updated graphics, modern interface, and faithful adherence to classic gameplay, the game stands as a benchmark for excellence in the realm of remakes. And with a sixth chapter on the horizon, Broken Sword proves once again that it remains one of the most beloved and respected series in the genre.
Now it’s time to dive back—or for the first time—into the Templar conspiracies and mysteries that made Broken Sword a legend. Revolution Software has shown it can preserve the past while looking to the future: the result is a timeless masterpiece ready to captivate a new generation of players.
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Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
PRO
- Faithful restoration of the original game’s spirit and narrative
- Stunning graphical updates with the ability to switch between classic and remastered visuals
- Improved interface that remains intuitive and user-friendly
- Enhanced accessibility while retaining the original game’s challenges
- Available on a wide range of platforms, including portable options like Steam Deck
CON
- Some purists might miss additional new content beyond the restoration
- The absence of direct character control may deter players accustomed to modern adventure games
- Certain puzzles, while updated, could still feel outdated to newer audiences
8/10
