Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged Review – PC

When Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars hit the scene in 1996, it carved out a spot as one of the crown jewels of the point-and-click adventure genre, packed with humour, intrigue, and a charming cast of characters.

Fast-forward to today, and Broken Sword: Reforged offers a spruced-up version of George Stobbart’s world-saving romp.

Revolution Software’s efforts are clear: this is a faithful reimagining that modernises where it counts without losing a shred of the original’s wit and charm.

 

Story

It’s a tale that stands the test of time: an explosion in a Parisian café throws American lawyer George Stobbart into a sprawling conspiracy involving ancient knights, hidden symbols, and secrets that could alter history.

The story is just as delightfully layered as it was in the original. George, with his dry humour, is perfectly paired with Nico Collard, a savvy journalist who keeps him on his toes.

Together, they travel from shadowed catacombs to vibrant streets in pursuit of truth.

What’s new here is a subtle script polish that modernises the dialogue without losing any of the game’s classic charm.

Characters retain their unique quirks, and each interaction feels like a nod to the eccentricity of the original.

Revolution Software shows respect for what made Broken Sword memorable, retooling the narrative just enough to keep it fresh for newcomers while preserving a warm sense of nostalgia for long-time fans.

Graphics and Audio

Revolution has put in the effort to make Reforged a visual delight.

Each hand-painted backdrop has been meticulously updated with high-resolution textures, rich colours, and improved lighting that breathe life into iconic settings like the café’s ruins and the dusty back streets of Paris.

Characters are sharper, their expressions more vivid, and their movements smoother, bringing an extra layer of detail while still maintaining that slightly stiff charm we loved in the original.

The audio also gets the royal treatment. The classic soundtrack returns with a richer, more layered quality that enhances every moment, from tense scenes to quieter reflective points.

Voice acting – one of the original’s standout features – has been re-recorded for clarity, with enhanced audio effects that lend an immersive quality.

George and Nico sound like they’re right in front of you, their voices dynamically changing depending on their environment.

The effect is subtle but creates a captivating sense of place that draws you further into the mystery.

Gameplay

Staying true to its roots, Broken Sword: Reforged sticks with the tried-and-true formula of exploration, interaction, and puzzle-solving.

Revolution hasn’t gone overboard in the updates, retaining the charm of classic point-and-click gameplay while improving the experience for modern players.

Inventory puzzles remain satisfyingly quirky, but a new optional hint system has been added to keep you from getting bogged down.

The hints are subtle enough to maintain that “Aha!” moment, gently nudging players without spilling the solution.

Control-wise, Reforged feels smoother, especially for console players. Revolution has fine-tuned the interaction system so George snaps to hotspots without requiring pixel-perfect accuracy, sparing players the frustration of clicking around aimlessly.

Whether you’re on PC or console, the controls have been reworked to feel natural and responsive, allowing you to focus on the adventure instead of fumbling with mechanics.

Modernisation Done Right

Revolution’s approach to Reforged strikes a perfect balance between honouring the original and refining it for today’s audience.

They’ve stayed away from overhauling the game, opting instead for thoughtful enhancements that make the experience smoother, sharper, and more inviting.

The updated visuals, reworked audio, streamlined mechanics, and user-friendly features like contextual interactions and hints are all subtle nods to modern sensibilities without ever compromising the game’s classic heart.

Broken Sword: Reforged feels less like a remake and more like a beautifully polished version of a favourite memory.

 

Verdict

Broken Sword: Reforged is a masterclass in how to update a classic. Revolution Software has taken everything we loved about the original and given it a touch-up that both respects the past and makes it easier for a new audience to enjoy.

It’s not a full-on reinvention – and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it’s an accessible, polished throwback that oozes charm, mystery, and wit.

For newcomers, it’s a fantastic entry into one of the genre’s finest, and for fans, it’s a nostalgic journey that feels as welcoming as ever.