By Stroud Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is nothing short of a love letter to fans of the original game, and for me, it was an absolute joy to revisit a beloved childhood classic. As someone who grew up with this masterpiece, getting to experience it all over again with updated graphics and improved visuals felt like stepping back into a warm, familiar world—but with a fresh coat of paint that makes it shine for a new generation.
One of the first things that hit me when I booted up the Reforged version was just how much care and attention went into preserving the charm of the original. The updated graphics look fantastic, enhancing the iconic hand-drawn art style without losing its timeless charm. Every location—from the bustling streets of Paris to the ancient ruins you explore—feels vibrant and alive, with details I never fully appreciated in my younger years now coming to life in high definition. It’s a masterful visual overhaul that stays true to the game’s roots while modernising it in all the right ways.
What makes Broken Sword truly stand the test of time, though, is its incredible storytelling, voice acting, and dialogue, and this remake reminded me just how exceptional they are. The witty banter between George and Nico remains as sharp and endearing as ever, and the voice acting is nothing short of superb. It’s rare to find games with dialogue that feels so natural and well-written, even by today’s standards, but Broken Sword nails it, blending humor, intrigue, and drama seamlessly. Hearing those iconic voices again brought back a wave of nostalgia and reminded me why I fell in love with these characters all those years ago.
The story, of course, is just as captivating as I remember—an engaging blend of mystery, conspiracy, and adventure that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The mix of historical intrigue and modern-day danger feels just as fresh today as it did when I first played it, and it’s clear why this game became a staple of the point-and-click adventure genre. The puzzles, while challenging, are cleverly designed and rewarding to solve, and replaying them after all these years felt like rediscovering an old friend.
As much as I loved the game, I’d be remiss not to mention that the core gameplay hasn’t changed significantly—so if you weren’t a fan of the slower pace of classic point-and-click adventures, this may not win you over. However, for fans of the genre and the original game, this faithful recreation is exactly what we wanted. The updated interface and quality-of-life improvements, like better inventory management, make the experience smoother while still retaining the charm of the original mechanics.
Revisiting Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged was a truly special experience for me. It’s more than just a game—it’s a journey back to a time when adventure games ruled my heart, and George and Nico’s quest was the pinnacle of storytelling and charm. The updated visuals breathe new life into a timeless classic, while the incredible voice acting and dialogue remain as iconic as ever. For newcomers, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience one of the greatest adventure games ever made, and for longtime fans like me, it’s a wonderful way to relive the magic. This is how you remake a classic—with love, respect, and just the right touch of modern flair.
The Stroud Score:
Gameplay 5/5
Graphics and Visuals 3/5
Sound and Music 3/5
Story and Narrative 4/5
Fun Level 4/5
Overall Score 19/25