
Broken Sword 1 Reforged Is Insane!
“Perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity” – This is how some media outlets describe this impressive remaster of the classic point-and-click game released by Revolution Software in 1996, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars, which quickly became one of the cult gems of 90s graphic adventures.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of fans of old-school graphic adventures. With its cartoonish, stylish, and elegant appearance, which in part revolutionized what had been seen up until then, and at the same time, won people over at first sight. Can anyone forget that explosion at the Parisian café, and that sinister clown that marked the beginning of one of the most iconic adventures of the decade? So many hours we spent (those of us who enjoyed it back then, and it’s clear I include myself among them) on our old PCs, not so much due to the overall length of the game itself, but because of the time it took us to try using everything on everything, and to find the solution to each puzzle, in an era when solutions couldn’t even be found on the internet because it was just emerging, and we relied on our perseverance and detective skills to figure everything out…
Reforged: Everything the Same but Much Better!
Well, both those of us who experienced that mythical first version and those who haven’t are in for a treat: George Stobbart and Nico Collard return in what promises to be, without a doubt, a new gem in the crown of graphic adventures! We’re talking about Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged, a modern-era masterpiece that more than respects the original work, with a finely-tuned balance between its foundational elements and new mechanics that make everything even more intuitive and enjoyable.
Intelligent humor and clever puzzles, set amidst artistically brilliant environments. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged promises to satisfy both old-school players and new enthusiasts of the genre. Paris, Scotland, ancient ruins, and mysteries of the past with consequences in the present; without a doubt, Revolution Software has worked hard on this remaster. Instead of a full remake, which would risk losing the traits that made the original game a cult classic, they’ve wisely chosen to remaster it, greatly improving what already existed.

One of the first things that stands out is that graphically, it’s received an impressive overhaul, with a complete restoration of the pre-rendered backgrounds, now featuring smoother animations. Exploring any of the environments is simply a delight, enjoying the new look that respects the original art style but obviously enhances it to a whole new level. The original voice acting remains part of the game, but now it sounds crisper, restored, and some previously unreleased dialogue lines have been recovered. For those of us who played the game nearly 30 years ago, experiencing this work now is like traveling back in time and enjoying the original product just as we remember it.
Beyond the graphics and voices, the game’s interface has been completely redesigned to meet modern standards, leaving behind the days of endless misclicks or confusing icons. In Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged, interacting with the environment is much more intuitive, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the story and solving the puzzles that lie ahead.

Reforged: An Experience for Everyone
Moreover, this new Reforged version is undoubtedly a more “accessible” experience for new players, or in other words, for players of all “levels.” The “Story Mode” is simply a marvel and perfect for those who want to enjoy the plot without getting frustrated with the more challenging puzzles. And to my fellow veterans who burned their brains out back in the day, fear not, because the “Classic Mode” is still there, available for those purists seeking the adrenaline and challenges of the original experience.

Do you remember those moments when you were stuck for hours? Well, now the game gradually lends a hand: first with subtle hints, then with blue circles, and finally with arrows if things get really tough. And the best part is that you can customize these hints to your liking. It’s a smart system that doesn’t penalize the player but offers options to progress without feeling frustrated. Beyond that, accessibility goes beyond visual aids: the game now includes a notes system that automatically collects important information we discover. You no longer need to keep a notebook next to you to remember every detail of the Templar conspiracy. Additionally, the dialogue has been streamlined to remove redundant options, speeding up conversations without losing the characteristic humor of the series.
I imagine many of us have wondered at some point how those old Indiana Jones, Gabriel Knight, or Broken Sword games would look if they were made or at least re-released today? Well, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged answers that question superbly, giving us not only an exciting story but also the hope that other games from those years might receive a similar treatment in the future. Wouldn’t that be great?

Reforged: Why You Must Play It
If it’s your first time with George and Nico, get ready to dive into an equally gripping and fascinating story. And if, on the other hand, you’re one of those returning to the franchise because you loved it in the past (that’s my case), then return with confidence; Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged has achieved the difficult balance between the original material and everything that makes a modern-day graphic adventure enjoyable, reminding us that good games are timeless.
And now we ask you to drop by the comments and let us know your thoughts, both on this new version and that first installment. If you played it back then, surely you have an interesting memory to share with us. You know, gamer, we’ll be reading! 😉

Images Source: Revolution Software Official YouTube Channel, Revolution Software Official Website