Broken Sword: Shadows of the Templars Reforged Review – A relic that benefits from a nostalgic lens

It’s taken me a long time to write this review. Not because Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged is bad, but due to the fact I struggled to understand my feelings toward it. Unlike most of the reviewers I’ve seen praising the remaster, I didn’t play the original game; I was six years old at the time.

Why did I want to review its lovingly enhanced release then? Quite simply, I’m a lover of point-and-click/hidden object games. From what I saw in its trailer, there was an intriguing mystery to be unearthed, one that would allow newcomers like me to appreciate one of the critically acclaimed titles that laid the foundations for the point-and-click titles we play today.

Shallow though it may sound, I was interested in its illustrative aesthetic above all else. As much as I wanted a strong narrative to enhance what I was viewing, nobody can deny that a strikingly beautiful art style goes a long way, especially with these types of games.

Watch the trailer for Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged below

I’m pleased to say that Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged didn’t disappoint, at least not aesthetically.

The depth and vibrance of each scene brings what was once a tired classic back to its former heyday glory. I was reminded of pictures in a storybook or from an old Disney release like Sleeping Beauty. Granted, the imagery in this remaster is richer than what you may see from those examples, but that hand drawn essence remains.

It makes for a visually stirring and, at times, enchanting experience. For me, this feels crucial given how slow-paced the narrative can be. Although the stakes are high in this tale, the story sometimes moves agonisingly slow. As much as I’ve come to like George Stobbart – despite his corny dialogue – he could do with learning to walk faster.

To appreciate just how much attention to detail has gone into the aesthetics of the remaster, you can easily toggle between the original and contemporary imagery. I often found myself doing that this so that I could momentarily immerse myself in the past; back to a time when this was the pinnacle of video gaming.

Also deserving of praise is its story, for it has so many twists and turns it keeps you on your toes. Arguably, the fact that the tale is based on historical facts help give it an aspect of realism some fictional stories lack.

Without giving too much away, George Stobbart is thrown into an international adventure after he witnesses a clown assassinate a man at a local cafe. What at first seems like a tragic but random attack, soon sends George across Europe as he tries to learn more about the Templars. For saying this man was only a tourist, he plays the role of detective rather well, and seemingly without much of a reason for doing so besides his stubborn curiosity.

Here’s where it starts to fall apart for me somewhat, though. The characters, while far from devoid of personality, have aged badly. The way they speak and act is very much a snapshot of 90s society and beliefs. Its tongue-in-cheek innuendos don’t land the same, and often made me roll my eyes rather than laugh. The cocky American, the aristocratic cougar, the sultry French woman – they’re all stereotypes that we’ve become tired of seeing.

This is why I feel there’s such a divide between those who have played the original and those who are new to the series. When you view this game through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia, it’s brilliant, able to transport you back to the mid 90s in minutes flat. But when you have no previous anchor to the series, it starts to feel like a moment frozen in time that perhaps should have stayed there.

Another issue I have is the audio quality. It’s shocking. By using the original audio without any enhancement, the sound is tinny and thus out of place when heard alongside those stunning graphics. Don’t even get started on the awful accents of the characters. It's like listening to Peter Sellers in every Pink Panther film - while I adore those movies, part of their comedy is born from how appalling his French accent is.

Yet, I still feel compelled to play Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged. This is a credit to its storytelling because, despite my gripes, I need to know the truth behind this plot George has stumbled upon. I’ve still not finished the game, though I sense the finale is near.

For the most part, this has been an enjoyable adventure, but not one without its problems. I don’t feel connected to the characters, nor moved to go back to learn more about the franchise. Once George is done with this tale, I will be too. I wish it had been an incredible glimpse into the past like it has for so many others. Unfortunately for me, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged ended up being further proof that nostalgia is a potent emotion that colours our opinions.

Pros: Stunning aesthetics, detailed narrative, revival of a popular classic

Cons: Poor audio quality, stereotypical characters, bad accents, outdated innuendos

For fans of: The Case of the Golden Idol, Sally Face, The Operator

Score: 7/10 - Very Good

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged is available on Steam (version tested), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X. Review code provided by the publisher. Find a complete guide to GAMINGbible's review scores here.