Broken Sword series review

makini · 03-02-2007, 02:00 AM

Hey all!

I'm taking on a huge writing effort, which in I'm going to write an article about the whole Broken Sword series phenomenon - reviewing what's good and what's bad - and specifically writing about what has attracted so many players. I would like you people to post your favorite things about it, as well as the things you didn't like. Please comment on all the 4 games, if you've played them all, that is. And don't write too long (even if I understand you want to) - since I'm just basically trying to get a full view about what people think.

Give me your bes(/worst)

aBoyinPERIL · 03-02-2007, 03:19 AM

Excellent - good topic if you go indepth!

My view

BS1 - Actually the second game I played in the series and I felt that "Revolution" really earned their name. The character development, the over-all plot, the sub-stories, the fluent puzzles and immediate emersive play all made this one of the best games I have ever played. One of the most special elements to the game was the transgression to different countries on a chase to solve the mystery. I think the graphics suited the style perfectly and should never have changed. The use of humour was just right. It was not afraid to soley concentrate on investigative gameplay. It was confident about the story and the options the player could take. Voice-acting sublime.

BS2 - The first game I played in the series. I loved this game so much it actually got me hooked on adventure games. Loved the dual character play, again the character development. The story, in reterospect, was not as engaging and exciting as BS1 but the range of characters were brilliant. The length of game-play was also a bonus - graphics also beautiful, they still are.

BS3 - Aaaah, how long did I wait for this game? I wanted to love it, and it was not a disaster by any means - but to me, just lost the magic of it's predecessors. This was not Broken Sword to me. It involved the same couple of protagonists but it was almost if you picked up Indiana Jones and put him in the League of Extraordinary Gentleman. Same character - different viewpoint from a game-play and story-telling perspective. And the game suffered because of this. I enjoyed, again, the round-world travelling, but the stealth, moving boxes, fighting etc. (where not un-enjoyable) were just not what I was looking for in the BS series.

BS4 - Never played it. I must say I take a while to judge games before I buy now. Why? Because it has followed on the BS3 vein and I know I will be disapointed. But I still maintain BS1 and 2 and different games from 3 and 4. It's a shame.

It is a terrible thing to think that there is a great chance Revolution went 3D and adapted gameplay purely because we were moving to a market that is dominated by that genre and they felt that the original graphics wold not be competitive to stand against it's (BS3/4) peers. Maybe that is something you could investigate.

Good luck.

makini · 03-02-2007, 06:46 AM

Thanks for some great viewpoints

I did just as you, and played the BS2 first, which got me totally addicted. And I mean totally - I got stuck from the first minute of playing. Also I think (as most people, as it seems) Revolution really dug their own grave by making BS go 3D - and I dream about the day they announce the making of a 5th game, in 2D... But that I guess, is just me dreaming....

BTW - can I use your comments as quotes in my article, if I need to? I liked your comments, they gave much in a short sentence.

I checked out your art too, and I really like those archangels....

aBoyinPERIL · 03-02-2007, 07:20 AM

Hey thanks!

Use comments if you want - hope it helps.

Glad you liked Gallery.

Terramax · 04-01-2007, 08:18 PM

Hi

Thought I'd leave you a link to my BS review. Maybe if you want to think about theories as to what makes a great AG.

http://forums.adventuregamers.com/sh...ad.php?t=13811

My P.O.V. over the sequels, which I've not yet reviewed:

BS2: Originally I was slightly let down, mainly due to sometimes lackluster characters and limited locations at any one time.

That being said, as time has gone by, the game does have its moments. The beach and story of Emily is one of the most memorable moments in BS, as is the port at night with the trained killer pub and the watchman (the first time I played a BS game was the demo of that section).

The priest location was also quiet magical.

However, a number of jokes did feel a little flat and forced. I feel that the writers were more intent on comical gags than engaging characters. Because of this, the characters and the overall story feels inconsistant from genuinely funny and interesting moments - Emily and the first section of the film shoot - and some rather anti-climactic sections - the Natives with the tight pants, the artifacts shop with the critic (dare I say the location itself was a little bland looking).

Also, whilst I generally don't like characters in these kinds of stories being reintroduced, it was fun to see Dwain and his wife return. The escape was quite funny.

I think what the developers should have done is spent more time on the game. The game was clearly rushed to meet the shelves when the praise and hype was still out on the original game. Overall though, whilst others on this site completely loathe the sequel, all in all, I think the game is by no means a terrible game.

Ah yes, and also, the soundtrack. I've managed to download the soundtrack to number two and it's another reason to downgrade it. It sounds good, but is overused. The original game, as I expressed in my older review, was very minimulist and used strategically to create a certain atmosphere and give the gamer a specific feeling. On the second, 20 second tracks are played almost every 5 seconds. Every time you click on an item a 20 second track begins. Every time you speak to someone, you're rewarded with the same action. Thing is, it isn't rewarding. Instead of using the music to create more tension and anxiety when it is really needed, the music is used more randomly. It probably would've been better to have either complete silence or more tradition 2 minute tracks. The music overall was not anywhere near as involving.

BS3 feels mixed. Partly because I STILL don't know how to get a gamepad working on it. At first, the graphics did stump me, mainly because the quality wasn't as high standard as Shenmue etc. Yet again though, there are some sections which really are quite beautiful. If only more time was spent during the location of the plane crash (instead of Glaustonbury or where ever it was the game was had set). I like BS for its exotic locations. Living in England, the more urban environments didn't catch me much and it doesn't help that the sections feel very big but empty.

Second of all, I didn't like the reintroduction of characters here. The professor in particular, and the neo templers returning - the story just didn't catch on with me. Not interesting at all after having a story reverted back to an original.

I think a great story shouldn't have to rely on the plot of predessesors.

BS4: Like you I have not played, yet I don't like the darker look. I think that if Revolution wanted to make a dark game, why not make a new franchise altogether? After all, In Cold Blood, despite its drawbacks, had a correct atmosphere that fit the story.
Why didn't Revolution just create a new universe altogether, that way they could exercise their dark side without subjecting an established series to unneccessary torture?

Overally, Broken Sword has had its time and now it's time to move on.

Mikekelly · 04-16-2007, 04:04 PM

I liked all four. BS 4 is a return to form - more like 1 than 3 actually. All good games with something for everyone.

Reviews:

BS 1 - 8.9

BS 2 - 7.7

BS 3 - 8.2

Bs 4 - 7.8

Not my ratings - what major sites gave. Bs 1 and Bs 3 won adventure game of the year awards too.

Terramax · 04-21-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikekelly

Bs 1 and Bs 3 won adventure game of the year awards too.

That really doesn't mean much anymore. Desperate Housewives won best adventure game for one site.

jojo_jinx · 05-20-2007, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terramax

That really doesn't mean much anymore. Desperate Housewives won best adventure game for one site.

The Seed · 05-20-2007, 07:27 AM

BS1 - Great. Great story, great characters, great graphics, great music.

BS2 - Shite. W-Hay too linear, much shorter than the first game, in fact pretty much felt rushed and smaller in every respect. Worst adventure game sequel I have ever played. Only thing I liked about it was the humour but that wasn't enough to save it for me.

BS3 - Pretty good. Really enjoyed it for the most part, but they should have ended it at Egypt because after that the story just went all to hell. The first one had a brilliant mystery story with some actual historical background to it, but the third one just strays into standard Tomb Raider-esqe fantasy. Really brought the game down for me.

BS4 - Not played it, don't have the hardware to run it. From what I’ve seen of it though, and from what I’ve heard people say about it, I can't say I'm in any rush to play it.

My favourite Revolution game is actually Beneath a Steel Sky, really preferred the style of gameplay I think. It's a real shame we never got that sequel that was talked about a while ago.

Hammerite · 05-20-2007, 09:43 AM

BS1- incredible. Funny, gripping, felt like you were actually George.
BS2- the worst one. Humour is more silly, plot isn't particularly interesting either.
BS3- more like the first one! stealth was OK, though crates are ANNOYING.
BS4- fairly dull, TBH. Crates are improved, though story is rushed and there is little that makes you want to continue (still decent though). Awful ending.

Leo · 05-20-2007, 10:55 AM

Bs1: My favourite game of all time. It´s as close to perfect as a game can get. Agree with pretty much what everyone said above about it.

BS2: Also one of my favourite games although not as good as the first one. I´m surprised that so many people hate this game since 1)it´s similar to the first game and 2)there are so many worse adventure games out there.

BS3: Didn´t like it at all. I didn´t mind the graphics but the controls were awful, it had none of the atmosphere of the previous two games, storyline was very cliche and worst of all the stealth sequences ruined it for me.

BS4: I haven´t yet been able to play it since my graphics card doesn´t support it. However I am eagerly anticipating the chance to play it.

pointandcliklover · 05-20-2007, 12:28 PM

bs1 - great
bs2 very good
bs3 - i liked the return of the templars bu even though there was george being knighted there was not enough used init.
bs4 - well somethings were quite good but they seem to have left everything good about number 1 and 2 out. The stealth parts why and wheres the ending.
bs5 - they have to make it but please go back to the game play of bs1 and 2, dont rush it and please end it properly.

dhz · 06-12-2007, 02:56 PM

Oh yeah! Broken Sword

My favourite series, maybe because my first game was BS2, and discovering this fantastic adventures (and the genre itself which captivated me instantly) was one of the best things that happened to me.

I won't write to much, you can check my reviews at brokenswordplanet.com if you care, but I'll describe in some words what each game meant to me.

I'll start with BS2, the first one I played, and don't ask why, but in some way, it is my favourite one, maybe because of the reason that it was my first adventure and I discovered this genre by playing this magnificent game and there's a lot of nostalgic memories around it, great locations as the docks or the jungles, I loved it.

Then I got into BS1 of course inmediatly and this was tougher I admit it

But lovely game, another amazingly well told story and of course one of its biggest stars, Paris.

BS3... Oh yeah, that was a pretty long wait since 98

I was also disappointed as many to see it was turning into 3D, but at the other hand, I was also expecting to see what would Revolution prepare for us, and I must say that they really conserved the bs feeling, the locations and the spirit.

Now, let's take BS4 that was also in 3D. If I have to choose one of both, I choose the last one. I really liked the obscure tone the saga took on this new episode, the improved engine and the point and click return, the puzzles and the story that at last moved from the templars, that as much as I loved the conspiracies involving them, were just to overused (and look now at the book, movie and game industry since Da Vinci codes! MADNESS!

) .

In the whole saga, some things were lost (2d), some things got new and some things got improved. Still, each game feels awesome and feels "brokenswordish".

I think we'll have the opportunity to see a new Broken Sword, don't know how soon, but hope it's not rushed, the only thing that was bad at the last game and that avoided it to be the best one in the series.

03-02-2007, 02:00 AM	#1
makini Wading down the amazon Last Online: 09-01-2007 11:16 PM Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 111	Broken Sword series review Hey all! I'm taking on a huge writing effort, which in I'm going to write an article about the whole Broken Sword series phenomenon - reviewing what's good and what's bad - and specifically writing about what has attracted so many players. I would like you people to post your favorite things about it, as well as the things you didn't like. Please comment on all the 4 games, if you've played them all, that is. And don't write too long (even if I understand you want to) - since I'm just basically trying to get a full view about what people think. Give me your bes(/worst)

03-02-2007, 03:19 AM	#2
aBoyinPERIL By Jove I've got it! Last Online: 06-27-2010 11:34 AM Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 80	Excellent - good topic if you go indepth! My view BS1 - Actually the second game I played in the series and I felt that "Revolution" really earned their name. The character development, the over-all plot, the sub-stories, the fluent puzzles and immediate emersive play all made this one of the best games I have ever played. One of the most special elements to the game was the transgression to different countries on a chase to solve the mystery. I think the graphics suited the style perfectly and should never have changed. The use of humour was just right. It was not afraid to soley concentrate on investigative gameplay. It was confident about the story and the options the player could take. Voice-acting sublime. BS2 - The first game I played in the series. I loved this game so much it actually got me hooked on adventure games. Loved the dual character play, again the character development. The story, in reterospect, was not as engaging and exciting as BS1 but the range of characters were brilliant. The length of game-play was also a bonus - graphics also beautiful, they still are. BS3 - Aaaah, how long did I wait for this game? I wanted to love it, and it was not a disaster by any means - but to me, just lost the magic of it's predecessors. This was not Broken Sword to me. It involved the same couple of protagonists but it was almost if you picked up Indiana Jones and put him in the League of Extraordinary Gentleman. Same character - different viewpoint from a game-play and story-telling perspective. And the game suffered because of this. I enjoyed, again, the round-world travelling, but the stealth, moving boxes, fighting etc. (where not un-enjoyable) were just not what I was looking for in the BS series. BS4 - Never played it. I must say I take a while to judge games before I buy now. Why? Because it has followed on the BS3 vein and I know I will be disapointed. But I still maintain BS1 and 2 and different games from 3 and 4. It's a shame. It is a terrible thing to think that there is a great chance Revolution went 3D and adapted gameplay purely because we were moving to a market that is dominated by that genre and they felt that the original graphics wold not be competitive to stand against it's (BS3/4) peers. Maybe that is something you could investigate. Good luck. __________________ I have an online art gallery if anyone is interested, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/del76/. You can also find me on Bebo: http://synissweet.bebo.com Happy gaming! Last edited by aBoyinPERIL; 03-02-2007 at 07:33 AM..

03-02-2007, 06:46 AM	#3
makini Wading down the amazon Last Online: 09-01-2007 11:16 PM Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 111	Thanks for some great viewpoints I did just as you, and played the BS2 first, which got me totally addicted. And I mean totally - I got stuck from the first minute of playing. Also I think (as most people, as it seems) Revolution really dug their own grave by making BS go 3D - and I dream about the day they announce the making of a 5th game, in 2D... But that I guess, is just me dreaming.... BTW - can I use your comments as quotes in my article, if I need to? I liked your comments, they gave much in a short sentence. I checked out your art too, and I really like those archangels.... __________________ Cheers, Mak http://www.makini.se

03-02-2007, 07:20 AM	#4
aBoyinPERIL By Jove I've got it! Last Online: 06-27-2010 11:34 AM Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 80	Hey thanks! Use comments if you want - hope it helps. Glad you liked Gallery. __________________ I have an online art gallery if anyone is interested, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/del76/. You can also find me on Bebo: http://synissweet.bebo.com Happy gaming!

04-01-2007, 08:18 PM	#5
Terramax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,595	Hi Thought I'd leave you a link to my BS review. Maybe if you want to think about theories as to what makes a great AG. http://forums.adventuregamers.com/sh...ad.php?t=13811 My P.O.V. over the sequels, which I've not yet reviewed: BS2: Originally I was slightly let down, mainly due to sometimes lackluster characters and limited locations at any one time. That being said, as time has gone by, the game does have its moments. The beach and story of Emily is one of the most memorable moments in BS, as is the port at night with the trained killer pub and the watchman (the first time I played a BS game was the demo of that section). The priest location was also quiet magical. However, a number of jokes did feel a little flat and forced. I feel that the writers were more intent on comical gags than engaging characters. Because of this, the characters and the overall story feels inconsistant from genuinely funny and interesting moments - Emily and the first section of the film shoot - and some rather anti-climactic sections - the Natives with the tight pants, the artifacts shop with the critic (dare I say the location itself was a little bland looking). Also, whilst I generally don't like characters in these kinds of stories being reintroduced, it was fun to see Dwain and his wife return. The escape was quite funny. I think what the developers should have done is spent more time on the game. The game was clearly rushed to meet the shelves when the praise and hype was still out on the original game. Overall though, whilst others on this site completely loathe the sequel, all in all, I think the game is by no means a terrible game. Ah yes, and also, the soundtrack. I've managed to download the soundtrack to number two and it's another reason to downgrade it. It sounds good, but is overused. The original game, as I expressed in my older review, was very minimulist and used strategically to create a certain atmosphere and give the gamer a specific feeling. On the second, 20 second tracks are played almost every 5 seconds. Every time you click on an item a 20 second track begins. Every time you speak to someone, you're rewarded with the same action. Thing is, it isn't rewarding. Instead of using the music to create more tension and anxiety when it is really needed, the music is used more randomly. It probably would've been better to have either complete silence or more tradition 2 minute tracks. The music overall was not anywhere near as involving. BS3 feels mixed. Partly because I STILL don't know how to get a gamepad working on it. At first, the graphics did stump me, mainly because the quality wasn't as high standard as Shenmue etc. Yet again though, there are some sections which really are quite beautiful. If only more time was spent during the location of the plane crash (instead of Glaustonbury or where ever it was the game was had set). I like BS for its exotic locations. Living in England, the more urban environments didn't catch me much and it doesn't help that the sections feel very big but empty. Second of all, I didn't like the reintroduction of characters here. The professor in particular, and the neo templers returning - the story just didn't catch on with me. Not interesting at all after having a story reverted back to an original. I think a great story shouldn't have to rely on the plot of predessesors. BS4: Like you I have not played, yet I don't like the darker look. I think that if Revolution wanted to make a dark game, why not make a new franchise altogether? After all, In Cold Blood, despite its drawbacks, had a correct atmosphere that fit the story. Why didn't Revolution just create a new universe altogether, that way they could exercise their dark side without subjecting an established series to unneccessary torture? Overally, Broken Sword has had its time and now it's time to move on. Last edited by Terramax; 04-01-2007 at 08:30 PM..

04-16-2007, 04:04 PM	#6
Mikekelly Senior Member Last Online: 07-07-2020 04:44 AM Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 223	I liked all four. BS 4 is a return to form - more like 1 than 3 actually. All good games with something for everyone. Reviews: BS 1 - 8.9 BS 2 - 7.7 BS 3 - 8.2 Bs 4 - 7.8 Not my ratings - what major sites gave. Bs 1 and Bs 3 won adventure game of the year awards too. __________________ I love all third person adventure games

05-20-2007, 07:27 AM	#9
The Seed Irritant F0rum Beasty Last Online: 03-02-2011 11:09 AM Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Just lurking... Posts: 990	BS1 - Great. Great story, great characters, great graphics, great music. BS2 - Shite. W-Hay too linear, much shorter than the first game, in fact pretty much felt rushed and smaller in every respect. Worst adventure game sequel I have ever played. Only thing I liked about it was the humour but that wasn't enough to save it for me. BS3 - Pretty good. Really enjoyed it for the most part, but they should have ended it at Egypt because after that the story just went all to hell. The first one had a brilliant mystery story with some actual historical background to it, but the third one just strays into standard Tomb Raider-esqe fantasy. Really brought the game down for me. BS4 - Not played it, don't have the hardware to run it. From what I’ve seen of it though, and from what I’ve heard people say about it, I can't say I'm in any rush to play it. My favourite Revolution game is actually Beneath a Steel Sky, really preferred the style of gameplay I think. It's a real shame we never got that sequel that was talked about a while ago. __________________ Disclaimer The Seed accepts no responsibility for any damage that my have been caused to your Hard Drive as a result of viewing this post!

05-20-2007, 09:43 AM	#10
Hammerite kamikaze hummingbirds Last Online: 05-18-2012 08:46 AM Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Over there. Posts: 7,946	BS1- incredible. Funny, gripping, felt like you were actually George. BS2- the worst one. Humour is more silly, plot isn't particularly interesting either. BS3- more like the first one! stealth was OK, though crates are ANNOYING. BS4- fairly dull, TBH. Crates are improved, though story is rushed and there is little that makes you want to continue (still decent though). Awful ending. __________________ The bin is a place for household rubbish, not beloved pets!

05-20-2007, 10:55 AM	#11
Leo Senior Member Last Online: 04-19-2009 09:11 AM Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 162	Bs1: My favourite game of all time. It´s as close to perfect as a game can get. Agree with pretty much what everyone said above about it. BS2: Also one of my favourite games although not as good as the first one. I´m surprised that so many people hate this game since 1)it´s similar to the first game and 2)there are so many worse adventure games out there. BS3: Didn´t like it at all. I didn´t mind the graphics but the controls were awful, it had none of the atmosphere of the previous two games, storyline was very cliche and worst of all the stealth sequences ruined it for me. BS4: I haven´t yet been able to play it since my graphics card doesn´t support it. However I am eagerly anticipating the chance to play it.

05-20-2007, 12:28 PM	#12
pointandcliklover long live the dragons Last Online: 05-11-2012 10:54 AM Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: kent Posts: 427	bs1 - great bs2 very good bs3 - i liked the return of the templars bu even though there was george being knighted there was not enough used init. bs4 - well somethings were quite good but they seem to have left everything good about number 1 and 2 out. The stealth parts why and wheres the ending. bs5 - they have to make it but please go back to the game play of bs1 and 2, dont rush it and please end it properly. __________________ may the best thing you do tommorro be the worse thing you do today Marise-Chiko

06-12-2007, 02:56 PM	#13
dhz Tourist in Paris Last Online: 09-25-2007 01:22 PM Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 11	Oh yeah! Broken Sword My favourite series, maybe because my first game was BS2, and discovering this fantastic adventures (and the genre itself which captivated me instantly) was one of the best things that happened to me. I won't write to much, you can check my reviews at brokenswordplanet.com if you care, but I'll describe in some words what each game meant to me. I'll start with BS2, the first one I played, and don't ask why, but in some way, it is my favourite one, maybe because of the reason that it was my first adventure and I discovered this genre by playing this magnificent game and there's a lot of nostalgic memories around it, great locations as the docks or the jungles, I loved it. Then I got into BS1 of course inmediatly and this was tougher I admit it But lovely game, another amazingly well told story and of course one of its biggest stars, Paris. BS3... Oh yeah, that was a pretty long wait since 98 I was also disappointed as many to see it was turning into 3D, but at the other hand, I was also expecting to see what would Revolution prepare for us, and I must say that they really conserved the bs feeling, the locations and the spirit. Now, let's take BS4 that was also in 3D. If I have to choose one of both, I choose the last one. I really liked the obscure tone the saga took on this new episode, the improved engine and the point and click return, the puzzles and the story that at last moved from the templars, that as much as I loved the conspiracies involving them, were just to overused (and look now at the book, movie and game industry since Da Vinci codes! MADNESS! ) . In the whole saga, some things were lost (2d), some things got new and some things got improved. Still, each game feels awesome and feels "brokenswordish". I think we'll have the opportunity to see a new Broken Sword, don't know how soon, but hope it's not rushed, the only thing that was bad at the last game and that avoided it to be the best one in the series.