Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged Review – A Classic Adventure Revived on Nintendo Switch
Originally released in 1996, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars has long been celebrated as a benchmark in narrative-driven graphic adventures.
Developed by Revolution Software, the game charted new territory for point-and-click storytelling and quickly built a devoted following across multiple hardware generations.
Its latest iteration, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, brings the timeless classic to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 with substantial enhancements, reaffirming its place as one of the genre’s most influential titles. Background and Platform History Broken Sword debuted on PC and PlayStation in the late '90s, captivating players with its cinematic storytelling, intricate puzzles, and European settings.
Nintendo fans were introduced to the game through various ports over the years, including a Game Boy Advance version and the Director’s Cut for DS and Wii.
While these adaptations brought the game to broader audiences, veteran players often preferred the fidelity of the original experience.
Revolution Software has listened to this feedback, ensuring that Reforged focuses on what made the original great—while still offering players a choice to switch between revamped visuals and the classic design. Enhanced Visuals, Audio, and Gameplay Reforged features completely redrawn high-definition artwork by the original artists from Don Bluth Studios, with a seamless toggle between modern and classic styles at the press of a button.
This visual overhaul is evident in subtle yet impactful ways, including more detailed backgrounds—such as additional car traffic on Parisian streets or enhanced destruction at key locations—that remain faithful to the original’s aesthetic. Musically, the late Barrington Pheloung’s iconic orchestral score returns, enveloping players with a soundtrack that has been lauded since the game’s first release.
Accompanied by strong vocal performances—especially Rolph Saxon’s portrayal of George Stobbart—the audio experience is richer than ever.
While some minor issues, like the volume of specific sound cues, persist, Revolution Software provides players with adjustable settings, ensuring an optimal playthrough. Gameplay stays true to classic '90s adventure sensibilities.
Players are encouraged to experiment, converse with all characters, and immerse themselves in a world where every non-playable character contributes meaningfully to the game’s narrative depth.
The introduction of features like autosave, customizable controls, and the inclusion of both classic and story-driven modes cater to players of all experience levels.
New additions on Nintendo Switch 2 include up to 4K resolution docked, 1080p handheld, and, notably, mouse control support for a more authentic point-and-click experience. A Story Worth Revisiting At its core, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged delivers a compelling interplay of story, character, and puzzle-solving.
Players follow American tourist George Stobbart, whose vacation in Paris takes a dramatic turn following a bombing at a café.
With the help of French photojournalist Nicole Collard, George uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy involving the enigmatic Knights Templar.
The game’s mature themes, sharp wit, and memorable dialogue still resonate, offering charm and challenge for both series veterans and newcomers. Value for New and Returning Players Available on the Nintendo eShop for $29.99, Reforged provides a fair value for newcomers.
Existing owners benefit from an upgrade path to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via downloadable content, priced at $4.99 (and often discounted).
The package includes all improvements and platform-specific enhancements, making it one of the most accessible and comprehensive ways to experience this beloved title. Conclusion Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged stands out as a definitive edition, blending nostalgia with contemporary polish.
Revolution Software honors its legacy by respecting what made the original a commercial and critical success, while modernizing the experience for a new generation.
Whether you’re playing in classic mode or immersing yourself in the enhanced visuals, Broken Sword remains a masterclass in adventure game design—and a must-have for the Nintendo Switch library.
With hopes for sequels to arrive on Nintendo hardware, this re-release sets a new standard for revitalized classics in 2024.
Developed by Revolution Software, the game charted new territory for point-and-click storytelling and quickly built a devoted following across multiple hardware generations.
Its latest iteration, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, brings the timeless classic to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 with substantial enhancements, reaffirming its place as one of the genre’s most influential titles. Background and Platform History Broken Sword debuted on PC and PlayStation in the late '90s, captivating players with its cinematic storytelling, intricate puzzles, and European settings.
Nintendo fans were introduced to the game through various ports over the years, including a Game Boy Advance version and the Director’s Cut for DS and Wii.
While these adaptations brought the game to broader audiences, veteran players often preferred the fidelity of the original experience.
Revolution Software has listened to this feedback, ensuring that Reforged focuses on what made the original great—while still offering players a choice to switch between revamped visuals and the classic design. Enhanced Visuals, Audio, and Gameplay Reforged features completely redrawn high-definition artwork by the original artists from Don Bluth Studios, with a seamless toggle between modern and classic styles at the press of a button.
This visual overhaul is evident in subtle yet impactful ways, including more detailed backgrounds—such as additional car traffic on Parisian streets or enhanced destruction at key locations—that remain faithful to the original’s aesthetic. Musically, the late Barrington Pheloung’s iconic orchestral score returns, enveloping players with a soundtrack that has been lauded since the game’s first release.
Accompanied by strong vocal performances—especially Rolph Saxon’s portrayal of George Stobbart—the audio experience is richer than ever.
While some minor issues, like the volume of specific sound cues, persist, Revolution Software provides players with adjustable settings, ensuring an optimal playthrough. Gameplay stays true to classic '90s adventure sensibilities.
Players are encouraged to experiment, converse with all characters, and immerse themselves in a world where every non-playable character contributes meaningfully to the game’s narrative depth.
The introduction of features like autosave, customizable controls, and the inclusion of both classic and story-driven modes cater to players of all experience levels.
New additions on Nintendo Switch 2 include up to 4K resolution docked, 1080p handheld, and, notably, mouse control support for a more authentic point-and-click experience. A Story Worth Revisiting At its core, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged delivers a compelling interplay of story, character, and puzzle-solving.
Players follow American tourist George Stobbart, whose vacation in Paris takes a dramatic turn following a bombing at a café.
With the help of French photojournalist Nicole Collard, George uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy involving the enigmatic Knights Templar.
The game’s mature themes, sharp wit, and memorable dialogue still resonate, offering charm and challenge for both series veterans and newcomers. Value for New and Returning Players Available on the Nintendo eShop for $29.99, Reforged provides a fair value for newcomers.
Existing owners benefit from an upgrade path to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via downloadable content, priced at $4.99 (and often discounted).
The package includes all improvements and platform-specific enhancements, making it one of the most accessible and comprehensive ways to experience this beloved title. Conclusion Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged stands out as a definitive edition, blending nostalgia with contemporary polish.
Revolution Software honors its legacy by respecting what made the original a commercial and critical success, while modernizing the experience for a new generation.
Whether you’re playing in classic mode or immersing yourself in the enhanced visuals, Broken Sword remains a masterclass in adventure game design—and a must-have for the Nintendo Switch library.
With hopes for sequels to arrive on Nintendo hardware, this re-release sets a new standard for revitalized classics in 2024.
