Posted January 24, 2009
Those wary of the point 'n' click adventure genre; do not start here.
The first two Broken Sword games were masterpieces, combining an intriguing story, competent voice work and logical puzzles to create memorable adventure games. In the previous two titles (and in this one) you take the role of George Stobbart, a patent lawyer who seems to regularly stick his nose where it doesn't belong and as a result, winds up repeatedly saving the world (or at least France).
The previous games, pixel-packed adventures, were great because of their logical puzzles and intriguing story. The third entry makes a leap into 3D and while it's great for the overall presentation, it's bad for the gameplay. While there are still a healthy number of logical item-usage puzzles (though a few of these are rather insane, like jamming elevator doors with a bottle opener [!]) twords the end of the game they seem to be almost entirely replaced by crate pushing.
No matter where George ends up going it seems there's a big stack of crates arranged carefully. Intriguing. Fun at first, these puzzles quickly become tiresome. It's especially frustrating considering that two crate puzzles are the last thing you'll do in the game; "Well, we'd better hurry up to that epic final confrontation with our nemisis... but wait! Let's move some crates into position first."
I don't understand why there are so many of these. Clearly, the developers were capable of creative thought as there are two other puzzles in the game that are really rather clever, one involving a riddle and another involving reflecting lasers with crystals.
The story also seems to have taken a hit. It's hard to discuss without giving away spoilers, but the climax of the game is a fair letdown. While the end is disappointing the majority of the plot will keep you playing through the game - if you can endure the crates.
Overall, if you're looking for a good adventure game, head over to Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror, which is shorter but overall a much more satisfying adventure. Only fans of the series should give this one a play.
The first two Broken Sword games were masterpieces, combining an intriguing story, competent voice work and logical puzzles to create memorable adventure games. In the previous two titles (and in this one) you take the role of George Stobbart, a patent lawyer who seems to regularly stick his nose where it doesn't belong and as a result, winds up repeatedly saving the world (or at least France).
The previous games, pixel-packed adventures, were great because of their logical puzzles and intriguing story. The third entry makes a leap into 3D and while it's great for the overall presentation, it's bad for the gameplay. While there are still a healthy number of logical item-usage puzzles (though a few of these are rather insane, like jamming elevator doors with a bottle opener [!]) twords the end of the game they seem to be almost entirely replaced by crate pushing.
No matter where George ends up going it seems there's a big stack of crates arranged carefully. Intriguing. Fun at first, these puzzles quickly become tiresome. It's especially frustrating considering that two crate puzzles are the last thing you'll do in the game; "Well, we'd better hurry up to that epic final confrontation with our nemisis... but wait! Let's move some crates into position first."
I don't understand why there are so many of these. Clearly, the developers were capable of creative thought as there are two other puzzles in the game that are really rather clever, one involving a riddle and another involving reflecting lasers with crystals.
The story also seems to have taken a hit. It's hard to discuss without giving away spoilers, but the climax of the game is a fair letdown. While the end is disappointing the majority of the plot will keep you playing through the game - if you can endure the crates.
Overall, if you're looking for a good adventure game, head over to Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror, which is shorter but overall a much more satisfying adventure. Only fans of the series should give this one a play.