Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon

"The series jumps from 2D to 3D and in a massively great way."

Broken Sword is one of my favorite series' of games, ever since the first one appeared on the PlayStation quite a while back. The series has began developing quite a cult alately, and Broken Sword is finally getting the credit it deserves. The first two games were excellent and really enjoyable for the adventurous puzzler, but the series has jumped from 2D to 3D now as it's now on the PS2. How well does it draw? Can Broken Sword still capture the magic as it did in 2D? Find out in my review of Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon.

Graphics
As soon as you load up the game you will be amazed at the graphical features within Broken Sword 3. Many feel that PS2's graphics aren't that sharp when compared to its rival counterparts, but Broken Sword 3 is a prime example that the PS2 can cut with them. Most of the time the sights are bright and colorful, and it will simply bring up the realism while playing. It's like a nice, gentle breeze as you step outside. Simply stunning.

Most of the characters all look tremendously realistic aswell. You may be aware that George Stobbart (the main character) looks like he's had a face-lift if you're, like myself, a veteran of the Broken Sword series, but Revolution Software seemed to believe that's what George looks like in 3D form, and hey, who's to argue? They call the shots. For all you Nico Collard lovers, she is still in the game, and as all the characters, looking up to grasp. As it's a Broken Sword game, there are plenty of characters to meet up with, all with different personalities and tons of dialogue. What's more to comment on? The graphics are some of the best I've seen for a while. Really.

Sound/Audio
A veteran of the Broken Sword series will understand that in a Broken Sword game there are tons of speeches and dialogues which bring characters to life. This is no different in Broken Sword 3, as you can basically talk to anyone who's on the screen, just like the previous versions. But all characters seem to have a part in the story, so talking to everyone and finding out their opinion is essential.

Again, if you are a veteran of the series, you will also know that Rolf Saxon (the voice of George Stobbart) has performed the voice for all the previous versions, and I can say that he is still there for Broken Sword 3. Thank god, and I know everyone else were pleased when they first heard about this. He really fits the George Stobbart-Californian character extremely well. Nico has a different voice-actor, but I can assure you that the voice doesn't really sound much different than the previous versions.

Music is really important in an Adventure game, as it describes the background well and gives you an extra feel of where you are. Even though I rarely notice music in games (except for a few, like Final Fantasy games), you can really pick out the music pieces as they come into play. If you go into a dark and cold area, dark and slow music will play and give you a scared-type feel. This is why it's essential in this type of game.

Gameplay
Where the Broken Sword series really shines, as with many games, but Broken Sword does it with style.

As the previous point-and-click controls aren't in the game anymore, the series has took a major U-turn, but in a good way. You'll now have to press a button as it pops up (X, Square, Circle and Triangle). There is a panel-type thing in the bottom right corner showing the four buttons with transparency, and when an action comes up, you can press any of the four buttons (so Circle is to investigate an object, X is for the 'Cogs' - action, etc). It's very easy and you won't complain about the controls in any way. Good decision from Revolution Software here.

We all know that Broken Sword games can be difficult at times, as the game will include tough puzzles and allow you to really use your head while playing. Broken Sword 3 is no different. A wide variety of puzzles have been placed into the game and some you may get stuck on, some you may not. But what will an Adventure game be if you didn't use your head? Exactly. Sometimes you will be in 'Danger situations', as I call them, and you will have to press an Action button as soon as it pops up, and some will disappear within a second, so you have to be quick. Miss the action and you will die, to which ever scene it is, whether it be in a gun situation or a hanging off a cliff. You really have to be quick.

Seeing as the point-and-click controls aren't in anymore, you use the left analog stick to control your character and you can press R1 to Run and R2 to use Stealth, etc. I feel this is actually better than point-and-click, as you get to where you want to go much easier without having to keep clicking and clicking.

Any fans of the previous games might be wondering whether or not they will like Broken Sword 3's new system, and I can simply say, you sure as hell will. Having played both the previous versions as soon as they hit the market, and basically drooling over the series, I'm loving every bit of Broken Sword 3. The new Gameplay elements are fantastic, and you'll definitely have extreme fun. Gameplay-wise the Broken Sword series shines like a crystal, and Broken Sword 3: The Sleeping Dragon is no different. Brilliant.

Story
An ancient conspiracy, a broken code, an unsolved murder - The ultimate Adventure. Exactly what it says on the box, and absolutely right. It will start off with a few different stories, but will all be un-raveled into one. George and Nico must once again travel the world and solve the case together. If I tell you about the actual story, you'll be spoiled. We don't what that now, do we?

Replayability
Well, this is where the Broken Sword series is let down slightly. Once you've completed the game, it's pretty rare that you'll want to pick it up and go through it all again, as it will just be the same and there is nothing more to un-cover. But seeing as the game does last quite long, I doubt you'd want Replayability anyway. Slightly let down, as with previous versions, but any major complaints? Of course not.

Buy or Rent?
If you're new to the series and haven't played the previous versions before, it will not matter. This is not a 3-part story, there are different stories each time. Even though there will be a slight proportion of the previous stories involved in the series (such as the Neo-Templars), you'll soon come to grips with it. Obviously if you're a veteran of the series you will most certainly have to pick this up, whatever people say. Go buy it now.

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Some people call it the ''Final Fantasy of Adventure games'', and exactly damn right. As the previous two versions simply rocked, Broken Sword 3 is no different. You can't miss out on George and Nico traveling the world yet again. Go get it now, and don't miss out and under-estimate it. Broken Sword is back, baby!
Overall: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/01/04