Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon (PC, PS2)

The previous Broken Sword games were classic 2D adventures, with lots of plot twists and pixel hunting. Well regarded, but out of the limelight for several years, its surprising that the series would re resuscitated now. But the GameGal crew is a sucker for adventure games, so we were eager to see what the new 3D chapter had in store for us.

This time around, you can control both male and female leads, George and Nico, as they visit various locations around the globe and solve adventure-game-style puzzles. Much of the game seems to be told from a Longest Journey 3rd person point of view, with you manipulating objects on screen to accomplish your goals. The level we previewed featured George trapped on a plane that has crash-landed in the jungle.

Another interesting addition is the use of occasional action-oriented sequences, a rarity in traditional adventure games. We haven’t played through them ourselves but we’re hoping they add a dose of danger and suspense to a genre that can be a bit plodding at times.

Moving from point-and-click to direct control of the protagonists is a welcome move, and the game looked very good, with detailed models and backgrounds. Right now we don’t know a lot of details about the plot, other than it concerns the same occult mystery themes as the previous games, and that it takes us from the Congo to Paris, England and Egypt.

GameGal is always happy to see classic adventure game icons given first-class modern makeovers, and we’re looking forward to checking Broken Sword out in more detail.