Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse
Sep 21, 2018 8 years ago
Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse is a classical point & click adventure. It abandons 3D graphics and direct control which were used in the two predecessors and returns to the style of the first two games. The only major technical differences are a higher resolution and that the characters are modelled instead of drawn. The game uses an intelligent mouse cursor: a right click on a hotspot results in looking at the item and a left click triggers an item-specific action. Of course this is the main ingredient of the puzzles: collecting items and using them on other items in order to solve problems. On some occasions there are also logic puzzles from a zoomed-in view on an object, e.g. connecting cables of an engine in order to repair the car's horn. Another important part of the game are conversations with the various characters, some of them known from previous instalments. During the course of the game the controlled character switches between George and Nico. A help function supports players who are stuck.
What it’s like
Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse is a deliberate return to the golden age of point-and-click adventures, trading modern 3D environments for crisp, pre-rendered backgrounds and character models that evoke the charm of its predecessors. The experience centers on George and Nico as they navigate a sprawling mystery involving ancient curses and secret societies. The gameplay loop is pure puzzle-solving: examining detailed scenes, collecting items, and combining them to bypass obstacles or repair mechanisms. Writing is witty and character-driven, relying heavily on the established dynamic between the protagonists rather than complex social mechanics. The tone is adventurous and humorous, punctuated by in-jokes that reward long-time fans. While the narrative unfolds at a relaxed, classic pace without action sequences, the craft lies in its atmospheric world-building and logical, if occasionally obtuse, puzzle design.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodGameplay / MechanicsAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / Dialogue
Keep in mind The game may feel slow or frustrating to players who dislike logic puzzles or traditional point-and-click navigation. Long-time fans might find some of the new elements inconsistent with the series' established lore.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from trustedreviews.com, nintendolife.com, eurogamer.net, metacritic.com, slugmag.com, honestgamers.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 04, 201313 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 04, 201313 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 04, 201313 years ago |
| PlayStation Vita | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 18, 201313 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 04, 201511 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 04, 201511 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 21, 20188 years ago |
