Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars ROM

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (Circle of Blood in the US)

Step into the thrilling world of Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, a captivating 1996 point-and-click adventure that marks the debut of the acclaimed Broken Sword series. Crafted by the talented team at Revolution Software and guided by the visionary Charles Cecil, this game invites players to embark on a mysterious journey full of intrigue, humor, and ancient secrets.

Assume the role of George Stobbart, an American tourist enjoying a vacation in Paris, who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dark conspiracy involving a sinister cult and priceless hidden treasures. As George explores picturesque locations across Europe and the Middle East, he uncovers clues, solves puzzles, and faces perilous dangers. The narrative, deeply inspired by Knights Templar legends and historical research, balances a serious tone with witty humor and vibrant animated-style graphics reminiscent of classic films.

The adventure kicks off when George witnesses a clown-masked assassin commit a shocking murder in a Parisian café. Teaming up with photo-journalist Nicole Collard, George follows a trail of clues to recover an ancient manuscript stolen by the assassin, known as Khan. Their quest takes them from bustling city streets to mysterious hotel rooms, uncovering secrets that could change history.

This 2D game employs a user-friendly point-and-click interface, allowing players to interact with the environment, collect and combine items, and engage in meaningful conversations through dynamic dialogue trees. Navigation is made seamless with an in-game map that expands as the story progresses. Unique among adventure games of its time, Broken Sword features the possibility of protagonist death, adding a layer of challenge that encourages careful decision-making and strategic saves.