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Review of Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 1997
Cover image of Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 14 Oct 1997
Genre: Point-and-click Adventure
Developer: Revolution Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive, Crave Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome back to the unpredictable world of Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror – where the voice of reason is often drowned out by chaotic overheard conversations! This sequel takes the charm of the original and tosses it right into the blender of adventure, shaking out a new tale that just might leave you giggling – and wondering how you ever lived without swashbuckling a 2D immersive experience.

Gameplay

In Broken Sword II, you reprise the role of our floppy-haired hero, George Stobbart, who has traded his dysfunctional arsenal for a titular smoking mirror and endless puzzles that require more brainpower than a college final, with less caffeine. The point-and-click interface adds a touch of elegance, allowing you to wander around whimsical locations, collect more random items than you'd find in a high school locker, and engage in every manner of conversation that even your least favorite uncle would find boring. Not only can you manipulate George’s every move with a controller or mouse, but you can also toggle the option to control Nicole Collard – George’s girlfriend and an absolute sci-fi-worthy damsel who can fend for herself. Watch as they dive into the deep and murky waters of conspiracy, featuring Mayan secrets and a villain brewing a drug trade as sinister as expired fruit punch! Puzzles range from "why is this happening?" to "why did I just try that?" with a steady combination of brain-bending traps and visual misdirection that reward your cleverness and ruthlessness. Throw in some dialogue trees that feel more like casual conversations at a bar, and you’ve got a game that will keep players entertained and mildly confused for hours.

Graphics

Visually, Broken Sword II is a feast for your pixelated senses, animated like a cartoon you'd catch while streaming questionable late-night shows. With its lovingly hand-drawn backgrounds and classic animation that you'd expect from your favorite Saturday morning cartoons, the game’s aesthetics are undeniable. The sprite art makes you nostalgic for the days when graphics came with a side of whimsy – you know, back when you only needed to blow the dust off a cartridge to see your game come to life (ah, the good ol’ days).

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror may not be the Michelangelo of gaming, but it's definitely a cheeky Banksy or two! While it might not be able to capture the exceptional magic of its predecessor, it deserves a chance to float in the limelight. So grab your mirroring device, take the plunge, and prepare for a richly comedic adventure amidst Pyramids, plots, and puzzles! Just remember, if you find yourself lost, the mirror doesn’t actually reflect answers, or at least not the answers you want to hear. Happy adventuring!

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