The vast majority of the game’s environmental puzzles can be solved by picking up the correct item and using it on the proper location. Since many of the locations in the game are self-contained, very little time is wasted running around numerous screens searching for some intangible hint. This makes the gameplay far less frustrating than some titles in the genre. A progressive help system also lends a hand when needed without detracting from the challenge level.

Multiple tiers of hints are available for each location but only the first is unlocked immediately if you choose to access it. Others will become available the longer you spend in a particular area. This encourages you to continue exploring and testing things out just a little longer before giving in. Often you’ll find that little extra patience is all that’s needed to figure it out on your own.

At regular intervals you’ll also stumble across other puzzles, like putting a torn photo back together, picking a lock mechanism, entering a safe combination, and decoding encrypted letters, among other tasks, that make decent use of the Wii Remote and add just the right amount of variety into the exploration-heavy challenges. For the most part, these puzzles are interestingly designed and fun to play around with. They’re not as dense or sadistic as those in other adventure games, yet some are tricky enough to keep you pleasantly occupied for some time.

The Wii Remote functions well in the PC mouse’s stead. Pointing at the screen moves the cursor and a simple tap of the A button will move your character around to the spot indicated or have them interact with things. The cursor changes to indicate when you can interact with an object or person and if an item can possibly be used on a particular hotspot. Even the game’s busier settings aren’t inundated with hotspots, and the controller rumbles gently when you move your cursor over one. This makes it less grueling to explore locations and determine what needs to be done.

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This new Director’s Cut edition expands on the original game significantly and brings some strong additions to Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars in the form of unique controls, new scenes, and a second playable character. It may not be quite enough to drag old players back for another go around, but it definitely does make the Director’s Cut the version to have if you’re interested in a decent point-and-click adventure.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Staff Contributor