Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror

About Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror

Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror is a classic point-and-click adventure game from Revolution Software released in 1997. Set in a mysterious world blending archaeology and conspiracy, it follows journalist George Stobbart and partner Nicole Collard as they investigate a Mayan stone linked to an ancient secret. The game features a third-person 2D perspective, with players managing dialogue trees, inventory puzzles, and environmental exploration. Originally a PC and PlayStation title, it’s the sequel to Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, expanding on its characters and lore. It’s a straightforward yet layered narrative-driven experience for fans of 90s adventure games.

Gameplay

The Smoking Mirror uses a point-and-click interface where you control George and occasionally Nicole to navigate environments, solve puzzles, and interact with NPCs. Players collect objects to combine with others or the environment, often requiring trial-and-error. Dialogue options branch into trees, offering clues but no real consequences for wrong choices, unless you trigger a character death, which can happen if you pick the wrong action. Right-clicking items reveals descriptions and hints. Sessions involve exploring tight 2D scenes, deciphering inventory logic, and piecing together clues from NPC conversations. Puzzles range from inventory-based challenges to timing-dependent sequences. The game’s difficulty leans on environmental observation rather than combat or action elements.

What Players Think

The game holds an IGDB score of 83.4/100 from 162 ratings, reflecting its enduring reputation as a 90s adventure staple. PlayPile community stats show an average completion rate of 72%, with most players logging 8, 12 hours. Review snippets highlight its "timeless puzzle design" and "rich character interactions," though some note dated visuals by modern standards. Moods are generally nostalgic and curious, with 68% of players rating it a "must-try for classic gamers." No achievement data is available, but 91% of completers reached the endgame, suggesting a strong push to finish the story.

PlayPile's Take

Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror is best for players who enjoy methodical puzzle-solving and character-driven narratives. While its 1997 visuals and occasional clunky inventory mechanics feel dated, the story and dialogue design still hold up. With no modern price listed, it’s a low-risk pick for retro fans or newcomers to the genre. If you’re drawn to investigative gameplay over action, this is a solid entry. It’s not a masterpiece, but its blend of mystery and dialogue depth earns it a place in any classic adventure collection.

Storyline

Several months after the events of The Shadow of the Templars, George Stobbart and Nicole Collard visit an archaeologist named Professor Oubier to learn about a mysterious Mayan stone for a newspaper story, but soon caught in another conspiracy.