Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror

 PC
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Gaming Age
    83
    The sound is another area in which The Smoking Mirror excels. Although there isn't a constant soundtrack playing, haunting music often accompanies certain actions, much like the original "Tomb Raider."
  2. PC Gamer
    82
    More of the same solid adventure fare found in "Circle of Blood." [Feb 1998, p.142]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Quandary
    80
    The puzzles are generally entertaining and fun to solve and the game sweeps you along with its great characters, story, humour and dialogue.
  5. GameSpot
    79
    It's "Circle of Blood" with new characters, a new storyline, a new threat to world harmony, and a few omissions and additions that help to streamline the adventure.
  6. Four Fat Chicks
    75
    I would recommend this game for the good story line and the beautiful graphics, but if you want a game that has more adventuring, look for another.
  7. Computer and Video Games
    75
    Polish is the key word in fact, when describing Broken Sword II. The one area that Revolution shine brighter than any other software star is in the look and style of the game. Graphically, this title is very impressive.
  8. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    The first adventure with these characters seemed to offer longer gameplay and a more in-depth story line, but Broken Sword cashes-in on the ability to continue with something good.
  9. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    Like far too many other sequels, the game doesn't live up to the expectations its predecessor set forth. Though it is well produced and solid, most adventure veterans will probably find themselves wishing for a little more "Circle [of Blood]" rather than such a straightforward Sword.
  10. Just Adventure
    50
    One way this game falls a bit short is that the story seems a bit rushed and confused. The main villain is so far in the background that he's almost invisible.
  11. Game Revolution
    50
    I would only recommend this game to someone who would like to try out an adventure game without too much challenge, or who really likes the artifact-chasing, save-the-world type of adventure. For the more experienced adventurer, I would recommend that you pass this one up.
  12. Adventure Gamers
    40
    If you're looking for a really great graphic adventure game, give "Circle of Blood" a try, but resist the temptation to pick up its sequel. Like the game's title implies, it’s all smoke and mirrors, and very little substance.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PC Game of 1997
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 1997
9
#9 Most Shared PC Game of 1997

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 128 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 128
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 128
  3. Negative: 9 out of 128
  1. IamKing
    Mar 3, 2012
    10
    What the hell is wrong with the critics!? This is one of the BEST adventures of ALL-TIME, and almost equally good as BS1! Really, MW3 has aWhat the hell is wrong with the critics!? This is one of the BEST adventures of ALL-TIME, and almost equally good as BS1! Really, MW3 has a better Metascore? Pfh....… Full Review »
  2. DantheMan
    Jan 23, 2012
    6
    I actually agree with BadByron's view but I will give it a slightly higher rating. All things considered this is still a decent game. It'sI actually agree with BadByron's view but I will give it a slightly higher rating. All things considered this is still a decent game. It's also a let down from the first one. The major difference is that the first one was a work of art; it was crafted. This has a rushed feeling to it; it's more stereotypical Hollywood story. The decision to allow the main character to die if you made a mistake was a poor one as it made saving the game a distraction. The hint system is also not as refined. The ending is shockingly poor. On the upside it still has fine music, great visuals, and it could still make me laugh. The game is worth the money but it isn't nearly as good as the the original.… Full Review »
  3. BadByron
    Oct 31, 2010
    4
    In a nutshell, it's Broken Sword minus the heart. The developers killed everything I loved about the strong characters in the original BrokenIn a nutshell, it's Broken Sword minus the heart. The developers killed everything I loved about the strong characters in the original Broken Sword... okay, George is still a little funny, but nothing in comparison to the belly laughs I got playing the first game in the series. Nico is now this strange shallow thing, having somehow lost that quick wit and sharp strategic air she used to have. As a stand alone game, I would likely rate this game higher because of the good logical puzzles and unique adventure situations, but I feel a lower rating is necessary, because the magic of the series is utterly lost in terms of story, character, and voice acting.… Full Review »
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