Secrets of the Ark: A Broken Sword Game

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
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  1. Just Adventure
    91
    Not a perfect game. It suffers from patchy controls, dull and unremarkable locales and an ending that is a bit of a let down. But it also has some gorgeous 3D graphics, top notch voiceovers, music and dialogue, and an ultimately engrossing storyline which is well paced and will keep your interest piqued.
  2. The New York Times
    87
    While its old-school design is unlikely to win many new converts to the genre, it is still, flaws and all, the best adventure game to come out in several years.
  3. Game Chronicles
    87
    With a compelling story, complex puzzles and great voice acting, I couldn’t ask for more. The controls were a bit frustrating at time but all in all a great experience.
  5. Gamer's Hell
    85
    While hardcore fans of the adventure genre may want something more challenging and less linear, casual fans or newcomers can certainly enjoy what Secrets has to offer and not be disappointed in the least.
  6. PC Format
    80
    Needs some polish, but otherwise, this is a true return to form. [Dec 2006, p.104]
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  7. Pelit (Finland)
    80
    The Angel of Death manages to keep the adventure genre alive. Budget and/or time constraints show: the game is quite rough around the edges. It is also too linear although the puzzles are good and varied. Why cannot the dialogue be fast-forwarded? [Dec 2006, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Quandary
    80
    As it is, it was a damn fine fortnight of adventure, and George will no doubt be back on the strength of it.
  9. GamingExcellence
    80
    As an adventure game, Secrets of the Ark is a very good one, assuming you can get over the hurdles and high degree of difficulty some of the puzzles require.
  10. AceGamez
    80
    An engrossing story that's backed up by excellent visuals and sound that immerse you within the game's setting and locations.
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Computer Games Online RO
    79
    Not what we’ve hoped for, but it’s a step ahead and may be one of the best adventure games released this year.
  12. PC Zone UK
    78
    It's hard, its opening acts don't match the quality of those which follow and some characters grate - but as a modern rendition of a traditional formula, The Angel of Death has both pointed and clicked wisely. It's another nail out of the adventure gaming coffin. [Oct 2006, p.58]
  13. Games Master UK
    78
    A fine adventure game, although not the best Broken Sword ever, and is well worth adding to your inventory.[Dec 2006, p.98]
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  14. Worth Playing
    78
    It's not a masterpiece, but it's hilarious, brilliantly moody, and worthy of attention from any fan of adventure or humorous games - or graphics effects nerds.
  15. GameSpot
    77
    Secrets of the Ark is a little too in love with itself, but this is still a first-rate traditional adventure with a great story and mostly commonsense puzzles.
  16. GameZone
    75
    There isn’t anything exceptional about this game, but it compares well to most adventure games being released today. Fans of Broken Sword won’t be disappointed.
  17. GameShark
    75
    The puzzles will definitely make even seasoned adventure title players flex their brainpower a bit, but given that the vast majority of the puzzles make some sort of logical sense even players new to the genre should be able to think their way through to the solution with little help.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best PC Game of 2007
97
#97 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 43
  3. Negative: 13 out of 43
  1. ScrumptiousG
    Sep 20, 2010
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Probably the most disappointed I have ever been with a game. I would rate BS1 in my all time top 5 games and it is head and shoulders above the newest installment. Most of what made BS1 great is not found in BS4. Tthere were only several brief moments in the game when I actually felt like I was playing a series that I loved every minute of previously, even BS3. The story never grabbed me and pulled me in at anytime, I didn't care about the other characters and worst of all I found the game a complete chore to play. Had this not been a Broken Sword game I would have given up on it.… Full Review »
  2. jape
    May 24, 2014
    4
    Do you like adventure games with no real ending? How about a game with plenty of pixels but most of them beige? If you also feel thatDo you like adventure games with no real ending? How about a game with plenty of pixels but most of them beige? If you also feel that walking around should be a minigame all in itself, then this is the game for you!

    On the plus side you do get to see Nico and George again, but other than that, it fails in so many ways. Graphics are mediocre. The story line premise doesn't make a lot of sense. It is clear that the game developers ran out of money or time, so they decided to ship the game with no real closure.

    Even plain walking around (which you will do PLENTY of) is painful since the camera angles change unexpectedly so you start travelling in a different direction.

    I do not recommend this game. I would put it in the same category as indiana jones and the crystal skull (the movie). Just pretend that #4 of both franchises doesn't exist.    … Full Review »
  3. lelloV.
    Jan 21, 2008
    4
    Poor game-the previous title (dragon) was clearly better. The plot is incredibly dull, and the story moves at the speed of plight. The death Poor game-the previous title (dragon) was clearly better. The plot is incredibly dull, and the story moves at the speed of plight. The death knell for this once glorious franchise?… Full Review »
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