Broken Sword The Sleeping Dragon
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 1
Genre: Adventure
Developers: Revolution Software
Publishers: THQ
Cooperative: No
PEGI: 15
Game Overview
During these events, in Paris, Nico Collard prepares to meet and interview a hacker named Vernon Blier in his apartment, who recently decoded the Voynich manuscript, but is afraid for his life because of what he found out from it. Vernon is murdered in his home by a woman impersonating Nico, named Petra, just before the former gets there. When the two confront each other inside the apartment, Petra fails to kill Nico, and flees, leaving a few clues behind. Nico quickly tries to find what she needs to prove her innocence, but after the police arrive to investigate the murder, the detective in charge chooses to arrest her, based on the witness account of Vernon's landlady. Following her arrest and subsequent release two days later, Nico decides to find out more about what Vernon had found out, and returns to his apartment, finding his girlfriend, Beatrice, residing inside, still coping with the loss of Vernon. Finding and managing to open a hidden safe, Nico finds diagrams and a DVD, and the latter she plays back at her own apartment before showing it to Andre Lobineau, an old friend of hers, finding it contained a message from Vernon about what he found, believing the bizarre storms happening across the world are a sign of a global catastrophe in the making. Finding out about an abandoned theatre on the Ile St Louis in Paris, connected to a mask the killer had with her when she fled Vernon's murder, Nico heads out to investigate it but gets captured by Petra and her boss, Susarro.
Introduction to Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon is an adventure game that follows the protagonists, George Stobbart and Nico Collard, as they unravel a complex mystery involving ancient conspiracies and supernatural forces. Developed by Revolution Software, this third instalment in the Broken Sword series introduces a 3D world while keeping the classic point and click gameplay. Players encounter rich storytelling, puzzles, and action as George and Nico travel through multiple exotic locations, including the Congo, Paris, and Prague. The narrative is driven by suspense and intrigue, centred around the discovery of a powerful ancient artifact with the potential to disrupt global stability. This game combines ancient mythology with modern day conspiracy, creating a layered story full of twists and memorable characters.
The Mysterious Crash in the Congo
The game begins with George Stobbart on a flight to the Congo to meet a scientist named Nico Collard, who has uncovered a secret about an ancient relic known as the Sleeping Dragon. However, the journey takes a disastrous turn when George’s plane crashes, and he finds himself lost in a dense jungle. Here, George encounters hostile mercenaries who are also searching for the relic. With limited resources, he navigates through perilous terrain, narrowly escaping traps set by the mercenaries. The jungle scenes are filled with tension and serve as an exciting prologue, showing George’s resilience and determination to uncover the truth, despite the danger that surrounds him.
Nico Collard's Return and the Paris Discovery
Meanwhile, in Paris, journalist Nico Collard is investigating the murder of a renowned scientist. She quickly realizes that his death is linked to a centuries old conspiracy involving the Sleeping Dragon artifact. Nico discovers ancient symbols and cryptic messages that connect the scientist's research with the relic. Determined to find answers, she begins to piece together clues that lead her deeper into the conspiracy. Her journey takes her to hidden archives, secret passages, and abandoned sites, each one revealing parts of a sinister plan that has been in motion for generations. As Nico delves further, she encounters powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to keep the relic’s secrets hidden.
George and Nico's Paths Cross Again
Eventually, George and Nico’s paths converge as they join forces in Paris. Their combined skills and experiences make them an ideal team for solving the mysteries surrounding the artifact. Together, they uncover ancient symbols, decipher codes, and unlock hidden passages that lead them closer to the Sleeping Dragon. The two share a complex relationship, with moments of tension and humour adding depth to their partnership. Their teamwork is essential as they face more dangerous adversaries and unravel the web of deceit spun around the relic. The pair’s dynamic creates an engaging narrative that emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Into the Depths of Prague's Secret Society
Their journey leads them to Prague, where they encounter a shadowy organization known as the Neo Templars, who are desperate to acquire the power of the Sleeping Dragon. The Neo Templars believe the artifact holds immense power that can change the course of history. George and Nico infiltrate the society’s stronghold, a vast labyrinth of underground chambers filled with booby traps and ancient texts. The Prague sequence is filled with suspense as they encounter high ranking members of the Neo Templars, including figures who have their own hidden agendas. As they delve deeper into the Neo Templar’s world, George and Nico discover that the artifact's power may have devastating consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.
The Revelation of the Sleeping Dragon's Power
As they uncover more about the Sleeping Dragon, George and Nico realize that it’s not merely a relic but a powerful source of energy connected to the earth’s magnetic forces. Legends describe the Sleeping Dragon as a force that can bring either destruction or enlightenment, depending on how it is wielded. This revelation raises the stakes, as it becomes clear that the Neo Templars intend to harness this energy for their own benefit, potentially disrupting the balance of nature. The duo must act quickly to prevent the Neo Templars from unlocking this destructive potential, leading them to confront the ancient mysteries behind the artifact's powers. This discovery adds a new dimension to the narrative, blending science with mythology.
A Confrontation with the Neo Templars
As they close in on the Sleeping Dragon, George and Nico face a final confrontation with the Neo Templars. The climax of the game takes place in an ancient temple, where the artifact is held. This confrontation is intense, involving life or death decisions and moral dilemmas. The Neo Templars reveal their intentions to control world events through the artifact, making them formidable foes. George and Nico must use their wit and courage to thwart their plans, racing against time to prevent the Neo Templars from activating the Sleeping Dragon. This showdown tests both characters, pushing them to their limits as they navigate the dangers of the temple while battling enemies determined to wield the artifact's power.
Protecting the World from Ancient Powers
In the game’s final moments, George and Nico succeed in their mission, neutralizing the threat posed by the Neo Templars and the Sleeping Dragon. Their actions preserve the balance between human and supernatural forces, safeguarding the world from the catastrophe the artifact could unleash. The game concludes with the pair reflecting on the events that transpired, realizing the profound impact their journey has had on their lives and on history itself. They leave the temple knowing they’ve prevented a disaster that would have altered humanity’s course, yet understanding that the forces behind the Sleeping Dragon may remain dormant, waiting for another time.
The Legacy of Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon
Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon leaves players with a sense of awe, having experienced a thrilling adventure that blends history, mythology, and conspiracy. The game’s legacy lies in its unique storytelling approach, its memorable characters, and its rich, immersive world. It marked a significant evolution for the series, moving into 3D graphics while retaining the intricate narrative style and puzzle elements that define Broken Sword. The Sleeping Dragon set a new standard for adventure games, earning a place in gaming history as a beloved classic. Its impact on the genre is lasting, as players continue to revisit the story of George and Nico's daring adventure to protect the world from an ancient, unseen power.
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