Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Charles Cecil |
| Headquarters | York , United Kingdom |
Key people | Charles Cecil (director and writer) |
| Products | Broken Sword series |
| Website | www |
Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror is a point-and-click adventure title created by Revolution Software for both Microsoft Windows and PlayStation platforms. Initially launched in 1997, it was later re-released as a remastered edition for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and iOS in 2010, followed by an Android version in 2012. This installment represents the second entry in the Broken Sword series and marks the first departure from the Knights Templar narrative. Players assume the role of George Stobbart, an American who witnesses the abduction of his partner Nicole Collard.
While preserving a predominantly serious atmosphere, The Smoking Mirror incorporates moments of humor and showcases visuals inspired by traditional animated movies. It also stands as the last game to utilize the Virtual Theatre engine that powered its environments.
Although it did not match the critical acclaim of its predecessor, The Smoking Mirror achieved commercial success, selling 750,000 units by August 2000. The remastered version received notably improved reviews from critics.
Gameplay
Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror features 2D visuals and is played from a third-person viewpoint. Players navigate George Stobbart through the game world using a point-and-click control scheme, interacting with objects and characters through various commands. Nicole Collard is playable during specific segments. Input methods include mouse controls on PC and PlayStation or a gamepad on PlayStation. Players gather items to combine with elements of the environment or other characters to solve puzzles and progress the story. Conversations employ conversation trees that offer clues and advance the narrative. A map assists with navigation by unlocking new locations as the game advances. Right-clicking on objects reveals descriptions and hints. Making incorrect choices can result in character death and game over.
Plot
Set six months after The Shadow of the Templars, George Stobbart returns to Paris following his father’s funeral and reunites with Nicole Collard. Nicole is investigating a case involving an enigmatic Mayan artifact and invites George to meet archaeologist Professor Oubier. At Oubier’s residence, they are ambushed; Nicole is kidnapped while George becomes trapped in a room set ablaze. After escaping, George discovers that Nicole has been taken to Condor Transglobal’s warehouse in Marseilles, overseen by Karzac—a drug trafficker seeking the stone—with Oubier acting as his accomplice.
Their journey leads them to Quaramonte City, where they uncover that local authorities Presidente Grasiento and her son Raoul are collaborating with Karzac on a clandestine excavation within the jungle. An attack helicopter leaves them stranded; Nicole suffers a venomous snakebite. Assisted by a missionary and a village shaman, George learns that the stone is one of three crafted by Mayan shamans to imprison the god Tezcatlipoca inside a mirror before he could wreak havoc on the world. The other two stones were taken by privateers; Tezcatlipoca’s release is imminent during an approaching solar eclipse.
After nursing Nicole back to health, they separate to retrieve the remaining stones. George travels to the Caribbean to reclaim one from a Spanish pirate’s residence, while Nicole heads to London upon discovering an English pirate had taken the third. Oubier steals this stone first but is killed by Karzac, who then pursues Nicole. She manages to recover it and escape.
Returning to Quaramonte, Nicole finds their jungle village destroyed by fire. Learning that George concealed the stones there—one held by Titipoco, a dwarf Central American she freed—Nicole rescues him from being sacrificed atop a Mayan pyramid. Inside the pyramid, they navigate deadly traps while Raoul confronts Karzac’s ambitions. In the chamber containing Tezcatlipoca’s prison, Karzac attempts to free the god. Nicole and George place all three stones correctly to re-imprison Tezcatlipoca as Karzac meets his demise. The group observes the eclipse conclude and celebrates as the story ends.
Development
Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror originated in 1997 under the direction and writing of Charles Cecil, the head of Revolution Software. The programming team comprised Tony Warriner, David Sykes, Jonathan Howard, Paul Porter, James Long, Patrick Skelton, Chris Rea, and Pete Ellacot. Executive production was overseen by Noirin Carmody. The title was built using the Virtual Theatre engine, which had been previously utilized in Lure of the Temptress, Beneath a Steel Sky, and Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars.
The artistic process began with pencil sketches that were later digitally colored and polished. Background artwork followed a comparable method, crafted by Eoghan Cahill and Neil Breen—both veterans from the original Broken Sword—alongside Amy Berenz and Lee Taylor. The visuals incorporated animation styles reminiscent of traditional animated films. Development took approximately one year, operating with half the financial resources allocated to its predecessor due to limited backing from Virgin, reflecting skepticism about adventure games.
The soundtrack was composed by Barrington Pheloung, who also created the music for the original game, with Bob Sekar contributing to the closing theme. Sound design combined recorded effects, orchestral compositions, and voice performances directed by Edward Hall. Returning voice actor Rolf Saxon reprised his role as George Stobbart, while Jenny Caron Hall made her debut as Nicole Collard. Additional voice cast included Dennis Chinnery, Stephanie Clive, Jeff Fletcher, Corey Johnson, Chris Miles, Gary Parker, Flaminia Cinque, and Leo Wringer.
Remastered edition
When revisiting the title, Charles Cecil noted several shortcomings such as pixelated backgrounds, subpar FMV and audio quality, and dialogue that was sometimes poorly timed. He recognized an opportunity to improve the experience through a remastered version that introduced new features like a diary system, context-sensitive hints, and fresh artwork by Dave Gibbons, presented as an interactive digital comic.
Revolution Software announced Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror - Remastered for iOS platforms, launching on 16 December 2010. This edition featured an exclusive interactive comic by Dave Gibbons, fully animated character facial expressions, enhanced graphics, remastered music tracks, a hint system responsive to gameplay context, a diary function, and initial integration with Dropbox for cross-platform save support (which was later discontinued). Additionally, it included full Game Center support with in-game achievements. Versions for Mac and PC were released in early 2011.
Cancelled Game Boy Advance version
A version for the Game Boy Advance was nearly finished—approximately 99% complete according to Warriner—but was ultimately cancelled after the publisher of the previous GBA title, BAM! Entertainment, declared bankruptcy just weeks before its scheduled release. Warriner still possesses an archived copy of this unreleased edition.
Marketing and release
A promotional trailer for the iPhone and iPod touch versions debuted on Revolution Software's official YouTube channel revolutionbevigilant. During Apple's 12 Days of Christmas promotion, Broken Sword II - Remastered was made available free of charge for a 24-hour period on the second day.
The original PC version remains available through Sold-Out Software and GOG.com (bundled with purchases of Broken Sword II - Remastered). The remastered edition is distributed via numerous digital outlets including the iPhone/iPod Touch App Store, iPad App Store, Mac App Store, Intel AppUp, Steam, and GOG.com. It also forms part of the Broken Sword Complete collection released by Mastertronic.
Purchasing Broken Sword II - Remastered on GOG.com provides access not only to the original game but also includes the manual, an exclusive guidebook, 18 pieces of artwork, and a digital comic crafted by Dave Gibbons. This comic offers additional background context that precedes the game's narrative.
Reception
Broken Sword II achieved notable commercial success, with sales reaching 750,000 copies by August 2000, including 510,000 units sold at full price. The game exceeded expectations particularly on the PlayStation platform, despite initially modest sales projections. When combined with the original Broken Sword, the two installments together had sold approximately 2 million copies by March 2001.
From a critical standpoint, The Smoking Mirror garnered a range of responses. Gaming Age assigned it a B+, commending its sound design and immersive musical atmosphere. PC Gamer gave it an 82% score, describing the game as a reliable adventure experience consistent with the quality of its predecessor. GameSpot rated it 7.9 out of 10, praising its streamlined gameplay mechanics while pointing out a lack of depth in cultural storytelling elements. Four Fat Chicks recommended the title for its narrative and visual presentation but suggested other games for more complex adventure content. Mr. Bill's Adventureland emphasized the game's responsive controls and humor, labeling it a strong follow-up.
The PC version received three stars out of five from Next Generation, which characterized it as an enjoyable continuation featuring familiar characters, though not representing a significant advancement within the graphic adventure genre.
Remastered Edition
The remastered version, Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror - Remastered, was met with widespread critical acclaim. AppSafari awarded a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, highlighting its polished production quality, stunning visuals, challenging puzzles, and outstanding voice performances alongside an enhanced touch interface. AppGamer gave it a flawless 10/10 score, applauding its lengthy gameplay and appeal that extends beyond traditional adventure enthusiasts. GameZone rated it 8 out of 10, praising both controls and cinematic sequences but noting occasional image softness on iPad devices. TouchGen’s Carl Stevens granted it 4 out of 5 stars, recommending the game broadly despite some shortcomings in puzzle design. Jennifer Allen from 148Apps also gave a 4-star rating, appreciating the captivating storyline and upgraded graphics that provide many hours of engaging entertainment.