Organization: Revolution Software

Nico and George are back on the road with Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse - Episode 2. The previous episode of the fan-funded adventure game ended on a cliffhanger, with the conspiracy-loving duo barely escaping London with their lives. Episode 2 keeps up the pace by delving more into the mystery of La Maledicció, a stolen painting that allegedly harbors a world-changing secret.The hefty length of Nico and George's newest adventure made it necessary for Revolution Software to split Broken Sword 5 in half. Episode2 plays much like Episode 1 as a result, meaning the latter retains the former's strengths and weaknesses alike. But Episode 2's story should keep you engaged through all its twists and turns, which is arguably the most important thing you can say about an adventure game.

If the holiday gaming season has left you feeling a bit bloated, now's a great time to deflate with some indie fare that recalls a simpler time in the pastime's history. A time when solving problems meant clicking on every square inch of the screen with your mouse, or taking abuse from a goat.Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse - Episode 1 should make old-school adventure game fans crack a smile, though that merriment will give way to a frown of concentration in no time. The title, funded by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, reunites old friends George Stobbart and Nicole (Nico) Collard, and gives them a fresh new conspiracy to dive into. While the Templars took the spotlight in previous games, Nico and George now find themselves tangled up in a plot involving the Gnostic Gospels and a stolen painting that gives off unsettling, almost blasphemous, vibes."As is the case in previously-released Broken Sword games, getting ahead in The Serpent's Curse is all about interacting with your environment. Either Nico or George walks from scene to scene (the story flips between the two viewpoints) and investigates curiosities by putting their virtual hands all over them. On occasion, they may find an item that can be collected and used elsewhere. Is there a shiny object of interest just beyond the grille of an air conditioner vent? That would be a perfect time to use that paperclip you happened to pick up earlier, don't you think?