Overview
While American adventure studios closed, Revolution kept making them. Charles Cecil’s British company created Lure of the Temptress, Beneath a Steel Sky, and the Broken Sword series, maintaining high production values and thoughtful puzzle design through the genre’s commercial wilderness. Their persistence paid off when adventure games returned.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1990.
- Founder: Charles Cecil.
- Location: York, UK.
- Known for: Broken Sword series.
Key releases
| Title | Year | Setting |
|---|
| Lure of the Temptress | 1992 | Medieval fantasy |
| Beneath a Steel Sky | 1994 | Cyberpunk |
| Broken Sword | 1996 | Modern conspiracy |
| Broken Sword II | 1997 | Central America |
Virtual Theatre engine
| Feature | Innovation |
|---|
| NPC scheduling | Characters move independently |
| Object interaction | Contextual responses |
| Cinematic presentation | Film-like storytelling |
Broken Sword series
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Shadow of the Templars | 1996 |
| The Smoking Mirror | 1997 |
| The Sleeping Dragon | 2003 |
| The Angel of Death | 2006 |
| The Serpent’s Curse | 2013 |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Implementation |
|---|
| Fair puzzles | Logical solutions |
| Strong narrative | Story-driven |
| Character voice | Memorable personalities |
| Cinematic | Film influence |
Crowdfunding era
| Project | Year |
|---|
| Broken Sword 5 | 2012 (Kickstarter) |
| Beneath a Steel Sky 2 | Announced |
Industry persistence
| Challenge | Response |
|---|
| Genre decline (2000s) | Continued development |
| Console transition | Adapted to platforms |
| Mobile market | Ports and originals |
See also