During a press conference held with Revolution Software, the new Broken Sword title was officially unveiled. Lead Designer Charles Cecil explained his aspirations behind Broken Sword: The sleeping Dragon, and the hidden-depths of what at a first glance looks rather Tomb Raider-esque.

The game will be released on and in 2003, with and versions to follow. An impressive true-3d engine, utlising the Renderware engine, will push the various exotic locales that the original and fast-paced story promises. A brand new plot will be touted, which promises to 'tie-up' the loose ends in the trilogy.

What's more the control-system has overgone a massive re-think from past titles, with Cecil proclaiming the point-and-click adventure 'dead'. The new control system promises flexibility and a greater sense of empathy with the character, through the new 'hands-on' control system. A cinematic approach, perhaps similar to Max Payne, is being offered, with the camera amplifying atmosphere whilst placing the character in-control at key moments.

A lot of character interaction, like in past titles, is promised, with Charles Cecil proclaiming a desire to return to particular adventure elements, since turned the de facto of Japanese role-playing games.

All in all, The Sleeping Dragon appears to mark something of a revolution (pardon the pun) for the Broken Sword series, and, Cecil hopes, the flagging 'adventure' genre as a whole. More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge