Circle Of Blood

Broken Sword: Circle Of Blood 1 PC CD solve bombing mystery Knights Templar game 

Game 

DOS 

Virgin 

1996 

CD 

$3.48
Packaging
As George Stobbart, an American vacationing abroad, you are literally blown into this adventure when the Paris cafeacute; where you're sitting sipping a cappuccino is ripped to shreds by a bomb. One dead body and a suspicious clown later, the vacation is transformed into a quest to uncover the party responsible for the blast. However, George quickly discovers that there's more to the crime than merely someone's distaste for Parisian coffee.

While most of this epic (which spans five countries, involves a huge cast of characters, and is divided into 11 sequences) is the result of highly creative storytelling, the plot does contain some elements of fact. The Knights Templar, the ancient society George stumbles across as he attempts to solve the cafeacute; bombing, actually existed in the 11th century. But relatively little is known about this chivalrous group of knights who mysteriously disappeared sometime after the 14th century. In this case, fact is definitely stranger than fiction, and adds spice to an already entertaining adventure.

Put simply, Circle of Blood is a visual treat. Every scene - from the interior of the hospital to the streets of Syria - is filled with rich, lush, illustrative detail that rivals any animated feature film. Even the sewers are picturesque. Combined with appropriate sound effects (like the Irish tunes playing in the pub and danger music when George picks a deadly path), this adventure is truly a work of art.

But Circle of Blood is not just a group of pretty moving pictures. Although at its core the game is a standard inventory-based adventure, progressing through it will take quite a bit of imagination and brain power. Solutions to the puzzles are not immediately obvious, but with careful scrutiny of each scene (pass the cursor over every inch of the screen) and creative use of the inventory items, they are logically solvable. More importantly, each resolution seems to bring you closer to everything but the truth until fairly far into the game. The rapidly moving storyline is as detailed as the graphics, and even minor characters who provide only smalls clue or details are well-developed and have more to say if encouraged. You'll find most have quite an entertaining history, from the American tourists in Syria to the janitor with his faithful floor cleaner, "Mr. Shiny," in Paris. Some provide a pleasant diversion as you try to figure out what to do with interesting items like the pressure gauge or the plaster of Paris.

Without question, Circle of Blood is an adventure of epic proportions and ranks as one of the most intriguing games to roll out this year. Its only drawback is that the graphics might be too real. After playing the game, you might find yourself wanting to pack your bags and take in the European sights first-hand. But if you're lacking for travel funds and must stay home and play computer games, Circle of Blood definitely won't disappoint you.

For DOS/Windows (via DOSBox) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']

WHAT YOU GET:

This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.

IMAGES:

All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.

COMPATIBILITY:

Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.

PLATFORM:

Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.

64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.

Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.

MEDIA FORMAT:

Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:

  • Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
  • Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
  • Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.


  • SHIPPING:

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    International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.