Summary

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade is a medieval fantasy action/adventure RPG that offers a unique and engaging experience. Developed by the team behind Chronicles of Riddick and The Darkness, the game combines fierce combat, intriguing exploration, and a captivating story, exclusively available to the European market.

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developers: Starbreeze Studios
Publishers: TDK Mediactive

Introduction

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade is an action/adventure role-playing game that immerses players in a medieval fantasy world filled with dark secrets, ancient myths, and fierce battles. Released in 2004, this game stands out for its compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the fact that it was never released outside of Europe, making it a sought-after title for collectors and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Synopsis

“Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade” is a captivating action-adventure video game released in 2004 by Starbreeze Studios. The game, which was only released in Europe, is set in the medieval times and is a dynamic camera third-person hack and slash game.

The game’s story follows Paul de Raque, a young Templar Knight on his first Crusade. Paul is tasked with the mission to stop the end of the world by fighting his way through the sombre gloom of European monasteries and villages to the colourful bazaars and powerful bastions of the crusader castles under the blazing sun of the Holy Land. His journey doesn’t stop there; he must also enter the realms of hell and face his worst nightmares.

The plot thickens when an evil Bishop abducts Adelle, a mysterious young woman with divine powers and Paul’s beloved childhood friend. The Bishop, with his entourage of disciples and their captive Adelle, embarks on an Unholy Crusade, moving along the initial routes of the historic holy wars. By misusing Adelle’s powers against her will, he plans to complete the Unholy Circle and perform dark rituals at sacred places to desecrate them. His ultimate intention is to unlock and gain access to the Gateway to Hell.

Paul finds himself burdened with the tough task of starting a mission to uncover the Evil Conspiracy, interrupt the Unholy Circle, and prevent the Evil Bishop from fulfilling his plan. The only way to save the world from Evil is by saving Adelle.

In the final confrontation with evil, the powers of hell have been unleashed, and the corrupt bishop has gained limitless powers. Paul fights him and his henchmen, who resurrect countless evil minions where Paul struggles to fight. Eventually, the bishop is defeated and thrown into hell, and Paul, although weak and wounded, saves the world from darkness. He then brings Adelle home to her mother, where they say that Paul’s victory was the will of God, something to which Adelle agrees. However, while Paul and her mother look away, Adelle’s eyes turn black, indicating that she has been possessed by a demon.

The gameplay of “Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade” involves players taking hold of various medieval weapons from axe, mace, sword, to mastering archery. These weapons have their own combos, damage, and attack speed with various Divine Powers and Special Attacks. Using the bow will let you play in first-person.

This game is a thrilling journey through the medieval times, filled with action, adventure, and a gripping storyline. It’s a tale of courage, friendship, and the fight against evil, set against the backdrop of the historic holy wars.

Characters

The game features a cast of characters that enrich the narrative, including the brave Templar knight, Paul de Raque, his mentor, Bernard de Clairvaux, the mysterious witch, Adelle, and the sinister antagonist, Bishop Malachi. Each character plays a crucial role in the unfolding story, offering insights, challenges, and aid to the player.

Gameplay

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade combines elements of action, adventure, and role-playing, providing a balanced mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players can engage enemies with a variety of melee weapons and magical attacks, upgrade their skills and equipment, and uncover hidden secrets and treasures throughout the game’s expansive environments.

Conclusion

Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade remains a noteworthy entry in the action/adventure RPG genre, especially for its unique setting and story. Despite its limitations and the fact that it was never released outside Europe, it offers a compelling experience for those who can access it, showcasing the potential of its developers and the enduring appeal of medieval fantasy adventures.