great hack&slash, some issues but overall very fun experience

User Rating: 8 | Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade PC
By younesboul | Review Date:
I'm reviewing this game in an attempt to balance the somewhat harsh review from Gamespot. I personally enjoyed the game very much. The motion capture of the characters is exceptionnal, although the graphics show some aging. Of course, compared to games like Half-life 2, Q4 and the like this game does not stand a chance, but for a 2003-2-004 game, it does manage go pull some very enjoyable moments.
The game is a pretty linear hack & slash, very much in the same line as "blade of darkness" (also knows as Severance) or Conan (also published by TDK). The story is completely scripted with little room for side explorations, although there are secrets areas here and there, which discovery is often rewarded by upgrades to your magic skills. As for most games of the genre, you learn new combos as you progress in the game and you cannot stick to the same "winning" move for long, as enemies become smarter, stronger and start to display some very elaborate moves of their own, forcing you to adapt your fighting style, (and weapons use) or have you behind handed to you in the most stylish slow-motion manner!.
PROS:
-I enjoyed the graphics, particularly the 'Arabia" and "Hell" chapters. Excellent motion capture, cool cinematics.
- the game music has pretty good, and I really liked the "you are about to die" score...still trying to get my hands on that piece of music
-wide variety of moves: 6 regular, 6 advanced, 4 uber combos and 4 spells.

CONS:
-a rotten keyboard/mouse control scheme at first, until i figured out that I can configure my dual shock in the game options. That greatly improved the controls and combo execution.
-need some time to master the fighting style, as multi-opponent battle can get confusing very fast and enemies in your back will give you a spinal tap in no time while you are busy fighting the guy in front of you. Some placement strategy is needed.
- sometimes, the camera is not cooperative, especially in enclosed areas, but once again, the gamepad use greatly enhanced the viewing options as well as surroundings exploration
-somewhat too linear. I wished it had more branching stories & arcs
- the chapter progressing in not tied together very well. Simple hero save the world approach.
-excessively simple puzzles, but again that is not the genre. If I wanted to bang my head for hours on a puzzle, I'll replay Siberia!

Overall, despite in shortcomings, the game was quite enjoyable and I highly recommend it.

Other Helpful Reviews for Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade

  • Rating:7.5

    Great

    By fenrisfenris | Review Date: Nov 13, 2005 | PC

    I thought this game was superb. The animations during combat were good, the weapons that you got through the game were cool and the whole fighting style was good and i though realistic. The worst parts of the game was it... Read Full Review

    5 of 6 users found the following review helpful
  • Rating:7.8

    Real Hack and Slash Fest!

    By medexx | Review Date: Jan 22, 2007 | PC

    Knights of the temple is a game for real hack and slash fans. There's not much else going on here. There are a few puzzles but even an ape could figure them out (and he wouldn't have to be well trained!). The swod is sol... Read Full Review

    2 of 2 users found the following review helpful
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