The First Templar - Special Edition is a third-person action-adventure game centered on hack-and-slash combat and cooperative play in a 13th-century European setting. Players control a French Templar knight named Celian d'Arestide alongside a noblewoman companion named Marie, who has been branded a heretic, as they pursue the Holy Grail amid a conspiracy targeting the Templar Order.
Gameplay
Combat forms the core loop, with players chaining basic sword strikes into combos while managing a fervor or zeal meter for special attacks, blocks, and finishing moves. Each character brings distinct tools to fights: Celian relies on sword and shield for balanced offense and defense, while Marie uses daggers for quicker, agile strikes. A third ally, Roland, appears in certain sequences with his two-handed sword for heavier damage output. Enemies include waves of Saracens and agents of the Inquisition, requiring players to adapt tactics across different encounters.
Exploration takes players through 20 recreated historical locations across Europe, where linear paths mix with alternate routes and light puzzle elements. Stealth sections allow players to bypass some confrontations, and the game rewards thorough searching with ability unlocks. Character progression follows RPG-inspired skill trees, letting players customize each hero's abilities as they advance through the campaign. The experience typically lasts around 10 to 13 hours for the main story, with completionists extending play toward 19 hours.
Game Modes
The game supports both single-player and cooperative experiences. In solo mode, players switch freely between the two main characters at any time, with the game's AI handling the companion. This system encourages experimenting with each hero's strengths during combat and exploration. A second player can join or leave at any moment through drop-in and drop-out functionality, taking direct control of the AI-controlled character without restarting the session.
Cooperative play emphasizes teamwork, as the pair of heroes must coordinate attacks and cover each other's weaknesses against groups of foes. The Special Edition includes an additional Arena mission that serves as a bonus combat-focused challenge separate from the main campaign.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds in the turbulent years following the Crusades, where European society faces political upheaval. Celian and Marie navigate alliances and betrayals involving King Philip IV of France and the Inquisition while uncovering secrets tied to the Templar Order. The story integrates real historical figures and events with fictional elements around the quest for the Holy Grail, creating a focused linear adventure rather than an open-world experience.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam stands at mostly positive, with roughly 73 percent approval across hundreds of reviews. Many highlight the satisfying combat rhythm, character switching, and atmospheric levels as strengths, particularly when played cooperatively with a friend. Critic scores from the original release period landed in the mixed range, citing dated visuals, occasional technical hiccups, and simpler production values compared to larger titles of the era.
The game suits players who enjoy straightforward hack-and-slash action paired with light co-op elements and a historical Templar theme. It remains available on PC through major digital stores, often at a low price point that matches its budget origins. Those seeking polished modern graphics or deep ongoing content may find it lacking, while fans of older action-adventure games with drop-in co-op will likely appreciate its focused campaign and character variety. No major updates or seasonal content have appeared since its 2011 launch, leaving the experience in its original state.
