The First Templar

If you're a fan of history, conspiracy theories, and swinging a sword with a friend, then The First Templar is a hidden gem worth digging up. Developed by Haemimont Games, this action RPG throws you right into the heart of the Crusades, but with a twist. Forget the dry history books; here, you're living a pulpy, adventurous version of the past.

The story hooks you with a classic quest: the search for the Holy Grail. You take control of Celian, a disillusioned French Templar knight, and his unexpected partner, Marie, a noblewoman with her own sharp skills and a rebellious streak. They're an odd couple, for sure, but their journey to uncover a conspiracy within the legendary Templar Order is what drives the adventure forward. The plot leans into the mystery and legend surrounding the Templars, making it feel more like a playable historical thriller than a strict documentary.

What really makes The First Templar stand out is how you play it. You can tackle the entire campaign solo, seamlessly switching between Celian and Marie to use their unique abilities in combat and puzzle solving. But the game truly shines in its co op mode. Grabbing a friend to join you transforms the experience. Coordinating attacks, combining your heroes' skills like Celian's brute strength with Marie's agile, critical strikes and just sharing the discovery of each new location is a blast. It captures that old school, couch co op feeling but set against a rich historical backdrop.

And that backdrop is impressive. The game whisks you across 20 different locations, from dusty Mediterranean ports to foreboding European castles. While you're mostly hacking through enemies, these settings do a great job of selling the atmosphere of the era. The combat itself is straightforward but satisfyingly crunchy. You'll build up combo meters to unleash special moves, and there's a simple skill tree for each character that lets you tailor their fighting style to your liking, whether you want to be a heavy hitting tank or a swift duelist.

Is it the deepest RPG ever made? Not quite. But The First Templar succeeds by being a solid, entertaining package. It combines a compelling "what if" historical setting with accessible, fast paced action and a fantastic co op option. It's the perfect game to dive into when you're in the mood for some uncomplicated medieval mayhem and Grail hunting with a buddy by your side.