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So, you’ve stumbled upon Templar 2, a 2D indie action platformer that thrusts you right into the darkest corners of the Middle Ages. Picture it: blood, demons, and a one-man crusade against the forces of hell. It’s retro, it’s brutal, and it’s got more edge than your average knight’s sword. If you’re a fan of those classic 16-bit games with a modern twist (and a stomach for some gnarly difficulty), this might just be your next obsession.


The tale of Templar 2 unfolds like a gritty comic book, splattered with blood and heavy on the epic. You play as Ruy, the last of the Templar Knights, who’s not just any old warrior but a renowned demon hunter. The world has gone to hell—literally—thanks to the Red Plague, which has turned the dead into demons that would give even the most seasoned horror fan nightmares. The Order of the Knights of the Three Suns, led by the iron-fisted inquisitor Torquemada, is causing havoc as they hunt down witches in their own twisted quest. It’s up to you, Ruy, to carve a path through mercenaries, knights, and demonic bosses in a fight that’s part holy crusade, part survival horror.

Templar 2 is a side-scrolling platformer where the action comes thick and fast. Expect to button mash your way through hordes of enemies, with combat that’s all about timing and precision. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just a mindless hack-and-slash. You’ll need to think strategically, especially when kiting tougher enemies or dealing with those that are immune to your standard tactics. The game throws in plenty of challenges, including treacherous leaps of faith and ambushes that’ll test your patience as much as your skill.

Exploration is key, with over 50 levels to battle through and various hidden rooms and enchanted doors waiting to be discovered. You’ll upgrade Ruy’s armour and weapons as you go, either by purchasing them or finding them scattered across the blood-soaked landscapes. The game’s difficulty can be brutal, with cheap deaths that’ll have you shouting at the screen—especially when you miss a platform or get mobbed by enemies from both sides. But hey, what’s a mediaeval adventure without a bit of trial and error, right?

Visually, Templar 2 nails the retro vibe with its 16-bit graphics that scream ‘90s nostalgia. The dark, moody atmosphere is perfect for the grim story it’s telling, with detailed sprites and backgrounds that bring the Middle Ages to life—if your idea of life involves a lot of undead monsters and haunted castles. The comic book cutscenes are a real highlight, breaking up the action with some genuinely impressive art that pulls you deeper into the twisted narrative.

On the audio side, the game delivers a solid experience, too. The voice acting, available in both English and Spanish, is surprisingly well-done for an indie title, adding a layer of immersion that many games in this genre lack. The soundtrack leans into heavy metal at times, which fits the dark, relentless tone of the game like a gauntlet. It’s the kind of music that keeps you pumped as you slice through waves of enemies, even if you’re on the verge of a rage-quit.

• Engaging comic book-style story that’s dark, gritty, and compelling.
  
• Challenging gameplay that rewards strategy and timing, perfect for fans of tough-as-nails platformers.
  
• Retro 16-bit visuals that hit the sweet spot of nostalgia.
  
• High-quality voice acting and a fittingly intense soundtrack.
  
• Loads of content with over 50 levels and plenty of secrets to uncover.

• Combat can get repetitive, especially with the constant button mashing.
  
• The difficulty spikes can feel unfair at times, with cheap deaths that frustrate rather than challenge.
  
• A few bugs and glitches, though the developers are quick to address them.
  
• Some quirky design choices, like overly sensitive controls, might throw you off.

Templar 2 is a bloody, brutal romp through a demon-infested Middle Ages that’s as challenging as it is satisfying. It’s got all the hallmarks of a solid indie platformer: tough combat, retro visuals, and a story that hooks you in with its dark allure. Sure, it’s got some rough edges—repetitive combat and the occasional bug—but if you’re a fan of old-school platformers with a modern twist, there’s a lot to love here. Just be prepared for a few cheap deaths and a steep learning curve. Grab your sword, say a prayer, and dive in—those demons aren’t going to slay themselves!

Rating: 9/10
But imagine if it was a gun rather than a sword...