version: european - year: 2004 - developer: starbreeze - publisher: tdk - format: xbox - condition: mint - rarity: common
unofficial sequel of Enclave
Several combos are available so fights never feel repetitive
Guarding plays an important part
Enemies A.I. could have been better
Graphics better as you progress
The evil Bishop has abducted the Princess..
Review-Behind Knights of the Temple (KOTT) there is the same team that developed Enclave so it wouldn't be wrong to consider it a semi-sequel.
The two games look similar although KOTT has a historic setting as opposed to Enclave's D&D-style setting. Anther noticeable difference is that KOTT is a straight brawler with a slight hint of puzzles while Enclave had some lethal platforming sections. So no more instant-death missed jumps situations (it is actually impossible to fall off edges now) but just a lot of action.
Graphically, KOTT feels again very close to Enclave. The same kind of washed out color palette seems to have been used. Also, the same frame rate seems to characterize it and at first, it might feel a bit slow. Despite these initial turn offs, KOTT engine proves to be pretty good. No bugs whatsoever showed up during play and this proves a good deal of work has been put into it.
KOTT graphics are overall well done, animations are fluid, enemies are convincing (although I would have appreciated a greater variety!) and levels tend to become prettier as you venture deeper into the game.
The music is very atmospheric and suits the adventure flawlessly! I wish more games had the same musical quality…Sound effects are also well done and voice acting in the many cut-scenes is surprisingly decent.
About the cut scenes, aside from voice acting, they aren't very good. They look pixellated and characters animations in there look unfortunately too stiff and unnatural.
Gameplay is definitely action-oriented. Puzzles are usually very easy to figure out while the core of the action will see you chop up baddies after baddies with a variety of weapons (swords, axes, maces, bows), combos and magic spells. The fighting is luckily well done and combos are easy to pull off. Guarding also plays an important part because it also allows you to recharge your spiritual meter (which gets drained when performing special moves). The enemies A.I. is a bit lacking though because when encircled, often you won't be attacked simultaneoulsy but your opponents will just take turns to hit you. Honestly, this seems to be a bit dumb...
All in all, KOTT is a good little game although I don't think it's a huge improvement over the prequel. If you have a free week-end, this game could be worth of your time if you like the genre.
Bottom line: Even if not absolutely memorable, KOTT does a lot of things right and provides a good amount of mindless fun...7/10