Templar Battleforce

Developed and published by Trese Brothers, Templar Battleforce is a tactical turn-based RPG that combines methodical combat, squad customization, and an engaging science fiction narrative into a highly rewarding strategy experience. Set within the expansive Star Traders universe, the game places players in command of the elite Templar Knights, humanity's most formidable warriors, as they defend scattered colonies from overwhelming alien threats and internal conflicts. Rather than focusing on cinematic storytelling, the narrative unfolds through missions, dialogue, and evolving battlefield situations, allowing players to gradually uncover the political struggles and dangers facing civilization. This approach creates a believable setting that complements the game's emphasis on tactical decision-making and strategic leadership. The heart of the experience lies in its carefully designed combat system, where every encounter requires thoughtful planning instead of quick reactions. Each Templar pilot operates a powerful Leviathan battle suit equipped with unique weapons and specialized abilities, turning every battlefield into a strategic puzzle. Positioning, movement, defensive formations, and proper use of skills all play critical roles in determining success. Enemy forces become increasingly varied as the campaign progresses, forcing players to adapt rather than rely on a single winning strategy. Missions remain engaging thanks to changing objectives that include defending key locations, escorting allies, surviving overwhelming attacks, and eliminating dangerous targets. The game's difficulty can be demanding, especially on higher settings, but victories feel genuinely earned because success comes from mastering its mechanics rather than exploiting simple tactics. One of Templar Battleforce's greatest strengths is its extensive character progression and squad-building system. Players can recruit and develop multiple Templar classes, each filling distinct battlefield roles ranging from heavily armored frontline fighters to long-range specialists, engineers, scouts, and support units. Every soldier gains experience, unlocks powerful abilities, and can be customized through equipment and talent choices, creating nearly endless possibilities for squad composition. This flexibility encourages experimentation throughout multiple campaigns, as different team builds can dramatically change how battles are approached. The progression system is satisfying because every upgrade has meaningful tactical value instead of simply increasing numerical statistics, making each new ability feel impactful during combat. Beyond its strategic gameplay, the game offers an impressive amount of content that provides lasting value. The lengthy campaign features dozens of handcrafted missions that steadily introduce new enemies, environments, and gameplay mechanics without becoming repetitive. Players who enjoy replayability will appreciate the numerous difficulty settings and the opportunity to approach each campaign with different squad combinations and tactical philosophies. Despite its relatively modest presentation, the game delivers a surprising amount of depth, with systems that continue revealing new strategic possibilities long after the opening missions. This balance between accessibility and complexity allows newcomers to gradually learn its mechanics while giving experienced strategy fans plenty of opportunities to optimize their tactics. Visually, Templar Battleforce favors practicality over spectacle. Its 2D graphics may not rival modern high-budget strategy games, but the art direction effectively communicates the gritty science fiction atmosphere while keeping battlefields easy to read during intense engagements. Unit designs, weapon effects, and environmental details successfully establish the militaristic tone without distracting from gameplay. The soundtrack and sound effects reinforce the tension of combat, adding weight to every volley of gunfire and every advance across hostile terrain. Although the presentation lacks flashy visual effects, it succeeds in supporting the tactical focus that defines the overall experience. Templar Battleforce is an outstanding example of how strong gameplay systems can outweigh technical limitations. Trese Brothers has crafted a strategy RPG that rewards patience, planning, and experimentation through an excellent blend of tactical combat, meaningful character progression, and rich science fiction world-building. Its deep customization, varied mission design, and satisfying difficulty curve make it a standout title for fans of turn-based strategy games. While players seeking cutting-edge visuals may find the presentation dated, those willing to invest time in mastering its mechanics will discover an exceptionally polished and content-rich tactical experience that remains engaging from beginning to end. Rating: 9/10

It's a flawed jewel. Except it's not flawed.

I tried this out a few years ago and bounced right off, but now I've been playing for a couple of weeks and having a ton of fun. The game looks a bit complex, but when you get into it it's a pretty straightforward tactics game. It falls somewhere inbetween XCom and Xenonauts.

The gameplay is a simplified XCOM. The character skill trees are MASSIVE. The tech options really are options, you can't afford to unlock everything. Amazing value.

Long time I didn't play, but this game and his devs deserve love. I had a blast playing this, it was a very good experience. And the devs showed an amazing support.

It's pretty repetitive after a while but its an excellent time killer. Quite fun.

Templar Battleforce is a deep and engaging tactical RPG. Mechanics is prety complex and not entirely explained in the game, but Steam guides (even made by the developers) teach all necessary terms (like penetration) and their relations. After you get all that, budilding, expanding and developing your team and navigating through the huge tech tree becomes satisfying and engaging. Even if legally distinct space marines are not to your liking, but you like turn-based tactical genre, the game is worth trying. I look forward to other games of this studio.