Templar Battleforce

Idk, why, but steam counts that I've played only 1.2 hours, although I finished the game once. It is really cool turn-based tactical strategy. I love the visual style, the Requisition Progression (huge tree), Equipment system, battle suits, the opportunity to respec between missions.

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

The story is weak, but at least is there. Slightly lacking in some visual elements and aids, but nothing major, would not hurt to have some thick lines surrounding the squares. Before playing, take some time to change the controls, especially screen movement keys. Nice level for visual customization for units. Various mechanics and tactics to learn and apply, the in game "library" does a good job explaining them, there are in-game tutorials too. Rich variety of units and possibilities for customization.

I never finished this game but I enjoyed the part of it that i played. It felt like it owed a lot to Space Hulk but with more RPG options and original lore (lore that is reflective of the likely source material but without being derivative and managing to be its own thing). Still, if I was working out whether to recommend this game to someone... i'd probably start by asking how they feel about turn based space marine skirmishes with lots of overwatch.

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.

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.

I enjoyed it. Loved the tactical party mechanics. It was easy to get into and progress, which I really did enjoy the classes and progression. Only complaints would be that it got monotonous over time. There wasn't much as far as story. You mainly just level up, build your characters, deploy over and over, mission after mission, all very similar in nearly way. It seems to drag on a bit too long maybe for something that doesn't change much, but it's not that bad. Oh, and I didn't like the perma death thing. Sometimes, a mob would just spawn in and kill a party member out of nowhere, leaving me to restart the mission, because I refused to lose a party member. All in all though, it's worth it, especially on sale. Not a bad little tactical game.

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

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.