Released on October 7, 2011, The Cursed Crusade is a third-person action-adventure title available on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Fourth Crusade, the game invites players to explore a Western Europe consumed by war and despair. The narrative follows two distinct protagonists: Denz, a holy Templar knight, and Esteban, a roguish mercenary. Both characters are bound by a shared objective to escape a terrible curse threatening their immortal souls, leading them through a path of retribution and dark power across a landscape where the Old World burns.

The Cursed Crusade: Story and Setting

The game immerses players in the historical discord of the Middle Ages, specifically the era where Christian representatives transformed from holy warriors into mercenaries, sacking cities like Zara and Constantinople. Actual historical figures, such as leader Boniface of Montferrat, appear within the game's lore. Denz, whose father served in the previous Crusade and mysteriously disappeared, must navigate this bloody period while being hunted by Death itself. The curse grants Denz the ability to shift the world into a flaming red vision of Hell, enhancing his strength and perception, but this power comes at the cost of his humanity. This mechanic allows players to perceive hidden things and access dark powers, creating a stark contrast between the historical setting and the supernatural elements of the quest.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

At its core, The Cursed Crusade offers intense, visceral third-person action featuring a weapon-based combat engine. Players can utilize dozens of weapons and execute over 90 combos. The combat system includes a timing-based counter mechanic, allowing for strategic engagements against hordes of enemies. The game is structured around a contentious quest spanning five chapters and over 30 missions, taking players through great medieval cities and linear environments. While the environments can be static, the combat depth lies in the variety of weapon combinations and the execution of counters.

  • A Templar Cursed: Players can activate the curse to transform the environment into a hellish red realm, increasing strength and revealing hidden elements, though this drains the character's humanity.
  • Brotherhood of Steel: The title supports split-screen and online co-op. A second player can assume control of the thief Esteban to join the adventure, offering a different perspective on the shared journey.
  • The Old World Burns: The campaign delivers fire, death, and destruction across the great cities of medieval Europe, providing a gritty backdrop for the action.

Platforms and Audience

The Cursed Crusade is playable on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. The game appeals to fans of dark fantasy narratives and historical action games, particularly those interested in the Fourth Crusade. The cooperative multiplayer mode makes it a suitable choice for players looking to share a hack-and-slash experience. The title also offers easy achievements and hidden collectibles for completionists. However, the narrative relies heavily on exposition, and the combat requires a firm grasp of the timing-based counters, suggesting the game is best suited for players who enjoy deep melee mechanics and co-op action despite a linear progression through its missions.