Knack (2013)

I’ve seen a recent recovery of this game with people arguing that it’s much better than the launch reception would have us believe. Arguments that the launch reception was just poor due to thwarted expectations (wanting a platformer but getting a brawler), or initial poor performance that has since improved with the PS4 Pro and PS5. The recovery and new found fandom of the game lays out a basic idea: now that the game performs well, going into it with the right expectations that you’ll be playing a brawler instead of a platformer will lead you to a good time.

I’m not having a good time. Knack is simply not fun. It has good ideas but the execution is poor. Even if we leave the platforming out of a critique, this isn’t a stellar game. Combat is clunky and unenjoyable. It’s also limited in scope with punch and aerial attack the only thing you’ll employ for 90% of the game. Unlockables certainly make things better, but not enough to salvage the lacklustre feeling combat imparts. Checkpoints are terribly placed and with even the lowliest of enemies able to one-shot Knack at certain junctures, you spend far too much time retracing your steps and re-fighting the same fights because you slipped up somewhere down the line.

I think the launch reception was on the money, Knack is a mediocre and largely disappointing game. The only reason I think I’m still playing is because I can’t decide what I would rather be playing right now.

it's still Knack baybee, im leaning towards a 10/5

on a serious note, I'm almost finished and I have to wonder why this is broadly discussed as a platformer when it's literally just a beat 'em up. as a platformer it's awful, but as a beat 'em up? okay it's still not AMAZING but like it's fun and can be challenging - it's like each enemy room is a puzzle, and u gotta work out the best way to kick all their butts without getting one shotted (it kind of reminds me of hotline miami, ghostrunner type of game in that sense - Knack wld probs be even more reminiscent of those when played on the higher difficulties)

Knack is an OK platformer but it get's repetetive so quickly it's crazy, everything is repetetive, enemies, attacks etc.

Knack is OK to play mindlessy and that's what I did, it was nice to play a game that doesn't need your attention that much. I mean half of the time I just attacked the enemies before they suceed with their executions and also your checkpoints are never too far, you have infinitve lives etc.

Knack is that easy of a game, you better off playing Super Mario World from the snes era, I mean even that is a bigger challenge.

After you finish the game you can play it again to collect your collectibles, I didn't bother because I felt like it was not worth it.

I got the game free because I have PS +, let me end this review by saying DO NOT BUY KNACK!