Knack

Editor's Notes

Disc version reviewed. 'Knack' is also available as a digital download, and in a combination 'Essentials' package with a DualShock 4.

Introduction

'Knack,' the PS4 launch title for the "rest of the family" as described by Mark Cerny. As the PlayStation 4 was building to its release, Mark Cerny quickly became a household name for PlayStation devotees. He was introduced at the PlayStation 4 unveiling event in New York City as lead architect, and became Sony's spokesperson for the next generation gaming console. Leading up to this prestigious role it should be remembered that Mr. Cerny held a number of additional gaming titles during his career: Producer ('Sonic the Hedgehog 2'), Executive Producer ('Crash Bandicoot'), and Design Consultant ('Resistance: Fall of Man', 'Uncharted: Drake's Fortune', 'Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction'), to name a few. Where he may be most recognizable for his significant contributions to the PlayStation 4 design, his gaming roots are what accommodated for his role as Gaming Director for the PlayStation 4 launch (and new IP) title – 'Knack'.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Knack is both the title of the game and the main playable character. Created through scientific means, he (it) is the protector of the human race and the answer to the rebellious, war-mongering goblins. Powered and created by mystical relics, Knack can be as quaint as a small child and as menacing as a giant. But the developers of Sony's Japan Studio took this flagship new PlayStation 4 game and hindered both its creativity and gameplay by delivering an experience that was restrictive and formulaic.

There are hints at a deeper story but 'Knack' boils down to a generic adventure meant more for children than adults. Everything about 'Knack' – from the advertising to the box cover art – screams family and child friendly. And, for the most part, it is.

Controlling 'Knack' is simple. Because the camera is fixed, movement is assigned to the left stick, while the right provides a quick dash in the appropriate direction. Knack's attack ability is primarily utilized with the square face button, and he is able to jump with the cross button. He has a handful of special power-ups that combine some of the remaining face buttons, but nothing that would be considered overwhelming to accomplish. What is overwhelming is the difficulty, even when set to the lowest level. For a game that is so clearly marketed to children, the punishing nature of 'Knack' is the biggest surprise.

As mentioned, Knack's size can grow or shrink depending on the predetermined and linear path the developers have created. Some levels require Knack add to his size by consuming into his body newly available relics or materials – wood, ice crystals, metal, etc. The greater his size, the more damage he can withstand and deal. Where the cute and diminutive Knack can only manage a few direct hits from his enemies before bursting into relic dust, even the hulking version of Knack will see his health bar quickly shrink. As a result, you'll find yourself repeating sections of the game on a more-than-regular basis. 'Knack' is a brawler that seems to be unnecessarily difficult for the gamer that it is targeting.

That's not to say 'Knack' isn't fun. It certainly has its moments, just not enough of them to make it a standout game for new owners of the PlayStation 4. Playing in cooperative mode with my teenage son (unfortunately the game proved to be too difficult for my 8 and 9 year old daughters) became the de facto option and made for a less stressful experience. A second player takes on the role of Robo-Knack, but as the game does little to acknowledge this secondary character in the larger story, it comes off as being tacked-on and potentially not a part of the initial design. Robo-Knack has the ability to share his health with Knack during those desperate situations, and will regenerate after a brief waiting period to jump back into the action after being knocked out of play. This was a comfort, especially after experiencing a high number of restarts when playing the game solo.