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Knack

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Knack
Item: Knack
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2013

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 15, 2013

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSCE Japan Studio

Overview

From Mark Cerny, one of the greatest minds in video games today, Knack is a fun-filled adventure of colossal proportions that invites players to wield fantastic powers and discover a unique and vibrant world.

Elsewhere

6.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Knack are quite divided. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Impulsegamer, find the story to be simple and enjoyable, particularly for younger players. They appreciate the straightforwardness of the narrative and the mission of the protagonist, Knack, to stop the goblins from attacking the people. These critics highlight the likable characters and great dialogue as positive aspects of the story. On the other hand, several critics, including EGM and Edge Magazine, have a more negative view of the story. They criticize it for being rote, lacking originality, and in desperate need of a personality injection. These critics mention that the narrative threads are frayed and unexplored, with the cast of characters offering no memorable lines or moments. D+PAD Magazine also finds the story to be light-hearted and not very engaging, with predictable twists and stakes that never seem high. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Knack is fairly simple and straightforward, but it lacks depth and originality. While some critics appreciate its simplicity and enjoy it for younger players, others find it predictable and uninteresting. The story is often criticized for its one-dimensional characters, lack of engaging narrative threads, and the need for more personality. However, there are a few critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Impulsegamer, who find the characters and dialogue interesting and enjoyable. Ultimately, the story of Knack seems to have mixed reviews, with some finding it enjoyable and others feeling underwhelmed by its execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on Knack's story: some like its simplicity and charm, especially for younger players, praising the likable characters and dialogue. However, others criticize it for lacking originality and depth, with one-dimensional characters and predictable twists. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some finding it enjoyable while others feel it falls short in execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

45%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Knack are varied. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and GamesBeat, find the gameplay enjoyable and well-paced. They appreciate the simple and responsive controls, which make the game accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages. The combat is described as challenging and rewarding, with smart pacing and the introduction of new elements to keep the gameplay fresh. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. However, several critics highlight the negative aspects of the gameplay in Knack. Many critics, including D+PAD Magazine, EGM, Eurogamer, Game Revolution, and Joystiq, criticize the lack of variety in gameplay, with repetitive combat and platforming. The combat is described as monotonous, shallow, and lacking in variety, with limited moves and predictable enemy patterns. The platforming sections are often considered unengaging, with uneven difficulty and a lack of interesting mechanics. Some critics also mention frustrating difficulty spikes, cheap one-hit kills, and poor checkpoint placement as negative aspects of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Knack has some enjoyable aspects in terms of gameplay, it falls short in terms of variety and innovation. The repetitive nature of the combat and platforming, along with the lack of interesting mechanics and progression, are common criticisms. Critics like Guardian, Metro GameCentral, and Playstation Official Magazine UK describe the gameplay as lacking creative spark and being flat or simplistic. The overall sentiment is that while Knack may provide some enjoyment for players, it fails to deliver a truly engaging and memorable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are split on Knack's gameplay. Some praise its enjoyable combat and controls, while others criticize its lack of variety, repetitive nature, and frustrating difficulty spikes. Overall, the consensus is that while Knack has its moments, it falls short in terms of innovation and fails to deliver a truly engaging gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Knack are varied. Several critics, including Cheat Code Central, EGM, Game Revolution, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Meristation, NZGamer, PlayStation LifeStyle, PlayStation Universe, Playstation Official Magazine UK, The Globe and Mail, and ZTGD, praise the game for its impressive graphics and visually appealing environments. They highlight the vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and well-modeled visuals. The intricate pieces that make up Knack are particularly impressive, showcasing the power of the PS4's graphical capabilities. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Playstation Official Magazine UK also commend the game for its ability to simulate onscreen elements and the impressive particle physics. However, there are critics who express negative opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Knack. Critical Hit mentions that while some locales are beautiful, others feel dull and lifeless, and the game suffers from recycled enemy designs. D+PAD Magazine and Edge Magazine criticize the lack of variety and repetition in the environments, with the latter also finding the overall visuals, including the story sequences and enemies, to be bland and feeble. Eurogamer describes the art style as flavorless and criticizes the streaming level technology, while GameTrailers criticizes the game for looking like a rejected Saturday morning cartoon and the environments for feeling artificial. Metro GameCentral also finds the graphics to be basic and unimpressive, with slowdown issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Knack has impressive graphics and visual design, particularly in terms of character design and vibrant colors. The game showcases the power of the PS4's graphical capabilities, with detailed environments and impressive particle physics. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of variety in the environments, recycled enemy designs, and occasional slowdown issues. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side, with many critics praising the game's visuals and graphical prowess.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on Knack's Graphics and Visual Design. Some praise its vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and impressive visuals, showcasing the power of the PS4. However, others criticize the lack of variety, recycled enemy designs, and occasional slowdown issues. Overall, while some find the visuals impressive, there are mixed opinions on the game's graphical prowess.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Knack are varied. Some critics have positive opinions about certain aspects of the sound design and music, while others have more negative views. Starting with the positives, Cheat Code Central praises the energetic and child-friendly music in Knack, noting that it doesn't become intrusive. PlayStation Universe also mentions that the soundtrack is pleasing and catchy. Impulsegamer goes a step further, stating that the music in Knack is great and highlights the presence of over 90 minutes of cutscenes in the game. These positive opinions indicate that the music in Knack manages to create a suitable atmosphere and enhance the overall experience for players. On the other hand, there are critics who express more negative opinions about the sound design and music. Game Over Online mentions that the music doesn't stand out, while Game Revolution describes it as monotonous and forgettable. God is a Geek points out that the fully voiced protagonist's voice in Knack can be jarring when he is small, which suggests a lack of consistency in the voice acting. ZTGD also notes that Knack's snarky attitude and deep voice can be a little creepy, which may detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive comments about the energetic and child-friendly music, catchy soundtrack, and impressive sound effects from the DualShock 4 controller, there are also negative remarks about the monotonous and forgettable nature of the soundtrack, as well as inconsistencies in the voice acting. The presence of over 90 minutes of cutscenes is seen as a positive aspect by Impulsegamer, but the jarring voice of the protagonist when he is small is criticized by God is a Geek. These mixed opinions suggest that while the sound design and music in Knack have some strengths, there are also areas that could have been improved to create a more cohesive and memorable audio experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are divided on the sound design and music of Knack. Some praise its energetic and child-friendly tunes, while others criticize the monotonous soundtrack and jarring voice acting. Positive aspects include the catchy soundtrack and impressive sound effects, but negative points highlight inconsistencies in voice acting and creepy character voices. Overall, opinions are mixed, with strengths and areas for improvement in creating a cohesive audio experience for players.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the voice acting in Knack, it is evident that there are both positive and negative sentiments expressed. Several critics, such as Cheat Code Central and GamesBeat, appreciate the voice acting and commend the performances of the actors, describing it as solid, fantastic, and good. They believe that the voice acting adds to the overall experience of the game. This positive feedback suggests that the voice actors successfully bring life to the characters and contribute to the immersion of the players. On the other hand, there are critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting in Knack. Game Over Online states that while the voice work is quite good, the characters themselves are not all that great, with Knack being the only standout character. Guardian finds Knack's voice slightly annoying, and Polygon criticizes Knack's voice as distracting and his one-liners as flat. These negative comments indicate that some critics find the voice acting lacking in certain aspects, such as character development and delivery. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, like Game Revolution and Impulsegamer, describe the voice acting as solid and clichéd, respectively, others, such as GameCritics and PlayStation Universe, express more negative opinions. NZGamer points out the oddity of Knack's deep resonant voice not changing as his size changes. However, it is worth noting that the positive opinions slightly outweigh the negative ones, with critics like Cheat Code Central and GamesBeat praising the voice acting. Therefore, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Knack generally receives moderate appreciation, but there are certain aspects that some critics find lacking or distracting.

TL;DR

voice acting

In analyzing videogame reviewers' opinions on the voice acting in Knack, there's a mix of positive and negative feedback. Some critics praise the performances, while others find flaws like lackluster character development and distracting one-liners. Overall, opinions are divided, with some appreciating the voice acting's contribution to the game experience, while others point out areas for improvement.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Knack on the PS4 are quite varied. Some critics, like Eurogamer and Metro GameCentral, mentioned experiencing slowdown issues in certain parts of the game. This suggests that the game may not run smoothly at all times, potentially affecting the overall gameplay experience. On the other hand, God is a Geek and PlayStation LifeStyle praised the stability of the game, with God is a Geek stating that any slowdown was rare and overall the game was stable. This indicates that while there may be occasional performance issues, the game generally runs well. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the technical impressiveness of Knack, particularly in its utilization of the PS4's power for particle physics and effects. This suggests that the game showcases the capabilities of the console in terms of graphical enhancements and visual effects. In terms of negatives, Gaming Age and PlayStation Universe both mentioned framerate drops and less detailed textures as issues with Knack on the PS4. Gaming Age specifically stated that the somewhat simplistic art style and inconsistent framerate nearly negate the "next-gen-ness" of the game. This suggests that the visual presentation may not fully take advantage of the PS4's capabilities, potentially impacting the immersive experience. Additionally, ZTGD mentioned that while Knack has a superb frame rate, it is not exactly a technical marvel. The critic also highlighted the presence of invisible walls and barriers that limit exploration, which could be seen as a technical limitation of the game. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Technical Performance of Knack on the PS4 are mixed. While some critics praised the stability and technical impressiveness of the game, others mentioned issues such as slowdown, framerate drops, and less detailed textures. This indicates that the game may have some technical shortcomings that could impact the overall experience for players. However, it is worth noting that the opinions of the critics are not unanimous, with some praising the game's technical aspects while others highlighting its limitations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on Knack's Technical Performance on the PS4. Some praise its stability and technical impressiveness, while others mention issues like slowdowns and less detailed textures. Overall, the game may have some technical shortcomings that could affect the player's experience, with divided opinions on its strengths and limitations.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Knack are varied. Some critics, such as Critical Hit and GamesBeat, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. Critical Hit mentions hidden collectibles, crystals for modifiers, local co-op, and a companion app that enhance the replay value. GamesBeat also mentions hidden collectibles and a "new game plus" option for replay value. These features provide additional content and incentives for players to revisit the game. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the replay value of Knack. D+PAD Magazine states that the game lacks enough variety to keep players engaged for long periods of time and suggests that it may be worth picking up during a sale for a lazy weekend. God is a Geek mentions that while there are alternative suits that allow players to replay the game in different ways, the linear nature of the game limits replayability. PlayStation Universe also expresses a similar sentiment, stating that without a strong impetus of fun, there is little point in replaying the game. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Knack are mixed. While some critics highlight the hidden collectibles, new game plus option, and additional modes like Time Attack and arena mode as positive aspects that enhance replayability, others criticize the lack of variety and strong incentives to replay the game. The length and difficulty of the game are also mentioned as potential drawbacks. It is worth noting that the opinions of the critics are subjective, and individual players may have different experiences and preferences when it comes to replaying Knack.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Knack's replay value. Some praise hidden collectibles and new game plus, while others criticize lack of variety and incentives. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game offers enough to keep players coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Knack are quite mixed. Some critics, such as Critical Hit and God is a Geek, enjoyed the game and found it to be fun and enjoyable. They appreciated the fresh ideas and mechanics that Knack brought to the table, even though it fell short of being a standout title. These critics believed that Knack had the potential to become a cult favorite and that history may be kinder to the game than current critics have been. However, a majority of the critics had negative opinions about Knack. Many critics, including EGM, Edge Magazine, Eurogamer, GameCritics, and GameTrailers, criticized the game for its lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and lack of innovation. They found the gameplay to be unengaging and the visuals to be bland or disappointing. These critics felt that Knack failed to deliver on its potential and did not stand out among other family-friendly action games or platformers. The overall consensus among the critics is that Knack falls short of expectations. While some critics appreciated certain aspects of the game, such as its visuals or challenge, the majority found it to be a mediocre or disappointing experience. Critics like D+PAD Magazine and The Escapist specifically mentioned the lack of gameplay variety and engagement as major drawbacks. The general sentiment is that Knack is a game that could have been better, with missed opportunities for innovation and improvement. While there are a few positive opinions, the negative reviews outweigh the positive ones, leading to an overall lukewarm reception for Knack.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Knack: some see it as a fun and fresh game with potential to be a cult favorite, while others criticize its lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and lack of innovation. While a few appreciated aspects like visuals and challenge, most found it mediocre and disappointing due to its lack of gameplay variety and engagement. Overall, Knack falls short of expectations and receives a lukewarm reception from critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Dec 9, 2013