Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Twitch

MONSTER

The Knightling

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Knightling
Item: The Knightling
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Single Player

AvailableAug 28, 2025

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperTwirlbound

Overview

The Knightling is a platforming action adventure where you play as an aspiring knight in search of their missing mentor, Sir Lionstone. Equipped with only a legendary shield, you’ll brave your way through the lands of Clesseia to become the unlikely hero.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"The Knightling" shines with its engaging story of growth and adventure, appealing to players of all ages through humor and charm. Critics praise the protagonist's journey and memorable side quests, but point out issues like uneven pacing and predictability in the plot. Overall, it’s a heartwarming title that captures the essence of a young hero's journey, though not without its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews for "The Knightling" highlight several positive aspects of its story, particularly its engaging narrative and charming themes of growth and adventure. Critics like GameGrin and Worth Playing appreciate the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he trains under the legendary Sir Lionstone and embarks on a quest to find his missing mentor. The narrative is described as lighthearted and accessible, appealing to players of all ages, with Try Hard Guides noting the balance of humor and tension that makes it enjoyable. Moreover, the inclusion of side quests and memorable characters, as pointed out by Final Weapon and TheXboxHub, adds depth to the overall experience, enhancing the game's family-friendly appeal. However, some reviewers have pointed out weaknesses in the storytelling. IGN Benelux specifically mentions uneven pacing, with sections of the game lacking engaging content, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Loot Level Chill notes that while the charming underdog theme is appealing, the story features more dialogue than action, which may not resonate with all players. Critics like Gamereactor UK and XboxEra acknowledge that while the story follows typical narrative tropes, it does not necessarily break new ground, leading to a sense of predictability in the plot. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "The Knightling" presents a heartwarming and engaging story that effectively captures the journey of a young squire stepping into the role of a hero. While there are criticisms regarding pacing and predictability, the charming characters and themes of personal growth resonate well with the audience. Reviewers like Gameliner and TheSixthAxis encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing the relatable nature of the protagonist's challenges and the overall enjoyable experience of the game, making it a noteworthy title in the realm of adventure narratives.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling impresses with its engaging exploration, fluid movement, and creative platforming, thanks to a versatile shield mechanic. Critics praise the dynamic blend of combat, puzzles, and quests, enhancing the adventure. However, combat issues—like clunky mechanics and lack of depth—can frustrate players. While it has notable flaws, the game remains fun and accessible, appealing particularly to younger audiences. Overall, it offers a promising experience balanced by its strengths and weaknesses.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Knightling has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, who appreciate its emphasis on exploration, movement, and creative platforming. Reviewers like GameGrin and Gameliner highlight the game's engaging platforming mechanics and fluid movement, which are enhanced by the unique shield mechanic that allows for both defensive and offensive capabilities. Critics such as Loot Level Chill and XboxEra commend the blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, noting that the shield not only serves as a weapon but also facilitates traversal, making the gameplay experience feel dynamic and multifaceted. The incorporation of quests and side tasks, as mentioned by Gaming Nexus and TheXboxHub, adds depth and variety, contributing to an overall sense of adventure. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks. Several critics, including IGN Benelux and Movies Games and Tech, point out that the combat system can feel clunky and imprecise, leading to frustration during encounters. There are recurring mentions of issues such as targeting problems and a lack of a lock-on feature, which detracts from the overall combat experience, as noted by Worth Playing and GameBlast. Additionally, while the game encourages exploration and puzzle-solving, some critics, like Gamereactor UK and Shacknews, feel that the combat lacks depth and can become repetitive, potentially diminishing the enjoyment for players seeking a more robust challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Knightling offers an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for those who appreciate exploration and platforming elements. While the unique shield mechanic and fluid movement are widely praised, the combat system's inconsistencies and lack of depth are notable concerns that may affect player enjoyment. Critics like Try Hard Guides and TheSixthAxis emphasize that despite its flaws, the game provides a solid foundation for fun and creativity, making it accessible to a wide audience, including younger players. Ultimately, The Knightling presents a mixed yet promising gameplay experience that balances its strengths and weaknesses.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling boasts vibrant, storybook visuals that critics love, creating a charming and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of classic platformers. However, performance issues like frame rate drops and graphical flaws have been noted, hinting at budget constraints. Despite these drawbacks, the game's colorful design and engaging aesthetic leave a positive impression, making it a standout title in its genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Knightling is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and charming aesthetic. GameGrin highlights the storybook-like visuals, emphasizing the distinct areas and character designs that enhance visual storytelling. Similarly, Gaming Nexus and Loot Level Chill commend the beautiful and vibrant visuals that encourage exploration and contribute to a delightful adventure experience. Critics like Gameliner and TheXboxHub also appreciate the whimsical atmosphere created by the colorful world design, which evokes nostalgia for classic mascot platformers. The use of a bold color palette and well-designed environments is frequently noted, with GameBlast and Gamereactor UK pointing out how these elements enhance the overall experience. However, some critics have pointed out notable drawbacks that detract from the visual experience. Worth Playing mentions graphical issues such as detail pop-up and flat colors that undermine the otherwise charming visuals. Movies Games and Tech also highlight performance issues, including frame rate drops and texture pop-ins, which can disrupt the immersion. XboxEra suggests that while the visuals are bright and charming, they exhibit signs of a limited budget, hinting at some constraints in the game's graphical fidelity. These criticisms indicate that while the aesthetic is appealing, technical shortcomings may affect the overall enjoyment. Despite the mixed feedback on performance and some graphical issues, the overall consensus among critics is that The Knightling presents a visually engaging experience characterized by its colorful and charming art style. Most reviewers, including IGN Benelux and Shacknews, agree that the game successfully creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances gameplay. The comparisons to beloved franchises like Breath of the Wild and classic platformers further underscore the game's visual appeal. Ultimately, while there are areas for improvement, the vibrant design and whimsical charm of The Knightling resonate positively with a majority of critics, making it a visually memorable title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling impresses with its enchanting soundtrack and immersive sound design, drawing positive comparisons to Ori and The Blind Forest. Critics praise the music's ability to enhance gameplay, capturing the game's whimsical charm. However, muffled voices and limited voice acting, particularly with the shield character, detract from the experience for some players. Overall, while the game shines with its audio atmosphere, voice acting choices hold it back, yet many still find it a captivating experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Knightling have garnered generally positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. Many reviewers, such as Gameliner and GameBlast, praised the enchanting soundtrack, with comparisons to Ori and The Blind Forest and commendations for the exceptional compositions by Tumult Kollektiv. The soundtrack is noted for its ability to shift from calm and ambient during exploration to more upbeat tracks during combat, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Final Weapon emphasized how the music complements the lighthearted theme and overall mood of the game, contributing to its whimsical charm. Additionally, the sound design's effective conveyance of emotions through character interactions was recognized, with XboxEra noting the quirky humor embedded in the muffled dialogue. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting. Several reviewers, including Worth Playing and IGN Benelux, pointed out that the muffled voices resulting from character designs limit the impact of the voice acting. While some found this to add a unique charm, others felt it detracted from the overall experience. Worth Playing also mentioned that the voice acting for the shield character, Magnustego, can become repetitive and annoying, which may lead to frustration for players. Furthermore, Critical Hits highlighted the limited voice acting and the absence of localization in Portuguese, which could alienate a segment of the player base. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Knightling excels in its musical composition and sound design, it is somewhat hindered by its voice acting choices. The charming and humorous elements of the sound design are appreciated, as noted by Shacknews and TheSixthAxis, yet the muffled dialogue and limited voice acting detract from the experience for some players. Despite these drawbacks, the game's soundtrack and sound effects are generally seen as strong components that contribute to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a worthwhile experience for many.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling's voice acting has its charms, with critics praising its humor and personality, particularly in shield commentary. However, significant drawbacks include repetitive lines and muffled dialogue that hinder clarity and immersion. While some find the unique delivery amusing, many reviewers believe the minimal voice acting detracts from the experience, potentially alienating players who rely on dialogue. Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag—adding character but also creating barriers to engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The voice acting in The Knightling has received some praise from critics, particularly for its ability to contribute humor and personality to the gameplay. GameGrin highlights the shield's commentary as a standout feature, effectively adding a layer of charm to the experience. Similarly, Movies Games and Tech appreciates the execution of the humorous muffled dialogue, noting that it enhances the narrative's charm. Critics like Gameliner and TheXboxHub also point out that while voice acting is not consistently present, the expressive animations and sound design compensate for this absence, effectively conveying character emotions and enriching the narrative experience during cutscenes. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant shortcomings in the voice acting. Worth Playing criticizes the repetitive nature of Magnustego's fully voiced lines, while XboxEra and Critical Hits note that the majority of characters are muffled by masks, leading to a lack of clarity in dialogue. This is echoed by PlayStation Universe, who mentions that players may often find themselves relying on text boxes for understanding due to the muffled character voices. Furthermore, IGN Benelux and Gamereactor UK highlight that the minimal voice acting, stemming from character design choices, may detract from the overall experience, indicating a missed opportunity for deeper engagement through dialogue. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in The Knightling features some humorous and charming elements, it is hampered by significant limitations. The frequent use of muffled voices and the lack of consistent dialogue detracts from the game's potential impact, as noted by multiple reviewers. While some, like Movies Games and Tech, find the humor in the muffled delivery to be a unique touch, others, such as Critical Hits and IGN Benelux, feel that the minimal voice acting could alienate certain players, especially those who rely on localization. Thus, the voice acting serves as a double-edged sword, adding personality while simultaneously creating barriers to player immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling shines on PC with smooth gameplay and minimal bugs, earning praise from critics like Try Hard Guides. However, its performance on Xbox Series X and PS5 is plagued by severe issues like frame rate drops, invisible walls, and quest bugs, leading to a lackluster experience. Overall, while the PC version is solid, the console versions need significant improvements to meet player expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The technical performance of The Knightling shows a mixed bag of sentiments across various platforms. On PC, critics like Try Hard Guides noted a seamless experience devoid of bugs, while GameGrin acknowledged smooth gameplay with only minor stutters during intense moments. Although there were some reported issues on the Steam Deck, they were not significant enough to detract from the overall experience. This indicates that the game performs reasonably well on PC, with a solid foundation that allows players to enjoy the game without major interruptions. In contrast, the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions of the game reveal more substantial technical concerns. On Xbox, Gameliner described the performance as lacking sharpness and resolution, while XboxEra pointed out issues with invisible walls and flawed collisions, suggesting a limited budget. Gamer.no and TheXboxHub echoed similar sentiments, highlighting minor bugs and issues that could disrupt gameplay. The PlayStation 5 version appears to be even more problematic, with multiple critics, including Critical Hits and IGN Benelux, reporting frame rate drops and quest journal bugs that significantly hinder the experience. Movies Games and Tech went further, stating that performance issues like screen tearing detract from the overall enjoyment, while Shacknews noted rough combat mechanics that affect gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Knightling has a solid technical performance on PC, it struggles considerably on both Xbox Series X and PS5. The PC version is generally praised for its smoothness and minimal issues, as noted by Try Hard Guides and GameGrin. However, the Xbox and PlayStation versions are marred by various technical flaws, including frame rate drops, bugs, and collision issues, leading to a less polished experience. Critics like Worth Playing and IGN Benelux highlight the need for further patches and improvements, indicating that the game may require additional work to reach its full potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Knightling garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its fun exploration, engaging side quests, and solid mechanics that encourage speedrunning and customization. However, concerns about repetitive side quests, a short gameplay length of around five hours, and a lack of depth dampen its long-term appeal. While some players might enjoy the variety, many critics wish for more innovative content to sustain interest. Overall, its replay value is decent but limited for those seeking deeper engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Knightling is mixed, with several critics highlighting its positive aspects. Reviewers like GameGrin and Gaming Nexus commend the game for its fun exploration mechanics and the vast world filled with engaging side quests. GameGrin notes that the game's mechanics may encourage speedrunning, which is a strong indicator of replay value. Similarly, Loot Level Chill emphasizes the abundance of side content and upgrades that promote exploration, while Final Weapon points out that the dynamic gameplay and engaging side quests contribute to a good level of replayability. XboxEra also supports this sentiment, highlighting the decent replay value stemming from side missions and customization options. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value. Try Hard Guides suggests that while the mechanics are solid, the game may lack depth for some players, potentially affecting its long-term replayability. Gameliner and Shacknews both mention that the repetitive nature of some side quests could limit the overall replay value, with Gameliner specifically stating that many side quests involve repetitive tasks. Moreover, PlayStation Universe points out that the game's relatively short length—approximately five hours—may deter players from replaying it. Critics like Gamereactor UK also express concerns that the progression system might restrict long-term engagement, indicating that while there are opportunities for replay, they may not be compelling enough for sustained interest. In summary, while there is a consensus among critics that The Knightling offers a variety of side quests and exploration opportunities that can enhance replay value, there are significant concerns regarding the game's depth and repetitive elements. Critics like Worth Playing and TheSixthAxis recognize the potential for replayability but also wish for more innovative content. Overall, the game's replay value appears to be decent for players who enjoy side quests and exploration, but the limitations in depth and length could hinder its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding "The Knightling" is largely positive, with many critics praising its charming visuals and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like GameGrin and Gameliner highlight the game's beautiful world and delightful indie experience, while Loot Level Chill describes it as a "brilliant adventure" that successfully combines various gameplay elements into a near-perfect package. The game's appeal to both younger and older audiences is noted by Try Hard Guides, who emphasizes its well-executed mechanics and lighthearted story. Critics across platforms consistently mention the enjoyable exploration elements, engaging side quests, and the overall cozy atmosphere that makes "The Knightling" a worthwhile experience. Despite the praise, several critics point out notable flaws that detract from the overall experience. Issues such as rough combat mechanics and technical problems are frequently mentioned, with Gaming Nexus and IGN Benelux specifically highlighting clunky combat and uneven storytelling as areas that need improvement. Critics like Worth Playing and Shacknews echo this sentiment, calling for more polish and bug fixes to help the game reach its full potential. The lack of depth and originality compared to larger titles is also a recurring theme, as noted by XboxEra and Gamereactor UK, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it may not stand out in a crowded genre. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "The Knightling" is a charming and enjoyable action-adventure game that successfully captures the essence of classic titles, though it is not without its shortcomings. Many reviewers, including Final Weapon and TheSixthAxis, appreciate the game's lively world and fun mechanics, but acknowledge that technical adjustments and refinements are necessary for it to truly shine. Overall, while "The Knightling" is celebrated for its engaging gameplay and aesthetic appeal, it faces criticism for its combat mechanics and lack of innovation, leaving it as a solid yet imperfect experience that holds significant potential for future updates.

TL;DR

"The Knightling" charms with its beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay, winning praise from critics for its cozy atmosphere and delightful adventure. However, it struggles with clunky combat, technical issues, and a lack of originality. While it's an enjoyable indie experience, it needs refinement to fully realize its potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

Loot Level Chill

Aug 28, 2025