Game review: Knack

NZ Herald·

4 Dec, 2013 04:30 PM2 mins to read

This should be big, bold and brave. After all,

Knack

is an exclusive release for a next generation console - it's a game that needs to become a reason to invest in the Playstation 4. But

Knack

can't quite live up to those expectations, with frustrating game mechanics and repetitive gameplay.

What Knack has going for it are Pixar-quality graphics, a simple Uncharted-for-kids storyline, a great co-op mode and an original main character. Knack consists of a constantly changing array of moveable relics that allows him to change size - from a tiny hamster to a flaming Godzilla-like city destroyer - depending on his environment.

His job is to bash in the heads of an evil goblin army, and it's here where problems develop. Because only a handful of hits will see Knack die, the badly spaced checkpoints mean gamers have to repeat key scenarios until they fluke their way past them. Timing attacks, saving up special abilities and mastering the PS4's right analogue stick to dodge enemies become essential tools.

Knack also comes with remarkably few options: You can't change the difficulty level once you've started a game, there are only three or four special combos for Knack to attack with, and there is very little variation in the smash 'em and bash 'em gameplay.

When compared to the blitzkreig energy and complex puzzle solving of genre leader Ratchet & Clank, Knack is also a game that feels remarkably empty. There is little to interact with within your environment, and you can't stray from a very strict story path.

Where Knack comes into his own is with the game's two-player mode involving Robo Knack, a sidekick who helps ease some of the game's frustrations. So it's not all bad: Your kids can play alongside you without mucking up your game, the vivid and vibrant scenery will make your widescreen TV glow with colour, and Knack is an original and well-crafted character. He just hasn't been given enough room to breathe.

Platform: Playstation 4
Rating: PG