Knack: The Official Thread
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http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2013/10/hands_on_ps4_launch_title_knack_is_gradually_gathering_steam
Hands On: PS4 Launch Title Knack Is Gradually Gathering Steam
Posted Thu 3rd Oct 2013 00:00 by Sammy Barker
Bigger and better
We’ve had a more turbulent relationship with Knack than the scorned lovers from Wuthering Heights. The throwback platformer in production at Sony’s recently rejuvenated Japan Studiodisappointed us earlier in the year, prompting us to ponder the platform holder’s decision to put it at the forefront of the PlayStation 4’s marketing campaign. But having spent some time with an updated build of the impending launch title, we can’t help but feel that the release may end up crushing our early concerns.
Make no mistake, this is still not a system selling piece of software – but it’s definitely improving by the day. Despite originally looking like a PlayStation 3 game with a sharper resolution, the title is now starting to flex its next generation prowess. Tapping the circle button prior to another of the DualShock 4’s famous inputs allows you to perform a selection of special moves, which really showcase the hardware. Shape-shifting hero Knack will transform into a whirlwind or explode into a cloud of particles – and the frame-rate no longer slows to a crawl each time that you do so.
It’s a cool effect, and it’s enhanced by the fact that the titular star changes as you play. As the bitty badass is attacked by gremlins, he’ll start to lose parts of his body. These can be recollected by smashing up crates and other items, allowing you to add to the character’s bulk – and augment some nifty looking electrical effects. Later in the demo, we’re able to absorb a stack of wood. This enhances the power of the protagonist, but makes him vulnerable to fire attacks. The grunts quickly cotton onto this, peppering us with explosive crossbows in an attempt to set the star ablaze.
It’s perhaps worth noting that this is not an easy game. Creative director Mark Cerny has mentioned multiple times that he wanted to build an accessible title for youngsters and a more challenging experience for old-school players. Based on our hands-on, the title certainly succeeds: it can be played fairly casually on the easy difficulty tier, but you will die frequently on normal or above. Adding to this challenge are the combat encounters, with a range of close-quarters and distant enemies forcing you to think on your feet.
The level design is decent, too. The release is riddled with platforming clichés – such as mechanical pillars that crush you if you linger too long beneath them, and mines that prevent you from simply sprinting forwards if you want to hold onto your health – but it works and it fits the context. The game genuinely does feel old-school, and it’s refreshing by virtue of the fact that these types of titles simply don’t get made anymore.
There are still issues, of course. For starters, considering the serious visual improvements elsewhere, we’re miffed by the fact that fallen enemies and their equipment still fade awkwardly out of the environment. We like the way that you’re able to bash the armour off grunts, but we reckon that it would be more interesting if the debris remained strewn around the world once you’re done.The developer’s working with 8GB RAM now, so it really shouldn’t be a technological challenge.
We’re also worried about repetitiveness. Our demo consisted of several different chapters from the full campaign, but we immediately noticed that there were some recycled environments throughout. This is a game that needs to stay fresh from start to finish, and that clearly also applies to the visual design. We won’t be able to truly judge the variety until we get our eager fingers on the final build next month, but the concern is most definitely there.
Nevertheless, we’re really starting to warm to the adventure. We still don’t feel that it deserves to be fronting Sony’s next major format launch, but there’s definitely a charm to the title that will make it appeal to a certain type of gamer. If you grew up on Crash Bandicoot, or are just looking for something a little different to accompany your new piece of hardware, then rest easy in the knowledge that Knack doesn’t seem like such a bad choice anymore.
Are you planning to pick up Knack alongside your PS4? Has the title grown on you over the past couple of months? Let us know in the comments section below.
Knack Has A 37GB Install On PS4
For those unaware, PS4 titles do not require installs. It's optional.
For those unaware, PS4 titles do not require installs. It's optional.
My feelings also but yet i need something for my kids to play and I'm NOT spending money for a slightly nicer looking LEGO game.
I'm not.
Really , i won't.
First time visiting this thread. Telling you right now....not gonna happen. Kameo actually looked like a lot of fun already in videos, but as soon as they showed Knack i was like.....wtf is this? I am all for a new platforming game, but please make something similar to R&C or J&D. Call it prejudice or whatsoever....but i have no faith in Knack actually being very good at all.
It's an action brawler like God of War, minus the QTEs. Pretty basic focus on timing, dodging, combos, etc.
Should be a solid old school type game if nothing else.
Should be a solid old school type game if nothing else.
I think it looks fun, seems kind of like Ratchet & Clank'ish game.
The previews I've read makes it seem like a decent game, Colin Moriarty at IGN, were a sceptic before trying it, but once he tried it he tought it were really fun - and he also likes Ratchet & Clank-games.
Beeing european and waiting for for PS4 until 29th, makes me get plenty of first impressions tough of the full game before I need to make my own decision..
My current plan is getting the new Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (it's much cheaper, and also comes with Quest for Booty-code, if people havn't played that, I think) - at the 13th, and see what various people say about Knack,and what they tought about previous titles, I liked before making my decision two weeks later.
The previews I've read makes it seem like a decent game, Colin Moriarty at IGN, were a sceptic before trying it, but once he tried it he tought it were really fun - and he also likes Ratchet & Clank-games.
Beeing european and waiting for for PS4 until 29th, makes me get plenty of first impressions tough of the full game before I need to make my own decision..
My current plan is getting the new Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (it's much cheaper, and also comes with Quest for Booty-code, if people havn't played that, I think) - at the 13th, and see what various people say about Knack,and what they tought about previous titles, I liked before making my decision two weeks later.
The one time I watched significant gameplay, it looked like an upgraded Crash Bandicoot. I enjoyed that game immensely when it was out back in the day, so I definitely imagine this would be something that I probably would enjoy were I getting a PS4. I don't know if it's a $60 game, but I definitely see it being enjoyable enough once the price drops or hits PS+.
http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2013/11/knack_proves_that_a_problem_shared_is_a_problem_halved
Knack Proves That a Problem Shared Is a Problem Halved
Posted Sat 9th Nov 2013 21:15 by Sammy Barker
Just the two of us
Marble Madness creator Mark Cerny’s impending PlayStation 4 launch title Knack is making a play for your nostalgic side – and it aims to further that by bringing back couch co-op. Earlier in the year, developer Japan Studio confirmed that you’ll be able to assume the role of Robo Knack in a bonus two-player mode, but it failed to really elaborate upon the details. Fortunately, online producer Daniel Brooke has hopped onto the PlayStation Blog to offer a little more information.
“Knack’s co-op is a little different from some cooperative games that you may have played,” he explained. “A second player can drop in or drop out at any time, and control Knack’s shiny metallic helper. Robo Knack has a move set somewhat similar to Knack’s, but in addition, Robo Knack can donate parts to Knack and heal him with a touch of the Triangle button.”
According to Brooke, it’s a great way to get newer players to invest into the experience. “Just start the game on Easy, and drop in from time to time to help them through the game,” he added. “Plus, if you enjoyed the smack fests in LittleBigPlanet, you’ll find some fun and laughs in smacking your on-screen partner when he or she least expects it.”
You can see a bit of that silliness in the trailer embedded below. Interestingly, if you have a PlayStation Vita but not a second DualShock 4, you’ll be able to enjoy Knack’s co-op mode using the handheld device. Do you intend to team-up with a friend or family member to smash your way through Sony’s latest colourful excursion? Double down in the comments section below.
Knack Proves That a Problem Shared Is a Problem Halved
Posted Sat 9th Nov 2013 21:15 by Sammy Barker
Just the two of us
Marble Madness creator Mark Cerny’s impending PlayStation 4 launch title Knack is making a play for your nostalgic side – and it aims to further that by bringing back couch co-op. Earlier in the year, developer Japan Studio confirmed that you’ll be able to assume the role of Robo Knack in a bonus two-player mode, but it failed to really elaborate upon the details. Fortunately, online producer Daniel Brooke has hopped onto the PlayStation Blog to offer a little more information.
“Knack’s co-op is a little different from some cooperative games that you may have played,” he explained. “A second player can drop in or drop out at any time, and control Knack’s shiny metallic helper. Robo Knack has a move set somewhat similar to Knack’s, but in addition, Robo Knack can donate parts to Knack and heal him with a touch of the Triangle button.”
According to Brooke, it’s a great way to get newer players to invest into the experience. “Just start the game on Easy, and drop in from time to time to help them through the game,” he added. “Plus, if you enjoyed the smack fests in LittleBigPlanet, you’ll find some fun and laughs in smacking your on-screen partner when he or she least expects it.”
You can see a bit of that silliness in the trailer embedded below. Interestingly, if you have a PlayStation Vita but not a second DualShock 4, you’ll be able to enjoy Knack’s co-op mode using the handheld device. Do you intend to team-up with a friend or family member to smash your way through Sony’s latest colourful excursion? Double down in the comments section below.
I was hoping that it would be more platformer than brawler. Oh well.
I think the visuals are really nice though.
I think the visuals are really nice though.
Gameplay looks alright. I'm surprised how graphically poor this game looks though. No shadows on either Knack or NPCs, NPCs disappear after their defeated, and poor textures throughout the environment.
edit: Looks like older build = no shadows. New build has shadows, I guess.
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It's a basic action brawler game, like a cut down God of War. At least it looks better than the demo station version.