Knack

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2013
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1369 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 666 out of 1369
  2. Mixed: 353 out of 1369
  3. Negative: 350 out of 1369
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  1. GanymedeJupiter
    Jan 28, 2014
    7
    Reviewers seemed to have a bizarre and completely unrealistic expectation of this game. It's just a simple but fun little adventure game. It's not very ambitious, but it's decent and enjoyable. Just make sure if you're a gamer that you play on Hard mode. Only being able to take 2 or 3 hits gives the game the hectic and fast deaths and playability of the classic Crash Bandicoot series. It'sReviewers seemed to have a bizarre and completely unrealistic expectation of this game. It's just a simple but fun little adventure game. It's not very ambitious, but it's decent and enjoyable. Just make sure if you're a gamer that you play on Hard mode. Only being able to take 2 or 3 hits gives the game the hectic and fast deaths and playability of the classic Crash Bandicoot series. It's nothing special, but it's nothing like the terrible game reviewers are making it out to be. I honestly hope there'll be a sequel even.… Expand
  2. Mattaclysm
    Nov 25, 2013
    7
    Don't understand how or why this game got bashed so hard. It's not bad it's just not great. It's a decent launch title for what it's worth and a lot more fun then Killzone Shadow Fall. Graphics and sprites are nice and the game itself kept me interesting the whole way through. That being said it may not be worth the price tag it offers very little in terms of replay value but it would haveDon't understand how or why this game got bashed so hard. It's not bad it's just not great. It's a decent launch title for what it's worth and a lot more fun then Killzone Shadow Fall. Graphics and sprites are nice and the game itself kept me interesting the whole way through. That being said it may not be worth the price tag it offers very little in terms of replay value but it would have been a solid pick up via the closest bargain bin.… Expand
  3. TheReaper
    Nov 16, 2013
    7
    knack has a colourful pallet and solid graphics and aim mainly at women and children gamers as appose to the hard core audience,. So in essence it happily fills a genre in the launch line up
  4. nascent
    Aug 7, 2014
    7
    An under-appreciated, but somewhat underachieved game.

    Knack, at least to me, seemed to be advertised as a platformer, akin to Banjoo Kazooie, or Mario. But this is very misleading. Knack is an action/adventure game. The concept of Knack is pretty great, a futuristic relic-based entity, with a lot of character and a beautiful aesthetic. Knack could've been a great game. It's    An under-appreciated, but somewhat underachieved game.

    Knack, at least to me, seemed to be advertised as a platformer, akin to Banjoo Kazooie, or Mario. But this is very misleading. Knack is an action/adventure game.

    The concept of Knack is pretty great, a futuristic relic-based entity, with a lot of character and a beautiful aesthetic.

    Knack could've been a great game. It's biggest let downs are the fact it's too easy, too linear, and not really a platformer. The very few instanced that Knack has platform climbing elements are good but far too brief, and the game literally rips the element away from you after a few dozen platforms ("from now on let's just use some ropes instead"). The final battle was amazing, very challenging and enjoyable, and the few mini boss fights were exciting and challenging. I even enjoyed overcoming the smaller enemies as a smaller Knack, and utilising the various power-up style enhancements, (such as fire, ice, metal). But Knack is just far too linear, you literally move along the only path available, and kill thing in the way. If you die, you restart at a checkpoint and aside from when the game forces you to use fuse with fire/ice/metal, it's isn't a selectable option, there's no puzzle element at all.

    The only thing that even remotely resembles puzzle is finding secrets, and honestly, unless you forget they exist, they're extremely easy to find, almost every secret door stands out like a sore thumb.

    So exploration is very thing, puzzle is almost non existent, and the game is very linear. So you can understand why people tend to rate this game very low.
    However, all that said, I greatly enjoyed Knack. The game was fun, interesting, the controls were good, and I honestly feel Knack could've been a great game if it wasn't so linear and so easy.

    I recommend Knack, you can pick it up pretty cheap, and I'm sure it'll be free on PS+ soon.    … Expand
  5. Phasmatis
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    I'm actually pretty shocked with the reception critics have given this game. It's not a mind blowing experience, but it is solid, legitimately difficult, and charming. The combat while enjoyable (especially if you play on Easy but hard generally results in 1-2 hits you die, which made the game especially challenging) does garner it's difficulty by exploiting the combat system. Enemies willI'm actually pretty shocked with the reception critics have given this game. It's not a mind blowing experience, but it is solid, legitimately difficult, and charming. The combat while enjoyable (especially if you play on Easy but hard generally results in 1-2 hits you die, which made the game especially challenging) does garner it's difficulty by exploiting the combat system. Enemies will back up the exact distance they know you can't close in time to hit them, some of the attacks don't register though this was a minor issue.

    There was only one level in this entire game that I hated, it offered no story explanation and the cool factor that came with seeing a functional relic factory (i'm guessing) wore off fast as the level felt like a gauntlet.

    Overall good game, not a great game, but I found it worth my time. There is some replay ability with the title with a extra hard mode and collectibles to find.    … Expand
  6. Aelurio
    Feb 22, 2015
    7
    When I heard for the first time knack, I was excited to finally have come a successor to adventure games amused me in the family playstation.
    But to have had many negative reviews, I was afraid to buy it, but when it finally did, it was not my surprise when I saw that all that waiting was there, only very superficially, the devs, should have been more thorough in history and the    When I heard for the first time knack, I was excited to finally have come a successor to adventure games amused me in the family playstation.
    But to have had many negative reviews, I was afraid to buy it, but when it finally did, it was not my surprise when I saw that all that waiting was there, only very superficially, the devs, should have been more thorough in history and the characters.

    positive:
    gameplay;
    audio;
    graphics;

    negative:
    Characters without depth;
    short;
    No replay factor    … Expand
  7. mijan
    Jan 8, 2020
    7
    Game gets a lot of criticism for being underwhelming Day 1 exclusive game. But actually it's not bad game at all, it's okay, nothing more nothing less
  8. llLeonhart
    Nov 15, 2013
    7
    Knack certainly has surprised me in a good way, after several bad reviews I almost didn't buy it, but I'm glad I did it, it's a game that is focused mainly on a younger audience, but that's no reason a mature gamer can't enjoy it, it's not the best launch for the ps4, but it's certainly a good time killer when you have nothing better to play.
  9. JackValentine
    Nov 21, 2013
    7
    A game that deserves merit on the launch line-up for the PS4.
    There is definitely fun to be had, and though at times the difficulty can make the game feel unrewarding, it is just a treat to have a game that is as accessible and challenging again.
    Less of an action platformer, though there were some tough sections which required much trial and error to pass, the game takes on more of a    A game that deserves merit on the launch line-up for the PS4.
    There is definitely fun to be had, and though at times the difficulty can make the game feel unrewarding, it is just a treat to have a game that is as accessible and challenging again.
    Less of an action platformer, though there were some tough sections which required much trial and error to pass, the game takes on more of a beat-em-up style as you plod through the increasingly hard enemy types.

    In top form of the Dreamworks or Pixar B-Movie, the writing is not the reason to approach the game, however the often reoccurring "one-liners" and overall lighthearted humour kept me chuckling throughout. The repetitive, yet addictive nature of the gameplay is the reason to keep playing until the end, and then several times through again if you want to go for the pesky Platinum!

    The visual style is definitely not something that can boast next-gen tech, but it is still pretty in a childishly, whimsy kind of way.

    Overall a solid launch title. People who think that this is an awful launch line-up have obviously not been around long enough to remember the likes of the PS2 and PS3 launch well enough to know that those were both god-awful.

    Worth playing.

    Jack Valentine    … Expand
  10. hrster
    Dec 6, 2013
    7
    The game is good, but had a lot more potential. It is very linear. In some levels the goblins are facing back and there are cars. Why not let you use that to sneak? It is things like this that would have made this game a lot better than it is.
  11. boshi
    Jan 25, 2014
    7
    this game has nice graphics and a decent story. the gameplay is also pretty good but can get pretty monotonous at times. the best parts of the game are when you become giant knack and can just rampage, however when you go back to regular knack it's just not as fun. it's a fun game, but could have been way better than it was.
  12. Even-Flow
    Dec 7, 2013
    7
    Knack is a fun game but I found it best when you played it with the co op. However the story is very cheesy and predictable all the way through. Other than that it's a fun game but nothing to great
  13. francisrgo
    Nov 20, 2013
    7
    A great and enjoyable game for PS4 owners. Reminds me of Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted. The graphics are incredible. The only thing I wish for them to have in the game is with various transformations, he gains various moves rather than the same.
  14. zero1818
    Dec 3, 2013
    7
    Habe das Spiel am Wochenende durchgespielt. An sich ist es ein gutes Spiel aber für einen Vollpreistitel doch zu schlecht. Auch ist es für eine Next-Gen Spiel eine Enttäuschung in Sachen Optik.

    Gameplay 7/10
    Grafik 6/10
    Sound 5/10
    Story 7/10
  15. BenTheWicked
    Nov 18, 2013
    7
    At first glance, Knack is repetitive and boring. I'll admit that on the first three stages, I didn't think I would keep playing. However, after the first real boss, it clicked. I just got it.

    The gameplay is repetitive and consists of just a few buttons over and over again. Furthermore, every level starts with a small Knack; then he gets super big; and then he shrinks at the end.    At first glance, Knack is repetitive and boring. I'll admit that on the first three stages, I didn't think I would keep playing. However, after the first real boss, it clicked. I just got it.

    The gameplay is repetitive and consists of just a few buttons over and over again. Furthermore, every level starts with a small Knack; then he gets super big; and then he shrinks at the end. However, this just makes it feel like a Saturday-morning cartoon. If you play it as a serial, with each chapter/level being one play experience, it feels like the standard rise and fall of other cartoons.

    There are tons of collectibles, and while they are easy to find, it's still exciting to discover a new relic or gadget. I think I'm halfway through the game, and I've only built the three-part Battery. If I can build the Secret Detector, I can see myself playing through the game again.

    As much as I'm enjoying the game, I don't think it's a $60 game. If you find it for $20 or less, this is a must-own, but right now, it's price makes it a bit of a disappointment.    … Expand
  16. superbran
    Nov 21, 2013
    7
    Not sure why it's being panned by critics. It may be simple but its a lot of fun. Game looks great, controls great and overall a great experience. If you have a PS4 its a great buy.
  17. iamelcapitan
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    This game is way better than the reviews make it seem... It's fun and that's all it needs to be... The graphics are a crisp and a nice departure from all the "photo realistics" being released with this generation... The story and the camera are the games only downfall in my eyes; I wish there were camera controls, sometimes when running around a corner, the transition isn't fast enough andThis game is way better than the reviews make it seem... It's fun and that's all it needs to be... The graphics are a crisp and a nice departure from all the "photo realistics" being released with this generation... The story and the camera are the games only downfall in my eyes; I wish there were camera controls, sometimes when running around a corner, the transition isn't fast enough and you're right in a battle... But that's my only gameplay gripe. This game is a TRUE 6-7/10... Zero's should not be given to a game like this, cause its playable, it may be mindless and simple, but it's playable... at least give it 2 points for that aspect.… Expand
  18. mikepango
    Mar 9, 2016
    7
    A next gen platforming game that was supposed to be funny, but falls on it's butt. Not really funny in anyway what so ever. The game mechanics are good but the game has no real challenge. The story is not bad by any means but nothing new in anyway.
  19. mbounce88
    Dec 1, 2013
    7
    Knack was a game I rented with my free trial to Gamefly. I bought 3 games with Ps4, but wanted to make sure I could play every game possible. Knack was such a good family game, my free trial ends in 13 days and its the only one I have rented. If your looking for the next cutting edge platformer with a killer story and more adult features, this isn't it. If you are like me and need a goodKnack was a game I rented with my free trial to Gamefly. I bought 3 games with Ps4, but wanted to make sure I could play every game possible. Knack was such a good family game, my free trial ends in 13 days and its the only one I have rented. If your looking for the next cutting edge platformer with a killer story and more adult features, this isn't it. If you are like me and need a good family game for the kids (10 and under), this is the ONLY PS4 game for you and them. There's two perspectives, adult and kid.
    ADULT: this game can be challenging on even normal difficulty. I haven't tried hard, but I imagine it could kick ya in the teeth pretty good. It has simple yet nice controls, and is very linear. It is not cutting edge, but a very solid and fun platformer. This being said, if you don't have kids or family, this probably isn't for your hardcore gamer. 6 1/2 out of 10.
    Kids: They can't get enough of it. On easy difficulty my 7 year old girl had a challenging, yet very fun time. The story isn't anything a pg movie wouldn't have, but like always, monitor your children. She has beat the game pretty much by herself. She loves the story, characters, and gameplay. If I had two controllers I bet this game would be great fun for parents and kids to play together. Like I stated before, there is nothing else out right now for kids! 8 1/2 out of 10.    … Expand
  20. Yahdaree
    Feb 21, 2015
    7
    Good game for my son. He really enjoyed it. We played it together on and off. Unfortunetly the game is not really designed for two people. It has nice visuals and a fun story.
  21. FordPrefect
    Jan 20, 2014
    7
    Knack deserves much more credit than it has been given. It's not an amazing game, but it certainly isn't bad. Knack brings an old school approach similar to Mario where it only takes two hits to die and timing is everything. Even on normal, Knack is a challenge at times.

    Unfortunately, Knack fails to capitalize on the concept of Knack's ability to change size and be made out of    Knack deserves much more credit than it has been given. It's not an amazing game, but it certainly isn't bad. Knack brings an old school approach similar to Mario where it only takes two hits to die and timing is everything. Even on normal, Knack is a challenge at times.

    Unfortunately, Knack fails to capitalize on the concept of Knack's ability to change size and be made out of different materials. Instead those mechanics are always contrived and never a result of player choice. Moreover, the level design is absurdly boring. There are platforming sections sprinkled throughout the game that change up the formula, but they are few and far between.

    Knack is never outright boring, but at times it could be tedious using the same 3 attacks over and over on the same 3 enemies. Personally, I loved it regardless of its shortcomings as it took me back in time, and I'll definitely be playing it through again. Objectively however, I can't ignore what others have said and it certainly deserves no higher than a 7.    … Expand
  22. fletchindubai
    Dec 31, 2013
    7
    It looks lovely and it's a real throwback to old platform games on the N64. I thought it was great fun, although it did get a bit samey after the first half. But at least it was nice to see a game that's trying to be fun rather than more sequels to linear shooters.
  23. GameWizard
    Apr 20, 2014
    7
    This game is very hard to review its is a fun game even through the difficulty and it has decent story but the main problem was this was the first ps4 game I played and I could have preordered for infamous second son or bought a ps4 game that was already out but this game was the one I thought I would like it was it was a decent game I had fun with it but because I could have got anotherThis game is very hard to review its is a fun game even through the difficulty and it has decent story but the main problem was this was the first ps4 game I played and I could have preordered for infamous second son or bought a ps4 game that was already out but this game was the one I thought I would like it was it was a decent game I had fun with it but because I could have got another ps4 maybe better than this for the same price this game wasn't the best or worst I have ever played… Expand
  24. masterjohnson1
    Jan 22, 2014
    7
    I don't know why people are so hard on knack, the game is ok for a launch game. there is nothing really bad to say about this game. It shows you what the PS4 can do, to be honest when more games come out I really wouldn't recomend this game to anyone but right now it gives you something to play whilst you wait
  25. georgegmarino
    Jan 18, 2014
    7
    I didn't love this game, I also didn't hate it. I feel that during this launch period and with not many games to go on, it's not a bad game and can recommend picking it up.

    GOOD: - The gameplay itself is one that is fairly limited but satisfying. - Graphics are nice to watch, features some very good textures and Knack himself looks good. Bad: - Character development, there is    I didn't love this game, I also didn't hate it. I feel that during this launch period and with not many games to go on, it's not a bad game and can recommend picking it up.

    GOOD:
    - The gameplay itself is one that is fairly limited but satisfying.
    - Graphics are nice to watch, features some very good textures and Knack himself looks good.

    Bad:
    - Character development, there is none.
    - Storyline, it's very generic and boring. Most of the time I sided with the bad guys, which is not what have developers were going for.    … Expand
  26. Scrudgy
    Feb 7, 2014
    7
    This is a fantastic brawling game. Controlling Knack feels amazing, The environments are just satisfying, the gameplay is fantastic, too!

    The part that this game does lose points is the difficulty part. Constantly playing the same part over and over is frustrating, especially since the game looks to grab kid's attention.
  27. RSJohn7293
    Feb 20, 2014
    7
    Was fun, got a bit repetitive though but worth the money.

    Finding all the gems got annoying though with all the repeats, but i'd buy Knack 2 if they made it. ;)
  28. snake_shadow990
    Jul 26, 2014
    7
    Tiene sus puntos buenos y malos, uno bueno seria su nivel de dificultad porque ya no hemos visto muchos juegos así últimamente, en especial si son de niños.
  29. s117
    Aug 6, 2014
    7
    I'm surprised this has so many low scores. It's not a bad a game as it looks by the meta score. It's great for kids, and it looks nice too. Reminds me of Jak and Daxter.
  30. angryw0mb4t
    Oct 12, 2014
    7
    A solid 7. It's not a bad game, with decent mechanics and a fun character. The game clocks in around 10 hours, which is more than enough of the repetitive play run-punch-punch-die-punch-punch-die formula. The game is pretty unforgiving when you get hit, so there is a lot of repeating areas. That wouldn't be so bad except once you learn all the moves (in the first level), it's just more ofA solid 7. It's not a bad game, with decent mechanics and a fun character. The game clocks in around 10 hours, which is more than enough of the repetitive play run-punch-punch-die-punch-punch-die formula. The game is pretty unforgiving when you get hit, so there is a lot of repeating areas. That wouldn't be so bad except once you learn all the moves (in the first level), it's just more of the same throughout the whole game. It's a good casual platformer but nothing to get excited about.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PS4 Game of 2013
5
#5 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2013
5
#5 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 83
  3. Negative: 28 out of 83
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Feb 13, 2014
    75
    Knack isn't a bad combat platformer, it's just mediocre. It's a kind of God of War for casual players and the fighting works actually quite well. Some boring factory levels should have been cut, though. [Jan 2014]
  2. GameCritics
    Jan 26, 2014
    40
    I have absolutely no idea what caused Knack to be the kind of game that is, because it just doesn't make any sense. Whether it's the case of being a a vanity project that went unchecked or just another could-have-been that lost its way while rushing to meet the PS4's launch date, the bottom line is that it's a misguided title too simple for adults and too difficult for children.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Jan 10, 2014
    25
    An awfully boring, repetitive and uninspired game that does absolutely nothing to show PS4’s capabilities but a lot to ruin your day. [01/2014, p.66]
See all critic reviews »