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. StratoCut
    Dec 21, 2013
    9
    Lo mejor de este juego es que el primer recuerdo que vino a mi mente mientras jugaba fue Crash Bandicoot.

    + Buenas Graficas

    + Buena Jugabilidad

    + Buena IA

    + Cooperativo Divertido

    - Algo repetitivo
  2. penloy
    Dec 26, 2013
    9
    This is an amazing game.
    Knack is a very well designed, easy to learn combat based platformer, it has great graphics and is fluent throughout. Knack is best when played on the hard difficulty because if you play on easy, knack becomes too easy and becomes boring very quickly; knack is challenging and great fun.
    I would recommend knack to anybody that likes platformers like Crash    This is an amazing game.
    Knack is a very well designed, easy to learn combat based platformer, it has great graphics and is fluent throughout. Knack is best when played on the hard difficulty because if you play on easy, knack becomes too easy and becomes boring very quickly; knack is challenging and great fun.

    I would recommend knack to anybody that likes platformers like Crash Bandicoot and anyone who wants a fun experience on their PS4.    … Expand
  3. platbr
    Dec 27, 2013
    9
    I was worried about this game after all the bad reviews, but it is super fun. Very good story line and appropriate for kids. Because it was reported as "too hard" we started co-op on easy, and the difficulty has been quite doable. Some places are hard, but overall it is super fun. Highly recommended as the best family launch game for the PS4. Not sure why the reviewers hated it so muchI was worried about this game after all the bad reviews, but it is super fun. Very good story line and appropriate for kids. Because it was reported as "too hard" we started co-op on easy, and the difficulty has been quite doable. Some places are hard, but overall it is super fun. Highly recommended as the best family launch game for the PS4. Not sure why the reviewers hated it so much (we have PS4, WiiU, and XB1, not a fanboy of any of them). Overall, highly recommended.… Expand
  4. timshep14
    Dec 29, 2013
    9
    This is my first review on Metacritic mainly because I disagree with the 'expert' reviews. Knack is a classic platformer in the vain of Jak and Daxter, Rachet and Clank etc, but on a much larger and prettier scale. The story is good and I feel like I want to complete it. You can keep your endless (boring) online fighters, something with a story and reason to get to the end always winsThis is my first review on Metacritic mainly because I disagree with the 'expert' reviews. Knack is a classic platformer in the vain of Jak and Daxter, Rachet and Clank etc, but on a much larger and prettier scale. The story is good and I feel like I want to complete it. You can keep your endless (boring) online fighters, something with a story and reason to get to the end always wins out. The graphics are supposed to be 'cartoonish' but they are amazing, Shrek etc would be embarrassed to be sat next next to clank!
    This is not an easy game to get through, you will die hundreds of times, but the start points are not long and therefore you never feel really frustrated.
    Played today with my 16 year old daughter as robo-Knack on the PS Vita as Remote play. It made the game easier for her and good for both of us.
    Another couple of late nights over this Christmas and New Year look to be on the books for me.    … Expand
  5. Toquer
    Jan 1, 2014
    9
    This game does not deserve some of the low scores it has received. No, its not a game with choices to do whatever you want. What it does do is give you a whole lot of simple beautiful fun. I bought this game knowing all the bad reviews it got and I'm very happy I didn't listen to the critics. I think some of the low scores may have been people playing on lower difficulty where I assumeThis game does not deserve some of the low scores it has received. No, its not a game with choices to do whatever you want. What it does do is give you a whole lot of simple beautiful fun. I bought this game knowing all the bad reviews it got and I'm very happy I didn't listen to the critics. I think some of the low scores may have been people playing on lower difficulty where I assume it was just a easy grind. I suggest playing on Hard. You will die alot but I found it much more fun and rewarding when you finally get a handle on how to beat'm up. Knack constantly throws new types of enemies at you requiring you to constantly change your approach to the challenge. If your looking for a simple gorgeous game with a bit of a challenge, Knack will have you coming back again and again.… Expand
  6. sufs2000
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    I don't know why this game has such a low metascore? I was reluctant to pick it up due to the ratings on here but when I started playing it a few days ago I was actually very suprised. Graphically its very good, i especially like the way ice melts in the sun, you can see the developers have properly thought things through and I also like how every level is different. Different enemies,I don't know why this game has such a low metascore? I was reluctant to pick it up due to the ratings on here but when I started playing it a few days ago I was actually very suprised. Graphically its very good, i especially like the way ice melts in the sun, you can see the developers have properly thought things through and I also like how every level is different. Different enemies, different environments and different hidden locations. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the best I've played on the PS4 (Infamous SS), but for an adventure game I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has 2 player co-op so you and your friend can play together and its a very good laugh! Would definitely recommend, especially as there are not many games available for the PS4 just yet!… Expand
  7. danielnuriyev
    Jan 19, 2014
    9
    A charming game. Like an interactive cartoon. Good for kids. You pass obstacles, fight robots. There's a story line. Not violent. Perfect for family, for kids.
  8. Alaisdair
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    A lot of bad reviews have been coming Knack’s way, a lot of people claiming that the relic wielding creature is Sony trying to force a mascot on to its next gen console, while this is what others have interpreted, the entertainment giant have never confirmed this or used Knack as a promo for the PS4. So let’s put that silliness aside and move on to the review. . .

    Knack is well hard to    A lot of bad reviews have been coming Knack’s way, a lot of people claiming that the relic wielding creature is Sony trying to force a mascot on to its next gen console, while this is what others have interpreted, the entertainment giant have never confirmed this or used Knack as a promo for the PS4. So let’s put that silliness aside and move on to the review. . .

    Knack is well hard to describe to be honest, he is at his core a collection of relics who can collect relics to make himself bigger, and also use elements like ice, fire and metal from the world around him to defeat the race of invading goblins. intent on taking over the planet.

    The game is set out like a platformer and reminded me of a mix between Crash Bandicoot and Ratch & Clank, with a little splash of Skylanders feel thrown in for good measure, this does result in the game not looking too original, and rather a collage to previous Playstation franchises.

    Fortunately it is not all bad, players are taken on a journey with Knack himself, learning of his origins, discovering his powers as he does and it really makes this character tangible. As the game progressed and forgettable side characters came and went, the attachment to Knack as a character grows, and by the end of the game you really understand him and want to see him continue.

    Speaking of the other characters there is a doctor named George, a young boy called Lucas, often these two end up in the same room together and people call out “George Lucas”while praying that Jar Jar Binks would not appear on screen, it is one of the more amusing parts of the game. There is a side story about a wife who was meant to be dead but is actually alive. It is told with such nonchalance it is laughable, but fortunately Knack is full of witty one liners it helps make the ridiculousness of the story somewhat entertaining.

    Graphically the game is here to showcase just what next gen can do when it’s not a shooter or car game. While it is CGI style cartoon, it is crystal clear and with beautifully rendered scenery it really is a promising start for Playstation 4…visually…

    This is a different story when it comes to the gameplay, the game forces you to go into certain areas, blocking off certain areas and switching camera angles that make the game frustrating to play at times. There were so many times that I had to do calculated moves and time things correctly but I couldn’t because the camera would suddenly shift to the side in front of a building blocking my view. This happened on several occasions and drove me absolutely crazy.

    Controlling Knack is easy enough, it is the usual X for jump, circle to attack, the touch pad is not used in this game. The controls are sharp and fluid, and Knack is easy enough to navigate with. That being said often in battle Knack can be slow, especially when at his biggest and is vulnerable to attacks from even the smallest of goblins.

    This is exactly what Sony had to do to get that competitor edge by making a so so platformer that gives gamers something different to play. This was the first game I played on the Playstation 4 and I thoroughly enjoyed it, sure it was not the next Crash Bandicoot or Uncharted, but it is a fine platformer than younger gamers will get a lot of fun out of. If Knack does get another installment, perhaps just sticking to one plot line for the duration of the game will see more positive reviews and sales.

    Knack is the perfect investment for gamers aged 10 – 17 and is a great choice for younger games on the Playstation 4.

    Review by Alaisdair Dewar    … Expand
  9. Cee_Jay
    Mar 24, 2014
    9
    I got this game through gamefly, second week of having my ps4 in December, i played the demo before the ps4 came out. Still to this day i dont understand the hate on this game, the graphics are nice, the game is fun, great story , totally original. i would definitely play this game again, very difficult wasnt something you pick up and beat with one life lol. i didnt give this game aI got this game through gamefly, second week of having my ps4 in December, i played the demo before the ps4 came out. Still to this day i dont understand the hate on this game, the graphics are nice, the game is fun, great story , totally original. i would definitely play this game again, very difficult wasnt something you pick up and beat with one life lol. i didnt give this game a perfect 10 only for the fact that i wouldn't pay $60+ for it, i like games like ac, kill zone, nba 2k, madden, infamous, etc but for half the retail price to switch things up this is a must have to own. i REALLY liked it.… Expand
  10. nivs10
    Mar 31, 2014
    9
    Gave it a 9/10 as it was very fun and enjoyable but at times the fps suffered a little making it a bit annoying at times. The story at times seems a bit undeveloped so maybe Sony may create sequels to explain. Graphics looked alright for a platformer and for age group of 6-12. The camera is very annoying and I think they should have included an option to control it.
    Recommend to anyone    Gave it a 9/10 as it was very fun and enjoyable but at times the fps suffered a little making it a bit annoying at times. The story at times seems a bit undeveloped so maybe Sony may create sequels to explain. Graphics looked alright for a platformer and for age group of 6-12. The camera is very annoying and I think they should have included an option to control it.
    Recommend to anyone who may have used to play Mario, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet & Clank or even LittleBigPlanet.    … Expand
  11. AwesomeNick94
    Apr 6, 2014
    9
    This game is criminally underrated. There is really only one small problem I have with the game, and that's with 100% completing it but that's not really all that relevant.

    The story is great, and, when put up against games like Jak and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet and Clank, etc., this really should not have been a concern for people. It's the gameplay and the main character that    This game is criminally underrated. There is really only one small problem I have with the game, and that's with 100% completing it but that's not really all that relevant.

    The story is great, and, when put up against games like Jak and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet and Clank, etc., this really should not have been a concern for people. It's the gameplay and the main character that matters in these games.

    The graphics are incredible, and the art style is perfect for the game's atmosphere. It is both cartoony and intricate, which really fits the gameplay and the story. The music is decent.

    But what really matters is the gameplay. For anyone that says the game is too hard, most people could beat this game blindfolded on easy mode. I'm not kidding. If that's too much for you, you shouldn't be gaming. The controls are SOLID. Knack feels like an extension of your thumbs. Controls are very simple and easy to get the hang of, and combat is incredibly satisfying. The platforming is also great for this kind of game. Checkpoints are frequent, although imbalanced, enemy types are varied and interesting, and bosses are lots of fun. When you get big at the end of a chapter, you feel incredibly powerful, more-so than most games can offer. Co-op is also surprisingly in depth and very fun. Your ally plays a sort of quick healer role, being able to mash triangle to give you some of his health, while you play the role of the glass cannon, or the powerhouse, dishing out and taking the most damage.

    All in all, this game deserved none of the hate that it was met with, and deserves so much more love. It should definitely become a playstation classic, and hopefully there will be a Knack 2 that is met with the love that this one deserved and more.

    (For anyone that cared, the frustrating problem I have with 100% completing the game is that you need to replay the game over and over and over again to try and get lucky at collecting 10 diamonds in order to play as diamond knack, and get all of the trophies in the game. I was finally able to overcome it after probably about 5 play throughs, though, and it remained fun to play throughout. What was great about it is that you can skip any and all cutscenes in the game, and it will drop you into the next level IMMEDIATELY with no loading time at all.)    … Expand
  12. Revis1985
    Apr 20, 2015
    9
    This game is really revolutionary, like playing a mario game "BLAST FROM THE PAAST" u kno.
    It's new and fresh cutscenes that are really put in the right places and help you progress with the story, the animators design is just godlike.
    AND THE CONCEPT! OMG, he gets bigger! really fukkin cuul
  13. Rustaman
    Jul 10, 2017
    9
    Knack leaves a pleasant impression. There are a lot of secrets and more tests, you can play together. It's good and a good game, interesting and challenging. Waiting to continue in September
  14. bear00766
    Jul 1, 2020
    9
    Fun platformer. Not overly difficult for young players. Simple mechanics. Is game very good
  15. trush
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    I can see where it would get repetitive playing solo, however, playing multiplayer with my wife and kids has been a blast. The artwork and characters are great, but the game lacks a little bit of polish. Its not a show stopper, but its attractive and pleasant.
  16. Mando44646
    Nov 19, 2013
    8
    This game is a ton of fun. Its definitely not a top tier game, but it doesnt pretend to be. If you like Jak, Crash, etc you'll love this game once you give it a chance.
  17. Jacksjus
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    Not sure the reviewers were so upset about. This game is pretty addicting. You can see the potential in it throughout. It's slow for the first 20 minutes or so but once the mission starts it's worth checking out. I wouldn't pick it over COD for $60, but I would recommend it if you want something different. It's a mix of God Of War and Mario 64.
  18. Just1nsane
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    So Im playing the game on Hard and I will say its fun and frustrating at the same time only because I rage sometimes I will say it can be difficult on hard so if youre like dude this game is easy then play it on hard.
    The animation is amazing, I love the particle effects very bright and vibrant
    The music is pretty good reminds me of old spyro The story line is cheesy and kind of bland.    So Im playing the game on Hard and I will say its fun and frustrating at the same time only because I rage sometimes I will say it can be difficult on hard so if youre like dude this game is easy then play it on hard.
    The animation is amazing, I love the particle effects very bright and vibrant
    The music is pretty good reminds me of old spyro
    The story line is cheesy and kind of bland.
    The voice acting is ehh alright.
    Game play mechanics are interesting although Where are the secrets there will be one part where oh well thats obviously a secret other part were its like uhh where is a secret.    … Expand
  19. phishhippy
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    The triumph of beating some of the levels on the hard difficulty is matched only with the awesome details of the beautiful environments. Knack's footprints leave holes in mud for the water to seep through as you jump over an arrow trap and dodge an aggressive sword attack from a wonderfully animated goblin... Moments like these make the game shine. None of the characters are PixarThe triumph of beating some of the levels on the hard difficulty is matched only with the awesome details of the beautiful environments. Knack's footprints leave holes in mud for the water to seep through as you jump over an arrow trap and dodge an aggressive sword attack from a wonderfully animated goblin... Moments like these make the game shine. None of the characters are Pixar quality in their depth, but the moment to moment gameplay is a blast. The only way to play is on hard, but kids or non core gamers should play on easy as this game is fairly difficult to master. Don't listen to the pro reviews, pick up this game. It's a great break in between the shooters.… Expand
  20. Fluxell
    Jan 2, 2014
    8
    If you are looking for a challenging platform game and don't have children in your house, this review is not for you.

    Story: Not ground breaking story telling, but with a good 4 hours in, I'm enjoying it Graphics: Not sure why people are really complaining here. While it's not likely pushing the PS4 to the limit, the scenes look nice and with the addition of all of Knack's components,    If you are looking for a challenging platform game and don't have children in your house, this review is not for you.

    Story: Not ground breaking story telling, but with a good 4 hours in, I'm enjoying it
    Graphics: Not sure why people are really complaining here. While it's not likely pushing the PS4 to the limit, the scenes look nice and with the addition of all of Knack's components, fairly complex.
    Game play: Yes, this is not very challenging and does lose a point or two here. On medium it's rare that I have to redo a fight more then a couple of time.
    Overall: I think people forget that a game is supposed to be fun. This game has a fun story that is family appropriate. So far, no cursing and while there is violence, there's no blood. My guess is that the creators of this game wanted a game that was accessible to kids and adults and in the process show off some of the technical capabilities of the PS4. If this was the case, I think they hit the mark and I look forward to a bigger and better sequel    … Expand
  21. padlock
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    Simple, but a lot of fun. I like how they mix up the encounters by mixing and matching the various enemy types. The controls are perfect for this kind of game.
  22. Dkashola
    Nov 18, 2013
    8
    I'm going to keep this short: The game is fun and the critics are full of Now, I have to have 150 characters for a review so i'm just going to keep
  23. BurnoutBoz
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    There is certainly room for improvement, but for newcomers and kids it's a brilliant game to start with. The graphics are very nice and fits well with the style of game, the co-op mode on offer is a great addition, especially with the lack of co-op games available this gen.

    Only downsides were that the story felt somewhat dull, yet could understand how kids would of enjoyed it instead.    There is certainly room for improvement, but for newcomers and kids it's a brilliant game to start with. The graphics are very nice and fits well with the style of game, the co-op mode on offer is a great addition, especially with the lack of co-op games available this gen.

    Only downsides were that the story felt somewhat dull, yet could understand how kids would of enjoyed it instead. The combat is clearly repetitive for the aim to help new players so returning to my initial point; for newcomers and kids it is a great game to start with this generation of consoles.    … Expand
  24. EDJET787
    Jan 6, 2014
    8
    Knack is simple yet so much fun. It has an engaging story with terrific characters. In my opinion this game is very underrated, it's a platformer, what do you expect? There should be more games like this more often, and I would totally be open to a sequel for something like this and expand the gameplay even further. If you love platformers or just something less chaotic and more simple,Knack is simple yet so much fun. It has an engaging story with terrific characters. In my opinion this game is very underrated, it's a platformer, what do you expect? There should be more games like this more often, and I would totally be open to a sequel for something like this and expand the gameplay even further. If you love platformers or just something less chaotic and more simple, Knack has you covered.… Expand
  25. OGwawa
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    Better than what most 'critics' give it credit for. Better than what most 'critics' give it credit for. Better than what most 'critics' give it credit for. Better than what most 'critics' give it credit for. Better than what most 'critics' give it credit for.
  26. Jetfire-
    Nov 15, 2013
    8
    Knack is not here to break ground. It is not here to blow your mind, or win game of the year. It is not here to be critically acclaimed or sell 10 million copes.

    It is here to do one thing, to let you have fun. Not bogged down by complicated plots, combat upgrades, blah blah blah. Its beauty is in its simplicity, and with that being said this game is damn beautiful. It will challenge    Knack is not here to break ground. It is not here to blow your mind, or win game of the year. It is not here to be critically acclaimed or sell 10 million copes.

    It is here to do one thing, to let you have fun.

    Not bogged down by complicated plots, combat upgrades, blah blah blah. Its beauty is in its simplicity, and with that being said this game is damn beautiful. It will challenge you veterans and entertain the beginners. It has some real difficulty woven into its fabric but it never becomes frustrating, it also always down to the players mistakes, I never felt robbed or betrayed by the games mechanics.

    This is old school platform gaming, revived into a new generation, it is ridiculous amounts of fun. Do not be put off by the reviews who did not understand the wave this game chose to ride, just ride along side it and enjoy yourself in the process.

    Game on.    … Expand
  27. ignore78
    Nov 30, 2013
    8
    Dont judge this game before you play it. because this game WILL suprice you. at first i heard so many negative things about this game. that it was repetitive and boring. now that i finally bought the game with the ps4. i was really surprised. that this was nothing like what others said it was. its really fun,charming,challenging and super nice graphics. this is crash bandicoot allDont judge this game before you play it. because this game WILL suprice you. at first i heard so many negative things about this game. that it was repetitive and boring. now that i finally bought the game with the ps4. i was really surprised. that this was nothing like what others said it was. its really fun,charming,challenging and super nice graphics. this is crash bandicoot all over again. dont play this to the end at once then you can feel its getting repetetive. because its long. buy this game if you like crash bandicoot, sonic, i just love it.… Expand
  28. GodReviews
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    A fun, Disney-like animate movie made into a game that is a great joy to play.
    Even though the game could be increasingly difficult and frustrating you always find a new way to come back to the game. With the story of many character like Knack, goblins, Victor, and the many others you encounter on this journey will leave you wanting to see how it all plays out in the end.. The graphics    A fun, Disney-like animate movie made into a game that is a great joy to play.
    Even though the game could be increasingly difficult and frustrating you always find a new way to come back to the game. With the story of many character like Knack, goblins, Victor, and the many others you encounter on this journey will leave you wanting to see how it all plays out in the end.. The graphics might not be the best but at times you see the real beauty of the cut scenes and scenery. The gameplay is fun but can get boring and repetitive. It tries to hard to implement new ideas of gameplay but doesn't execute it in a well manner. The sound is on par and implementing the built on speaker on the controller is even cooler!
    This is a must buy for someone who loves animated movies and enjoyable or hard games.    … Expand
  29. AwesomeAsPrime
    Nov 17, 2013
    8
    Knack at first glance can be deceiving. Many reviewers are quick to judge this interesting little title, that is aimed at simplicity and family fun, rather than a complicated set of menu options and side quests. The graphics are great and this is the only game set at launch (for either system) that seems to be aimed at the new gamer or family experience. While this may not be innovative toKnack at first glance can be deceiving. Many reviewers are quick to judge this interesting little title, that is aimed at simplicity and family fun, rather than a complicated set of menu options and side quests. The graphics are great and this is the only game set at launch (for either system) that seems to be aimed at the new gamer or family experience. While this may not be innovative to platform games, Knack still delivers and has beautiful environment. Offering multiplayer and old fashioned fun, i recommend this for families and gamers looking for that "Mario" style game.… Expand
  30. leafonthewind
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    Not sure what the critics are all about but, this game is fun. Most importantly, fun for kids. My 10 year old is absolutely loving it and I'm enjoying, watching him play. The graphics are just fine and the story does it's job. Release lineup or not, I would purchase this again.
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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

All reviews »
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]
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