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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  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. Beast979
    Dec 28, 2013
    9
    I picked this game up because it was on sale over the holidays, and honestly I am quite surprised. the combat is simple, as you only use three buttons, but there is still a decent amount of challenge here in timing your dodges, jumps, and attacks accordingly. If your not careful you will get your butt kicked in places. I have been having a blast playing it so far and my son even picks upI picked this game up because it was on sale over the holidays, and honestly I am quite surprised. the combat is simple, as you only use three buttons, but there is still a decent amount of challenge here in timing your dodges, jumps, and attacks accordingly. If your not careful you will get your butt kicked in places. I have been having a blast playing it so far and my son even picks up the controller and plays the other knack like character co-op with me and is having a good time with it as well. I could see it not being for some people, but I think that the majority of people will have a good time with it.… Expand
  6. elitefour
    Dec 28, 2013
    4
    Sony...do you think this is the spiritual successor of Crash Bandicoot?
    this game is bored,stupid, its not crash bandicoot,jax and dexter,little big planet
    its just another stupid playstation game. the gameplay its not impressive
    its weak and broken. Im sorry Playstation Fanboys but i hate this game
  7. jsharkey621
    Dec 27, 2013
    8
    Now anyone who has looked at any review for this game already knows its hard and I'm here to say that is true and that it is a good thing. Whenever I died I never felt like the game cheated me, I understood that it was me who made a mistake and I learned from them. Many games now have a chooseable difficulty system like Knack but few execute it as well as Knack: higher difficulties addNow anyone who has looked at any review for this game already knows its hard and I'm here to say that is true and that it is a good thing. Whenever I died I never felt like the game cheated me, I understood that it was me who made a mistake and I learned from them. Many games now have a chooseable difficulty system like Knack but few execute it as well as Knack: higher difficulties add harder platforming, enemies learn new moves, and more enemy combinations are used to offer more intriguing fights. The controls are simple but that adds to the challenge of the game. Because you only have a limited set of moves you have to actually strategize when you go into a fight because bum rushing in will quickly have you killed. The story is simple but that is understandable since this game is geared to be kid friendly so the developers couldn't throw in too many deep, serious underlying messages or make the characters too complex. The characters although simple have a fair amount of charm, you won't be falling head over heels for them but you won't hate them. The characters all look good and so does the environment, but the levels seem a little static in some areas otherwise the graphics are all charming and good. Adding to the replayability of the game are collectibles you can find in hidden areas (some of these areas are very, very obvious while others will take a trained eye to see). These collectibles are either parts for devices that will help you on the harder difficulties or crystal relics that will unlock alternate Knacks for new game +(s). You won't unlock many (if any) of these on your first playthrough and looking for the rarer items can be a pain, however you can also choose any collectible found by people on your friends list making it simpler to find what you want. Overall Knack is a good throwback to the days of "Nintendo hard" games with simple yet fun gameplay that will challenge your skills and has plenty of replayability. If you don't like platformer beat 'em ups then you won't like Knack but if you do it is a must buy.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. epoc
    Dec 23, 2013
    5
    Knack is a huge disappointment for me. I was expecting PS4's first great puzzler, along the lines of Portal 2 and Escape Plan, but it just isn't here, which is a shame because Knack's concept is so original and creative. As you go along, you pick up runes that make your body bigger. I thought you were going to be able to control how this effected Knack, but instead it'll be the same thingKnack is a huge disappointment for me. I was expecting PS4's first great puzzler, along the lines of Portal 2 and Escape Plan, but it just isn't here, which is a shame because Knack's concept is so original and creative. As you go along, you pick up runes that make your body bigger. I thought you were going to be able to control how this effected Knack, but instead it'll be the same thing every time. Knack is an incredible character, with a really detailed character model and backstory. The ethos of the world is also memorable and interesting, but the story told within this world is so lacklustre and generic. The same can be said about gameplay. It baisicly comes down to easy puzzles and shallow button mashing. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE! NEXT GEN! Puzzle games espicialy have so much poetential to show how the new consoles can make gameplay more dynamic and fresh. However the boss battles in this game are incredible, and are completely the opposite of all other gameplay sections. I know I'm being harsh on the game, but by now I think we should expect more from the once legendary creator of Crash Bandicoot.… Expand
  11. colonelramirez
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    I don't know way much people dislike this funny game. I have lot a funn playing Knack. Some moments are very hard some very easy and sometime i don't like checkoints but you remember consoles when don;t can save you game? Return to the past :-)

    Very positive is co op mode can you play on DS4 or PS Vita (using as controller). If you have children you be have lot a fun playing this game    I don't know way much people dislike this funny game. I have lot a funn playing Knack. Some moments are very hard some very easy and sometime i don't like checkoints but you remember consoles when don;t can save you game? Return to the past :-)

    Very positive is co op mode can you play on DS4 or PS Vita (using as controller). If you have children you be have lot a fun playing this game with your child.    … Expand
  12. CallumBrine
    Dec 22, 2013
    10
    With the ps4 now out and Christmas is coming up, I decided to buy Knack for myself. I wasn't expecting much from it, just your average platformer, but I was wrong. It was so much more, and every playing moment was fun. The story is that goblins have attacked the humans cities, and a group of people get together to stop the threat. A doctor, volunteers his latest creation, Knack, into theWith the ps4 now out and Christmas is coming up, I decided to buy Knack for myself. I wasn't expecting much from it, just your average platformer, but I was wrong. It was so much more, and every playing moment was fun. The story is that goblins have attacked the humans cities, and a group of people get together to stop the threat. A doctor, volunteers his latest creation, Knack, into the battle. Knack, who is created with Ancient Relics, can use them to hit opponents, or smash through sunstones and use them to create super moves. Your health bar relies on how many relics you have. You will also encounter different forms for knack such as the ice knack, who has another bar of health. The story and the characters are loveable and the gameplay is fluent. If you get your child, or even yourself a game for Christmas, I'd advise you to get this one… Expand
  13. iChomik
    Dec 22, 2013
    10
    od wczoraj gram i jak na razie po 2 etapach jest super! daje jej dobre 75%, grafika ok, choć nie jest to moc ps4, jedynie poziom trudności mógł by być łatwiejszy,
  14. 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
  15. M4dh4tt3r
    Dec 19, 2013
    10
    Here we sit on the edge of our seats in 2013, the PS4 finally in some of our hands.
    And one of the greatest games of the time is being attacked for not being a copy paste cut-out of another shooter.
    This game although with few exceptions was amazing. It is on par with Mario and Crash Bandicoot(ps1 days). It is well worth the money, and although recommended you should play it on hard    Here we sit on the edge of our seats in 2013, the PS4 finally in some of our hands.
    And one of the greatest games of the time is being attacked for not being a copy paste cut-out of another shooter.

    This game although with few exceptions was amazing. It is on par with Mario and Crash Bandicoot(ps1 days). It is well worth the money, and although recommended you should play it on hard you will not be disappointed if you actually like games and not mindless violence.

    All I ask is that Sony realize they have something special here no matter the critics, and not to let go of this one has they did with Crash and Spyro.

    My true rating of this game comes in at a speedy 9.8/10    … Expand
  16. ideaswithin
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    I don't understand why this game got a bad review. The game gets better and better as you play. I can see how some people might be turned off by the challenging difficulty, but that's what makes the game fun. Every person I know who bought this game, loves it. Deserves more recognition.
  17. bennibop
    Dec 16, 2013
    10
    If you like old school platformers such as Crash Bandicoot you will love this game. The knack is harder than the graphical presentation would have you believe and think some users would find it too frustrating. Also admire the game as it seems it is the only PS4 game not to have required patching after release! Definitely a better game than the supposed professional reviews would have you believe.
  18. hypnocoosh
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    So much hate on this wonderful game. Knack is an awesome experience on the PS4. The pixar quality cut scenes are incredible to watch. The in game textures of rock, metal, ice, glass, etc are total next generation for the PS4.

    The controls are tight and responsive and the difficulty can be anywhere from easy to very hard. There is plenty to collect and offers a high replay value. the    So much hate on this wonderful game. Knack is an awesome experience on the PS4. The pixar quality cut scenes are incredible to watch. The in game textures of rock, metal, ice, glass, etc are total next generation for the PS4.

    The controls are tight and responsive and the difficulty can be anywhere from easy to very hard. There is plenty to collect and offers a high replay value.

    the scale of Knack from small to large is absolutely a must experience. Also there is a wide array of enemies to battle and some light platforming mixed in.

    Don't listen to the professional reviews because this isn't a FPS with dirty real graphic doesn't mean it's a bad game. Shame on them.    … Expand
  19. Vegetate
    Dec 10, 2013
    8
    I'm another one of those who was glad he ignored the critic reviews and bought the game anyway. I'll agree with the comments that the size of knack is very controlled by where you are in the game, but that's sort of for obvious reasons due to the fact that if you could be huge all the time it would unbalance the game. That said, the graphics are good, with all the parts moving, theI'm another one of those who was glad he ignored the critic reviews and bought the game anyway. I'll agree with the comments that the size of knack is very controlled by where you are in the game, but that's sort of for obvious reasons due to the fact that if you could be huge all the time it would unbalance the game. That said, the graphics are good, with all the parts moving, the shadows that follow your relics, the variety in types of components you can be made up of etc. The controls are basic, but that doesn't mean the game is. There's a pretty large change in difficulty between levels which is good as it means my young son can play on easy and I can play on normal and hard and we both have a blast. I didn't count hours it took to complete, but the length felt good too.… Expand
  20. Gamer44
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    Knack really surprised me this is a really fun and addictive game. The moment I started playing knack I was completely hooked this is really an incredible game. Why knack got so many mixed reviews is beyond me. Knack is a fun and adorable gaming experience
  21. gameboy34
    Dec 9, 2013
    5
    Over all game play was not like the old school games were as you got farther in the games you got better and stronger. it is definitely not like ratchet and clank. your defense is horrible. if you get hit 3-4 times you will die throwout the whole game. i do give it credit for having an amazing story, and graphics. but over all the games was alright.
  22. StefNighthawk
    Dec 9, 2013
    8
    A platformer that tries to be different by not being a button-masher. Trying to button-mash in this game results in a quick defeat. The game requires you to first dodge and then attack. It's the gamer's own impatience that ruins the gameplay.
    Visually the game reminds me of the Astroboy CGI.
  23. chaosmage
    Dec 9, 2013
    3
    Really fun platformer game. Definitely not all that unique, but still a great game to play when you're bored and don't want anything too intense.

    However, this is a next gen title, and it needs to be treated like one. Compared to something like Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack is not going to blow you away with its graphics. These graphics look like they belong on the Wii U, rather than the    Really fun platformer game. Definitely not all that unique, but still a great game to play when you're bored and don't want anything too intense.

    However, this is a next gen title, and it needs to be treated like one. Compared to something like Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack is not going to blow you away with its graphics. These graphics look like they belong on the Wii U, rather than the PS4. I can't help but feel that, for $60, I definitely did not get a next gen title.

    Along with not being graphically next-generation, Knack also suffers from lag. A LOT of lag. This makes several of the boss battles throughout the game incredible frustrating. Button presses don't register right away (especially Knack's right-stick dash/dodge move) and this leads to a lot of one-hit kills against Knack. One boss battle was so laggy that I was only able to pass it by sheer luck, and what was probably a bug in the game.

    Overall, Knack is a fun, lazy-day type of title that you play for an hour tops, and then put down. For $60, however, you're best picking up any of the other launch titles, as this should have never been released on the PS4. If Resogun can render so many elements on the screen so effortlessly, the lag that Knack sees when there is just Knack and 3 other enemies on screen is absolutely inexcusable, and the game devs, plus their quality assurance team should be ashamed to have released this to the public.

    Wait until this becomes a Greatest Hit title, folks.    … Expand
  24. WilliamOrtega
    Dec 8, 2013
    9
    This game is incredible and fun. I give game play a 10, it's easy and fun. Simple for kids to play but challenge enough for adults. Graphics is also a 10. Story is great and will keep you there. The only down fall I give this game is that at times it get repetitive. But this game is worth every penny and it's fu
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. temukno
    Dec 5, 2013
    9
    I have not put another game since I started, Knack reminds me of games of my youth (I'm 41 years old) and as a player I can say that I enjoyed it very much, do not get such low reviews, Knack works, entertains and shows the start of the next-gen fairly. Knack should not be played in very large portions, day to day, and will keep you captivated for long time.

    No he puesto otro juego    I have not put another game since I started, Knack reminds me of games of my youth (I'm 41 years old) and as a player I can say that I enjoyed it very much, do not get such low reviews, Knack works, entertains and shows the start of the next-gen fairly. Knack should not be played in very large portions, day to day, and will keep you captivated for long time.

    No he puesto otro juego desde que lo comencé, Knack me recuerda juegos de mi juventud (tengo 41 años) y como jugador puedo decir que lo he disfrutado muchísimo, no entiendo los reviews tan bajos, Knack cumple, entretiene y muestra el inicio de la next-gen de manera justa. Knack debe jugarse en porciones no muy grandes, día a día, y te mantendrá cautivado por mucho tiempo.    … Expand
  28. DanGameTank
    Dec 4, 2013
    9
    The general panning this has received in the mainstream media has left this platforming game fan perplexed. No, it isn't perfect. But the faults are minor and fixable in (hopefully) a sequel. Anyone who misses the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, Jak and Daxter, Crash etc will find a lot to enjoy here. The gameplay is tight, the levels colourful, varied and fun to traverse and characters areThe general panning this has received in the mainstream media has left this platforming game fan perplexed. No, it isn't perfect. But the faults are minor and fixable in (hopefully) a sequel. Anyone who misses the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, Jak and Daxter, Crash etc will find a lot to enjoy here. The gameplay is tight, the levels colourful, varied and fun to traverse and characters are likeable enough for a new IP. In fact I truly enjoyed this more than any of the other PS4 launch titles. It may not be the most graphically capable game to show off the new system but the much-missed platforming gameplay more than makes up for this.

    I hope a sequel is in the works as this leaves a lot of questions unanswered and sows a lot of story seeds that are yet to grow. Don't let the largely negative reaction stop you playing what is sure to become, at the very least, a solid cult classic.    … Expand
  29. Megacritc
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Knack is a charming game that takes you back to a simpler time in gameing. In a time period when photo-realistic styled games with more accessories than neccissary, muddy stories and overproduction rule the world; Knack becomes a breath of fresh air with its simple structure. Knack is a game for those who prefer quality more than quantity. Its nostalgic and fun. Knack shows us that theirKnack is a charming game that takes you back to a simpler time in gameing. In a time period when photo-realistic styled games with more accessories than neccissary, muddy stories and overproduction rule the world; Knack becomes a breath of fresh air with its simple structure. Knack is a game for those who prefer quality more than quantity. Its nostalgic and fun. Knack shows us that their is more to the PS4 than just shooters. This is the greatest that no one likes.… Expand
  30. 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
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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]
See all critic reviews »