Knack 2
- September 5, 2017
- SIE Japan Studio
If you're looking for a great platformer to play on your own or with friends, this is the one for you. It's fun and it looks gorgeous, filled with combat that provides lots of options to defeat the goblins and the robots.
Knack 2 is a science fiction platformer game that can be played solo or with another player in co-op mode. As Knack, you can grow to the size of a building or shrink down to just two-feet tall, with over 20 moves at your disposal such as boomerang, whip rush, sword, and body slam. The game features family-friendly adventure with puzzles for varying skill levels and a seamless co-op mode, all set in a vibrantly colored world with stunning graphics.
Reviews
- Knack 2 features significant improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced combat mechanics, varied gameplay, and a more enjoyable co-op experience.
- The game boasts gorgeous visuals and a polished presentation, making it visually appealing and fun to control.
- With a diverse skill tree and a mix of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving, Knack 2 offers a replayable and engaging experience for players.
- The story and characters remain uninspired and forgettable, failing to engage players on a narrative level.
- Some gameplay elements can feel repetitive, and the pacing may drag, particularly in the second half of the campaign.
- While the game is accessible, it may be too easy for experienced players, lacking the challenge that some might expect from a platformer.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Knack 2 features significantly improved gameplay compared to its predecessor, with enhanced combat options, varied platforming mechanics, and a skill tree that adds depth. The game offers a fun and replayable campaign, bolstered by co-op play and well-designed levels that utilize the protagonist's abilities effectively. Overall, players appreciate the blend of combat, platforming, and unique mechanics, making for an engaging experience.
“Knack 2 offers a decently enjoyable campaign, with expanded combat options and streamlined gameplay mechanics.”
“A substantial improvement over the original game, with deceptively clever platforming and combat mechanics, and lots of content for a budget title.”
“Drastically improved combat, improved platforming sequences, co-op play is a welcome addition, unshakable framerate and 4K resolution, and better use of size-changing mechanics.”
“While Knack remains an uninspired protagonist, Knack II’s gameplay more than makes up for his bland character.”
“No, but it’s better than the previous title and the improvements are meaningful to the gameplay experience.”
“[improvements across the board, very replayable, gameplay is varied]”
- story9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
The story of Knack II is widely criticized for being weak, predictable, and uninspired, with many reviewers noting that the characters and plot are forgettable and lack depth. While the game offers enjoyable gameplay and co-op features, the narrative fails to engage, leading to a sense of monotony and a lack of replay value. Overall, the story detracts from the experience rather than enhancing it.
“The story and characters are completely forgettable; the campaign arguably begins to outstay its welcome, and there's a disappointing lack of online co-op.”
“The storyline is weak and uninspired; Knack is still a bland protagonist.”
“The story is boring, and there was nothing new to gain from the experience, although the game has a few fun moments here and there.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the gorgeous visuals reminiscent of DreamWorks animations and beautiful graphics that enhance the overall experience. However, some critics point out that the art style can feel basic and that cutscene graphics do not match the quality of in-game visuals. Overall, while the upgrades in visuals are appreciated, repetitive level designs and a lack of online co-op detract from the experience.
“Hilarious dialogue, fun, creative platforming, and gorgeous DreamWorks-like visuals.”
“Beautiful graphics and sound, strong plot, plenty of twists.”
“The level designs are all the same, cutscene graphics are worse than in-game graphics, and the story is boring.”
“The art style remains basic throughout the second half of the game.”
“The upgrades in visuals are just absolute icing on the cake.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers high replayability due to its varied gameplay elements, including combat, platforming, and puzzles, which keep the experience fresh and engaging. However, some players feel that the lack of significant changes and a weak story detracts from its long-term replay value.
“Improvements across the board, very replayable, gameplay is varied.”
“Varied cadence of combat, platforming, and puzzles; tons of replayability. Knack's moveset means combat is a lot more fun and exciting, exceptionally polished throughout.”
“Barely anything has changed; the story is just as clunkily bad. There is hardly any replay value at all.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back. The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying feel pointless.”
“The game offers no new experiences on subsequent playthroughs, making it feel like a chore to revisit.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its hilarious dialogue and creative platforming, which contribute to an overall fun experience. The gorgeous, DreamWorks-like visuals further enhance the comedic elements, making for an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.
“The hilarious dialogue kept me laughing throughout the game!”
“The humor is so clever and well-timed, it adds a delightful twist to the gameplay.”
“I love the creative platforming combined with the funny character interactions!”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as an epic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, complementing the chunky visuals and enjoyable gameplay. Players appreciate how the soundtrack contributes to the fun of controlling the character and the effectiveness of the co-op mode.
“The chunky visuals and epic soundtrack create an immersive experience that enhances the gameplay.”
“The music perfectly complements the action, making every moment feel more intense and engaging.”
“The soundtrack is a standout feature, adding depth and excitement to the overall game atmosphere.”
Critic Reviews
Knack 2 Review
Knack 2 offers a decently enjoyable campaign, with expanded combat options and streamlined gameplay mechanics. It's a fairly typical and accessible modern action/adventure with no big highs or lows, as it makes some improvements over its predecessor. And for some fans, that may just be enough to return for another adventure.
70%Knack II PS4 Review
Knack II is a fun beat 'em up platformer best suited for kids and families and shines best with its seamless co-op and more varied action-combat - the story and hero is still dull as ever, though.
70%‘Knack 2’ review
“Knack 2 silences naysayers with innovative puzzle-platforming, even if its combat can’t keep up.”
60%