Knights Within

The game's story is minimal and primarily revolves around completing missions with basic objectives like collecting and defending on randomized maps. Players engage in chaotic battles against various enemies, including ghosts and wraith knights, while unlocking buffs and customizing loadouts through a progression system. Although the narrative is not a focal point, the dynamic gameplay and mission structure provide a solid foundation for replayability and player engagement.

The music in the game has received high praise for its engaging and atmospheric qualities, with many players describing the soundtrack as "amazing" and a perfect fit for the gameplay. While some users noted instances of silence during key moments, the overall sentiment is that the music enhances the experience, contributing to the game's charm and playability. However, a few critiques mention inconsistencies in sound design and a preference for different musical styles.

The graphics of the game have been praised for their unique medieval tech aesthetic, combining sci-fi elements with gritty visuals that perfectly fit the theme. Reviewers highlight the phenomenal art style and the creativity behind the design of knights wielding modern weapons against ethereal foes, making it one of the most distinctive roguelikes they've encountered. Overall, the game's visuals have garnered a solid rating of 7/10, with particular appreciation for the beautiful enemy designs.

Overall, the game is praised for its impressive optimization, especially considering it is developed by a single developer. While users express a desire for further performance improvements on the Steam Deck, the game runs smoothly on medium settings and is well-optimized for new hardware, earning a performance rating of 9/10.

Players generally appreciate the grinding aspect for its contribution to progression and replayability, particularly when pursuing cosmetics with friends. However, some find certain objectives tedious, suggesting that while grinding can be enjoyable, it may also become monotonous at times. Overall, the grind is seen as a significant part of the game's appeal, enhancing its playability.

The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its quality, with players highlighting the immersive environment and effective use of music that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Many users express a strong appreciation for the well-crafted atmosphere, particularly during missions.

The game demonstrates excellent stability, with no hard crashes or game-breaking glitches reported. Players have praised the smooth controls and overall performance, highlighting a focus on gameplay functionality over content in its early access phase. Overall, it is considered a solid release with minimal issues.

Players find the humor in the game to be enjoyable, often highlighting the comedic nature of bugs rather than being frustrated by them. There is a desire for more engaging NPC interactions and voiceovers to enhance the overall comedic experience. Overall, humor is seen as a positive aspect that could be further developed.

The game boasts a high replayability score of 8.5/10, largely due to the extensive content available for unlocking, which encourages players to engage in significant grinding. This design choice provides ample opportunities for players to revisit the game and explore different aspects.

Players report experiencing significant discomfort, including headaches and motion sickness, while playing the game, which detracts from their overall emotional engagement and enjoyment. This issue appears to be particularly pronounced for those using ultrawide monitors.

The monetization model is praised for avoiding cash grabs, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money, resulting in a focus on pure enjoyment.