Knack 2

Knack II

Release Date: September 5, 2017

Action, TPP, fantasy, science fiction, 3D platformers, puzzle elements, for 2 players, co-op, splitscreen, PlayStation exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer

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A sequel to the three-dimensional platformer by the Japanese team of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Once again players take control of the titular Knack – a small robot which can absorb various objects to increase its size. Like the first game, Knack 2 uses TPP view, and the gameplay focuses on exploration, solving simple puzzles and fighting enemies. It is possible to play either by yourself or with another player.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Knack 2 is a direct sequel to the three-dimensional platform game that was one of PlayStation 4 launch titles. The first entry in the series wasn’t popular among players and critics. The developers from the Japanese division of Sony Interactive Entertainment listened to their suggestions and introduced many changes and improvements in order to make the game more interesting and varied.

Plot

The story of Knack 2 for PS4 takes place soon after the events depicted in the first entry in the series. The titular protagonist and his companions must face a new threat. Goblins, who centuries ago failed to take control over the humanity, now become a real danger to the Earth and its citizens. The adversaries had returned and they once again are trying to achieve their goals.

The plot of the game is revealed gradually during the fifteen varied levels. What’s interesting, the story was written by Marianna Krawczyk, who also wrote scenarios for some installments of the God of War series.

Mechanics

Similarly to its predecessor, the gameplay in Knack 2 for PS4 is faithful to genre standards. The action is presented by using a third-person perspective and the protagonist can absorb various pieces of his surrounding in order to increase his size and transform into a powerful golem.

During the game the player is exploring varied locations (including forests, industrial complexes and modern city), jumping between platforms, avoiding traps and other dangers, solving environmental puzzles and fighting encountered enemies. While the puzzles are similar to the ones present in first Knack (the protagonist must for example reduce his size in order to pass through narrow corridors and reach hardly accessible places), the combat was greatly changed.

Now Knack can perform more than twenty types of attacks, among which there are kicks, punches, powerful attacks with whole body, and ranged attacks. In addition to that, the protagonist can create a shield and use it to parry enemy attacks, to stun the opponents or he can throw boomerangs created from his body parts at them. Vehicles are additional attraction – the player controls them from time to time and gains advantage on the battlefield thanks to it. The game also features simple RPG traits – skills of the protagonist can be upgraded.

Game modes

Knack 2 for PS4 can be played alone or with another player. During the game the second player can join at any time and control a “clone” of the protagonist. It is worth mentioning that the developers created various special attack combinations exclusively for the cooperation mode. It is also possible to steal ally’s parts.

Technical aspects

Despite the fact that graphics of Knack 2 aren’t as impressive as in the best looking games, the visuals of the title can be liked. The animation of the main protagonist, who after reaching maximum size can be built from hundreds of smaller parts, can be especially impressive.

Last updated on February 8, 2017

Videos and Screens

[0:30] Knack 2 launch trailer

[1:22] Knack 2 E3 2017 trailer