Willy-Nilly Knight PC

Willy-Nilly Knight is a PC RPG inspired by modern fantasy works and the British folklore – in particular, the Arthurian Legend. The game combines the real-time open world exploration with turn-based combat, in which a player controls the members of his team, one at a time.

The game has been both developed and published by an independent studio from Russia – Double Dice Games. Before its official release, Willy-Nilly Knight participated in the Steam Greenlight program, getting positive feedback from the players.

Plot

The story of the game takes place in a fairy-tale-like world, combining elements of Arthurian Legends and modern fantasy. Next to a valorous Arthur, who wields a magical sword drawn from the stone, there is Ginevra, an expert witch, as well as other characters, who might appear as characters from Tolkien – hammer-swinging Kerdick, the dwarf, and Idril – an elf.

The central character is Arthur, the leader of the fellowship, who wakes up in an unknown world not knowing where he came from and why he was there. The realm is subject to a conspiracy, which aims at restoring the rule of an ancient evil. On top of that, local gods start waging wars against one another, which might result in destruction of the entire world. The gods attempt to drag Arthur into their quarrels; in their eyes, he is the perfect candidate for a godly messenger and champion. To learn the truth about the events surrounding him, his destiny, and to find his true love, Arthur has to embark on a dangerous journey filled with fantastical adventures and epic battles.

Mechanics

The PC release of Willy-Nilly Knight is a team RPG with a turn-based combat and open world. The magical realm can be explored in real time. The turn system applies only in battles.

Each member of the fellowship has a given level of Initiative, which determines the turn order during battles. To perform an action one has to spend an appropriate number of Action Points, which are added to the players’ reserves every turn. These points can be spent on attacking, healing someone from the team, or using an item from one’s equipment – e.g. a magical scroll or a potion. An interesting element is the ability to gather Action Points, which proves the tactical depth of the game. Switching to a defensive mode for a turn or two might grant the player enough Action Points to execute a complicated and costly combo, which, performed in the right way, can result in the adversaries’ complete perishing.

The key to victory in battles is the utilization of characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Ginevra can attack the foes from behind; however, in close combat, she will most probably die under enemies’ blows. Idril’s strength are ranged attacks on multiple enemies, but she might prove useful when fighting one powerful champion – decreasing defensive stats of the enemy might do the trick. The protagonists can be equipped with new abilities unlocked through the development tree. Each character has a unique set of skills – Ginevra can learn a group healing spell, while Arthur can, in time, summon levitating shields.

Each victory in battle, as well as careful exploration, results in acquiring many useful items, some of which can be used in the crafting system. The crafting interface allows players to merge up to 3 objects to create one that’s more powerful. Pieces of equipment can also be purchased from the encountered NPCs. Theft is also an option, however a risky one indeed.

Game Modes

Willy-Nilly Knight is a game designed for solo players; however, there is an option to play the cooperative local multiplayer mode.

Technical aspects

The visuals featured by the game are simple, yet aesthetic – bright colors and cheerful, fairy-tale-like atmosphere are predominant in the game. The quality does not exceed what one might expect from independent video game studios.

Last updated on 12 April 2017