Knack (video game)
A beat 'em up platformer starring a Relic-based hero.
Knack is a beat 'em up platform game developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. Released in November 2013 in North America, Europe, and Australia, and in February 2014 in Japan, it was the first PS4 game shown to the public. The game received mixed reviews, with critics praising its original concept but criticizing its gameplay, difficulty, and story.
- Developer
- Japan Studio
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Release Date
- November 2013 (NA, EU, AU); February 2014 (JP)
- Genre
- Beat 'em up platform game
- Director
- Mark Cerny
Quick Facts
- Title
- Knack
- State
- expanded
- Developer
- Japan Studio
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4
- Released
- NA · November 15, 2013 · PAL · November 29, 2013 · JP · February 22, 2014
- Genre
- Beat 'em up, platform
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Director
- Mark Cerny
- Producer
- Yusuke Watanabe
- Programmer
- Tsuyoshi Murakami
- Artist
- Yoshiaki Yamaguchi
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Knack is a living humanoid organism composed of Relics, with a large central Relic surrounded by smaller ones. The player controls Knack through linear levels, battling enemies like humans, robots, and vehicles, while solving puzzles and collecting upgrades. Knack can vary in size from that of a human child to that of a small skyscraper, with different abilities per state: small Knack jumps higher and moves faster but is weak, while large Knack can walk over enemies and break large objects. Knack can also incorporate ice, metal, wood, and other substances, and use energy from Sunstones for attacks.
Reader's Guide
Knack was envisioned as the PlayStation 4 equivalent of a Crash Bandicoot title, intended to prove that the PS4's launch lineup was not limited to big-budget first-person shooters. Despite mixed reviews, the game was heavily marketed as an essential PS4 title. Its sequel, Knack II, was announced at the 2016 PlayStation Experience and released in September 2017. The game's significance lies in its role as a launch title for the PS4, showcasing a family-friendly platformer with a unique size-changing mechanic. Its legacy is tied to its divisive reception and the subsequent sequel, which aimed to address criticisms.
Did You Know?
- Knack was the first PlayStation 4 game shown to the public.
- Game director Mark Cerny described the gameplay as 'a little bit like Crash Bandicoot, and a little bit like Katamari Damacy', with 'a touch of God of War in there'.
- Knack's voice changes with his size: nonexistent in his smallest form, deep and intimidating in his largest.
- A sequel, Knack II, was announced at the 2016 PlayStation Experience and released in September 2017.
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