21 January 2014

Review - Knack on Sony Playstation (PS4)

The Hero of the hour - Nik Knack Paddywack




OVERVIEW AND GAME SYNOPSIS:

OK, First things first. I am reviewing my first purchase for my new PS4. My most recent games consoles are a PS4 and a Nintendo Wii, so I know I am comparing 2014 gaming consoles with something rather more dated. Any game (in terms of graphics and sound would look good in this light) but I will attempt to give my honest opinion.

The game itself revolves around the character named Knack. Knack was created from ancient relics and stones and he comes in various shapes and sizes, all depending on where he is in his adventures, though he does have a propensity to grow and enlarge as the game advances.

The human world in the game is under threat from an arms growth where arms are being provided to troll like characters and robots under the direction of the ever more evil Viktor.

Taking on the guise of Knack, your job is too seek out and destroy various enemies and to cease the supply of arms to the "bad guys"

GRAPHICS

The graphics are very colourful and well detailed, however they are quite "cartoonish" to be honest. There is even a character who strongly resembled that Mike Myers creation, Shrek. Yip, old Shrek, turned bad - this is what a life of drink and debauchery all without the love of his wife the princess Fiona would have done in a parallel universe.

Shrek - Where's Donkey?
The game revolves around thirteen chapters with a storyline that...won't win any Oscar's but its fine. Once I discovered the fast forward button I was happy again.

REPETITIVE

There are many scenes throughout the game but the main emphasis of Knack is to walk into a room and see off the baddies who vary from venom spitting insects, Giant Robots and Sword and Gun Wielding Gnomes and trolls (Sorry, I never know my trolls from my gnomes). These guys have some big real estate issues, buying up all the local caves, woods and castles (poor attempt at Tolkienesque lands). Wherever you are, you will be jumping or kicking and there are few controls and skills needed to see off your enemies. Cutting a long story short, the differences are only variations on the same theme throughout.

Stealth Knack Mode

KID FRIENDLY

Looking back at the game, its obvious that the game is more suited to kids gaming. It has an age 12 certificate on the version I bought but I think 7-11 is the ideal game range here. Certificate x it most certainly isn't. My 11 year old does seem to enjoy the game and for parents seeking out a safe role play game, I'd recommend Knack.

Knack defeats Toy Town Tank

IN SUMMARY

For serious gamers who enjoy Call of Duty, Need for Speed or Grand theft Auto, you will find the game tame (its like comparing Justin Bieber to Led Zeppelin - just not comparable). If you prefer something safe and are looking for a game for younger kids then this is the game for you. The storyline attempts to emulate a Hollywood film but essentially fails. I finished the game off in approximately 15 gaming hours. I would prefer my games to be challenging and to last Longer.

STAR RATING (Out of 5 Stars. 5 being the maximum, 1 being the minimum)

Challenge: 2 Stars
Graphics: 4 Stars
Storyline: 2 Stars
Overall Enjoyability: 3 Stars

Thanks for reading my blog

Paul , phendrixx@aol.com