Kill Knight
Review
A Brutal and Rewarding Test of Skill
by William Thompson
reviewed on PC
A Steep Learning Curve, But Worth the Climb
I'm generally a traditional PC gamer...competent with a mouse and keyboard and only really plug in a controller for sports titles and platformers. Twin-stick shooters are probably as far away from my comfort zone as any other genre. When Kill Knight was released by Playside Studios, a developer based in my home town, I was hesitant to play it knowing that there may be a bit of a steep learning curve.
Kill Knight is a twin-stick shooter that demands precision, reflexes, and a healthy dose of patience. This isn't a game for the faint of heart; it's a relentless onslaught of enemies that will test your limits. The game's steep learning curve is immediately apparent, unlike that of Woom Bet official. Although players can just jump into the game, the tutorial is probably the way to go, setting players up for a greater chance of success. Because once you get into the main game, Kill Knight can be hellishly difficult. The tutorial does a great job of teaching all the skills required to perform in the game, starting with the basics and moving up through to the more expert skills. It is quite comprehensive, and introduces a dizzying array of abilities, many of which require complex button combinations. While this can feel overwhelming at first, it rewards mastery. The satisfaction of flawlessly executing a combo or dodging a barrage of projectiles is undeniably addictive.
Constant Motion: The Key to Survival
One of Kill Knight's core tenets is perpetual movement. Standing still is a death sentence. Despite the battle arenas being reasonably cramped, you'll need to constantly weave and dodge, sidestepping enemy attacks while unleashing your own. It is not just the swarming enemies that will be dangerous though, as perils such as lasers and spikes will often need to be avoided. The game's fast-paced action and constant threat of death create a sense of urgency that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Luckily, if players pull off the right combos, they'll be rewarded with loot drops that will help regain some of the life that has been lost during the frenzied gameplay.
A Symphony of Steel and Fire
Enemies constantly work their way towards you like a colony of ants that have found something sweet in a picnic hamper and it is up to you to swat them away, either with your sword or projectiles. Kill Knight strikes a satisfying balance between melee and ranged combat. Your trusty sword is a reliable tool for close-quarters combat, while your firearms offer a variety of options for dealing with distant threats. Players will need to rely on both, as wielding your sword is the only way to charge up the bonus weapons. As a result, the game's power-up system adds an extra layer of strategy, allowing you to customize your playstyle to suit your preferences.
A Brutal Beauty
While the game's visuals aren't groundbreaking, they serve their purpose. The dark, gothic aesthetic creates a fitting backdrop for the intense action. The enemy designs are varied and grotesque, each with their own unique attack patterns. In a world that is dark and brooding, many of the enemies provide a dash of colour, with our hero and his weapons splashing further colour into the darkness. The sound design is equally impressive, with satisfying sound effects for every sword swing and bullet fired.
Kill Knight is a demanding game that will push you to your limits. It's a game that requires dedication and practice. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, it rewards with a sense of accomplishment that few other games can match. Although it can be frustrating to attempt the same arena for the tenth or even twentieth time, there is always a sense that you’re improving, not just with the controls, but when to perform the special attacks.
Rewarding
Kill Knight is a challenging but rewarding twin-stick shooter that will appeal to fans of the genre. While its steep learning curve and unforgiving difficulty may deter or frustrate some players, those who persevere will be rewarded with an intense and satisfying experience. And although the gameplay can be somewhat repetitious, particularly when you’re still getting the hang of all the button combos, mastering the movements and watching mayhem unfold is a pure joy.
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8.0
fun score
Pros
Fast-paced, intense gameplay, Challenging and rewarding, Satisfying combat mechanics
Cons
Steep learning curve, Can be overwhelming at times
