330°

IGN - Knack on PS4 Is Fun (and Difficult) For All Ages

IGN - It’s unclear what Sony’s intention is with Knack, its PS4-exclusive launch title under development at Studio Japan. Does Sony want a new mascot – a la Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, or Jak & Daxter – or something that’s simply accessible for all ages? The latter point seems to be important to Mark Cerny, the creator of Knack and the man who helped bring those four aforementioned franchises to life. Indeed, Knack was inspired by a seeming lack of PlayStation 4 games aimed at children and families.

pedrof934306d ago

Well, don't judge a book for its cover.

ShugaCane4306d ago

I am pleasently surprised that the game holds some challenge. I am still not completely interested since its really designed for children first but platformers are unfortunately too rare these days.. I'll give Knack a chance if it turns out anywhere near as fun as the first Crash or Spyro games.

gaffyh4306d ago

Yup, and that's the point. This is a game that younger gamers will enjoy, and older gamers who like platformers like Jak & Daxter and Crash. It gives parents an excuse to buy the PS4 in the holidays as there is at least one game that is made specifically to be not as violent as others.

I don't expect this game to get 10/10 from anywhere, but I have no doubt that it will be a fun platformer, which is nice to see as every other game is a shooter nowadays.

popup4306d ago

I never get why people say games like this, ratchet etc. are designed for children? Are blood and death a requirement of the sophisticated adult?

I fail to see how mindless shooters offer anything more in complexity or story. In fact, they offer far less imo.

ShugaCane4306d ago

@popup

Did I say Ratchet was designed for children ? I don't like the way you're mixing everything up. I love platformers, I love Ratchet, Spyro, Jak and Daxter, etc. But Knack IS designed for children. Cerny said it himself. It's a game to play with your kids. I didn't say platformers were for kids. Please don't make me say things I didn't say. Thanks

popup4306d ago

@ShugaCane

Sorry, that was not my intention. I used the term 'People' rather than aiming it at you.

Your comment simply reminded me of a general tone that seems to exist around games like this and others like it and I simply don't get why it is inferred so often ;)

Salooh4306d ago (Edited 4306d ago )

@popup
Knack gameplay is not as deep as spyro / crash / ratchet / jack . Ni no kuni have cartoon art style , but i never said it's for children. Gameplay in knack just look really simple that's why i say it's for kids..

Therefor , i'm not judging it , let the kids judge it them selfs :)

TekoIie4306d ago

People need to understand that "kid friendly" does not mean "exclusively for kids".

Xsilvermist4306d ago

The gamescom gameplay i saw looked difficult especially how fast knack health falls and got me more interested I'm playing jak and daxter collection and playing jak one i die so many times and its sooooooooooooo fun ,I'm buying knack because i like variety and they announced its co-op so why not me and my little could have allot of fun.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4306d ago
Triella4306d ago (Edited 4306d ago )

I preordered it as soon as it was available : I know Mark Cerny worked on Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Spyro, Ratchet & Clank and I know Sony has always excellent plateformer/adventure games (add Sly Cooper to the list), that's why I don't have any doubts Knack will be a fun game to play.

Abash4306d ago (Edited 4306d ago )

Im giving my full support to Knack, the story looks like it has a bunch of great cutscenes and the gameplay looks fun. I just hope it has a lot of puzzles that makes platformers so good.

DonFreezer4306d ago

The problem here is that if this was an Xbox One game you would all judge it for its cover. I have never seen a mature Xbox gamer who down votes other games because they are on a different platform like some of you chaps have been doing the last 5 years.

saint_seya4306d ago (Edited 4306d ago )

"I never saw a mature xbox gamer. Who down votes other games because they are on different platform"
Thats what u ment to say it ;)

"PS trolls you never seize to amaze. You have witnessed the worst conference in the world. You have learned that out of your precious 30 exclusives the 20 are indie games and all you have to do is say damn right to Sony who is so desperate that they bad mouth Microsoft in every way they can? Shut your freaking mouth.Xbox One has crashed the PS4 and you better believe it before the reality hurts your butt that much. #1.11"

Guess with a comment like that, thats and example of mature x-box gamer.. You realize that people can read all the comments you have made, you are talking of been mature???

Please go back to your cave.... Troll season isnt on yet...

ASTAROTH4306d ago

Don Freezer: YOU JUST GET OWNED!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Raven7224306d ago

In regards to DonFreezers older comment about a significant majority of Sony's 30 games being Indie titles, that's not true as of right now. The 30 games that were mentioned were games that are at least being published by Sony Worldwide Studios if not developed by them and that does not include games like Galak-Z and Basement Crawl which are not even being published by Sony.

Currently, 5 games are big budget retail exclusives, 4 games are digital-only PS4 exclusives, and 3 games are digital-only that are for all 3 of Sony's platforms. Depending on what Yoshida meant by "exclusive PS4 games", we are looking at either 4 or 7 'Indie' games out of the 30 he mentioned. Nowhere near 20 games. That's also assuming that the digital-only games are actual Indie titles. Shadow of the Beast is being made by a company that has veterans who have worked on Need for Speed, Battlefield, The Sims, and Starfox. I don't know that you could call that team 'Indie' in the traditional sense.

Sony Worldwide Studios has between 8 and 11 games yet to announce for just Year One, depending on what they consider a "PS4 exclusive". With TGS and Sony's own Japan Conference yet to be held in addition to the VGAs where Sony is anticipated to make an announcement, not to mention they could also just wait for certain Holiday 2014 announcements for next convention season, there is a reason why Sony fans are not concerned.

Certainly not concerned after witnessing the performance issues of Dead Rising 3 and the embarrassing multiplayer of Ryse. Zoo Tycoon? Figher Within? Peggle? Garden Warfare? Powerstar Golf? Lococycle? I'm just so certain people will be lining up for those games. Especially when two of them are confirmed timed exclusives. The Xbox One's starting lineup is nowhere near as impressive as certain people are making it out to be.

Freedomland4306d ago

@DonFreezer

Sad, he can't even reply but don't worry these things don't go easy, he will be back to troll with another new account with different username and we will be waiting.

YourSavior4306d ago

Yes, because you're definitely a 'mature' Xbox gamer. All you do on here is bash Sony. You're no better than the "PS Fan Trolls".

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4306d ago
Infamous2984306d ago

I didnt get the hate about this game, i always wished for a platformer game that is similar to Crash Bandicoot in gameplay.

pedrof934306d ago

There are some articles saying that this games was all guts, meaning it was just to show of PlayStation power. And I also read somewhere that this game had not much of a big variety of attack mechanics and for some reason it was bad.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4306d ago
ZodTheRipper4306d ago

Finally something positive about Knack from a gaming website.

I'm sure my little brother or cousin will love this (just like my generation loved Crash Bandicoot and Spyro) but I'm not so sure whether I'm too old and "experienced" to enjoy this. If you've played so many games for over a decade it's hard to see the fun in such simple games ...but since my brother convinced me to get it I'll definately give it a try.

Benjammin254306d ago

Your never too old dude. I mean yeah, being 25 myself, I prefer games with deeper characters and a strong narrative like The Last Of Us, but if I only played dark, bleak games like that all the time I'd probably fall into a deep depression. It's okay to let your inner child out now and again. If anything, I think it's the healthy thing to do. Mark Cerny and the team behind Gravity Rush working on this game. Should be good.

4306d ago
TwistedMetal4306d ago

good to know It has hard difficulty. cant wait to get this and platinum trophy it so I can be in the lead next gen for most platinum trophies on ps4 lol. the rest of you chumps gonna be behind being all picky and only playing the biggest of the biggest games.

Quicktopick4306d ago (Edited 4306d ago )

even in normal mode(in one video i checked) the guy died 5 times, I think, in 5 minutes. lol

hemmo19864306d ago

While I probably wont play knack much, at least my nephews will be able to enjoy this game.

I think its important to have games for younger gamers, and since most of the launch games are aimed at older audiences I think Sony needs this to appeal to all ages.

Show all comments (52)
270°

Sony Files New Trademark Fuelling Knack 3 Speculations

Sony might be gearing to launch a new Knack game, a franchise that has had received quite a polarizing reception from the community.

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dualshockers.com
deleted1168d ago (Edited 1168d ago )

While I did actually enjoy the Knack games, and found the reviews overly harsh, I do feel 2 games were enough unless the series was revitalized in a major way. For me, that would be a new Knack game for PSVR2. With the increased hardware power, those HD particle effects would be pretty awesome, surrounding the player at times. Astrobot proved that platformers can be amazing in VR, so let's hope that's where they're going with this, if real!

_SilverHawk_1168d ago

Hopefully sony makes a knack 3 because the previous games were amazing.

MoonConquistador1167d ago

Knack was a few things, but amazing wasn't one of them.

TiredGamer1168d ago

Agreed there. I went into Knack with the realization that it was a simple platform/brawler (i.e. something akin to a Crash Bandicoot style of simplicity). My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the co-op for what it was. Fun to play in short bursts to take a break from the more serious fare out there. I haven’t played Knack 2, but my understanding was that many of the original’s shortfalls were addressed there.

jznrpg1168d ago

Great idea . PSVR2 could make Lnack really shine like Astro Bot

MoonConquistador1167d ago

Astrobot was a likeable character. Knack wasn't.

coolbeans1168d ago

Translation: the next best game of all time is coming soon! Show me the money, Knack!

Army_of_Darkness1168d ago (Edited 1168d ago )

Lol! I have both knack 1-2. Second one is fun local co-op action, but to be honest, I don't care for a third installment. I'd rather have a new resistance game!

MoonConquistador1167d ago

I'd rather have an enema than a new knack game.

A new killzone, resistance, motorstorm, driveclub or even a days gone sequel would be more welcomed than flogging any more life from the knack series.

badz1491168d ago

speak for yourself!

bring it on, Sony!

coolbeans1168d ago

There's been a Knack-sized hole in every gamer's heart since 2 came and went.

deleted1168d ago (Edited 1168d ago )

I completely read this comment wrong, but I'll refrain from explaining. XD

Edit - ah screw it... My heart can't wait for Knack to come into that hole for a third time!

deleted1168d ago

@PS-Gamer-1986 Whaaa? You don't have a Knack hole? XD

PhoenixRoar1168d ago

Surprised to see them continue this but considering how invested they are in the IP and the wider appeal, there must be some commercial sense to continue with a 3rd title

rippermcrip1168d ago

My young kids love playing it. I don't know why all these older people are complaining about it.

jznrpg1168d ago

I played them with my younger children and we had a good time .

Lexreborn21167d ago

This… my kids love knack probably more then other mascots. And that’s probably because that’s their generations mascot. It’s undeniable ps4 spoke to a lot of children the last decade more then other competitors that have only been in kids sight for the last 4-5 years.

My kids will flip if this news is real

lellkay1168d ago

Both games were actually alright.

Show all comments (44)
120°

Top 10 Best Japan Studios Games

Alex S. from Link Cable Gaming writes: "Over the last 26 years, Japan Studio has delivered some of the marquee games for the PlayStation family of consoles and gave us some of our favorite gaming memories. So as Japan Studios sails off into the sunset, we wanted to dedicate a Top 10 article to the best Japan Studios games, ever."

Read Full Story >>
linkcablegaming.com
darthv721546d ago

Loved locoroco and legend of dragoon. Never played gravity rush or even ape escape but I heard good things.

ThePacemaker1546d ago

ICO and shadow of Colossus are the best ever.

270°

No More Memes: It's Time For Knack 3 On PS5

Beyond the memes, Knack is just a solid platformer that deserves a new home on the PlayStation 5.

Read Full Story >>
culturedvultures.com
lifeisgamesok1689d ago

I'd rather they make a new platformer IP. With Sackboy and Astro's Playroom PS5 looks very good for the platformer genre so far

SullysCigar1689d ago

Agreed. Astro Bot Rescue Mission is honestly one on the best platformers I've ever played. It took things to the next level and was a delight from start to finish!

That said, while I was happily laughing along with the "Knack 2 baby!" memes with everyone else, I have to say I was a bit shocked when they gave it out free on PS Plus and I actually played it...it was actually really enjoyable lol

And huge too. Really long, loads of replayability and upgrade trees, new powers, costumes, challenge modes...hate to admit it, but I'd be pretty pleased with a Knack 3 announcement now!

Relientk771689d ago

Also Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Balan Wonderworld, Crash Bandicoot 4 (probably), and Spyro 4 is rumored to be in development

PS5 is looking great for platformers

isarai1689d ago

I think it would be great if they rebooted it, keep the visual style, but change the tone of the story and voices to match. This game looks like it should have a semi mute protagonist with a silly professor and his rebellious apprentice. Instead knack sounds like a brainwashed soldier, the professor like an angry divorced dad, and the kid is such an average joe. And the story takes itself way too seriously, it's so clashing with it's art style

lukasmain1689d ago

Thye don't need Knack they got Sackboy. He'll kill it

ApocalypseShadow1689d ago (Edited 1689d ago )

It's time for Ape Escape PS5, Dual Sense Enhanced.

Give me that first. Then whatever.

GaboonViper1689d ago

Couldn't agree more, i remember the first time playing Ape Escape with the Dual Shock, great times, we need a PS5 version.

ApocalypseShadow1688d ago

Yeah. I didn't know a controller could do so much until that game.

MadLad1689d ago

It's really not.
The first really didn't deserve a sequel, and the sequel, itself, was nothing special.

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