Review for Knack 2. Game for PlayStation 4, the video game was released on 05/09/2017 The version for PlayStation 4 came out on 28/09/2017
Knack 2 is the (partial) revenge of the last. The first episode of the misadventures of this little magnetic creature aroused a lot of curiosity at the launch of PlayStation 4, raising a lot of negative criticism due to its obvious lack of playfulness. Mark Cerny's creation was little more than a tech demo, technically inviting but playfully not very incisive. The announcement of the second entry in the franchise at the PlayStation Experience last year had raised many doubts, mainly related to the results achieved with the original work.
Fortunately, however, what we find ourselves this time in our hands is something more intriguing than we might have expected.
Let's face it right away, however: Knack 2 is a game intended to be enjoyed, potentially, by all members of the family, so don't expect a particularly elaborate or gory plot, or particularly advanced mechanics. As outlined in our full-bodied preview, the plot of the title of SIE Japan Studio was curated by Marianne Krawczyk and tells the deeds of our cheerful crew in perennial anti-riot gear, with the aim of countering the bad guys on duty, avoiding them to put the entire globe of the earth is in fire and sword. A rather generic storyline, actually, for an action platform that, while making a decent leap forward compared to the prequel, however, does not fully convince.
The whole playful prosopopoeia is perpetually poised between action and platforming, with blastatory sections that alternate, without solution of continuity, with other pre-emptively jumping. All this panta rei is often punctuated by various implementations, which concern in particular the conquest of new skills for Knack. The introduction of these playful modifications undoubtedly refreshes the playful flow and helps to diminish, just a little, the basic monotony that pervades the whole product.
Several collectibles try to further diminish the extreme linearity of the experience, supported by a control system that is on the whole adequately reactive and devised. The big problem is given by basic combat and platform sections not exactly exciting. The non-adjustable camera, almost always punctual and precise in following the action, sometimes makes the jumps a little difficult. Luckily, the checkpoint system developed by SIE Japan Studio is frustration-proof.
La longevity, already particularly good considering the gross duration of the entire adventure, it is further fueled by the introduction of different levels of difficulty as well as the introduction of a system of secondary objectives and optional missions. The local co-op mode, which allows another gamer to join the action, turns out to be a nice addition but nothing more.
Technically, finally, Knack 2 does not disappoint, offering a good overall visual impact. On PlayStation 4 Pro it is possible to select two game modes: the first is intended to satisfy all those who prefer to maintain a high frame rate, to the detriment of definition, while the second favors resolution and effects, sacrificing the fluidity of the action. As a side note, we point out that Knack 2 is fully localized in Spanish, including dialogues.
Knack 2 is the right sequel to one of the worst titles in the PlayStation 4 launch window. Also suitable for children, the Sony title does everything well, without overdoing it. Knack 2, ultimately, represents a nice step forward compared to the first episode, but not enough to be able to aspire to challenge the giants of the genre.
► Knack 2 is a Platform-type game developed by SIE Japan Studio and published by Sony for PlayStation 4, the game was released on 05/09/2017 The version for PlayStation 4 came out on 28/09/2017
