Knack

About

Knack is an action-platformer where you control a shapeshifting creature built from ancient relics. As the title character, you start small and grow by absorbing objects into your body, transforming into a towering wrecking machine as you go. The game blends fast platforming with beat-em-up combat, letting you switch between sizes to solve puzzles and crush enemies. Set in a world where war rages between humans and goblin forces, the story follows a scientist’s creation as it becomes a key player in a conflict with unexpected twists. Co-op play lets two players tackle levels together, with one handling Knack and the other a human companion. The game’s standout feature is its evolving combat style. Each relic you absorb changes Knack’s abilities, making fights feel fresh as you adapt to new threats. While the narrative leans into familiar hero-trope territory, the dynamic shifts in scale and power create a distinct rhythm. Developed by SCE Japan Studio, it debuted as a PlayStation 4 launch title, showing off the console’s graphical capabilities with its colorful, destructible environments. The mix of size-based gameplay and co-op options gives it replay value, even if the story doesn’t break new ground.

Storyline

War has been brought against mankind by a resurgent species known as Goblins, led by Gundahar. A human doctor, who studied ancient relics from a long lost civilization for many years, finally found a way to bind them together and give them consciousness. The result was Knack, a creature with mysterious powers. For example, he can incorporate more relics into his body as he finds them, which allows him to transform from a three-foot tall creature into a gigantic wrecking machine. The doctor believes that Knack will be an invaluable asset in the war against the Goblins, until it becomes clear that an even greater danger is posed by elements of the human community.