Knights of the Round

About

Knights of the Round is a side-scrolling beat ‘em up with co-op gameplay and light RPG elements. Up to two players control Arthur and his allies as they battle through seven stages brimming with hordes of enemies and tough bosses. Blocking is a core mechanic, requiring precise timing to dodge attacks and counter, while a desperation move lets you clear the screen of enemies at the cost of health. The stages mix hack-and-slash action with moments of strategy, especially against bosses whose patterns demand perfect blocking to land hits. This game stands out as Capcom’s first co-op beat ‘em up, blending the studio’s signature tight controls with fantasy themes. The emphasis on defensive play and teamwork feels ahead of its time, even if the formula leans heavily on familiar tropes from earlier titles. Its 1991 release date and SNES port make it a cult relic for fans of retro brawler mechanics, though the lack of modern updates means it’s best approached as a nostalgic curiosity.

Storyline

Arthur, who had been training himself to be a great knight, pulled out the sacred sword Excalibur from the rock. After pulling it out, Arthur realized his destiny was to become the first King of the Britons. Merlin then sends Arthur and his two closest companions, Lancelot and Perceval, to overthrow the evil king Garibaldi and to unite England.