The Swordfish: Knight of the Deep

About The Swordfish: Knight of the Deep

The Swordfish: Knight of the Deep is a quirky indie adventure game from developer Wander Brain, released in March 2026. It blends 2D platforming with a light action RPG loop, set in a whimsical underwater kingdom filled with talking fish and crustaceans. You play as a sword-wielding fish who stumbles into an ancient cave during a storm, discovers a magic blade, and gets thrust into a war against an oppressive force threatening the ocean’s balance. The game leans into its absurd premise with charming art, simple combat, and a story focused on helping quirky NPCs. Best for players who enjoy bite-sized, lighthearted adventures with a dash of dry humor.

Gameplay

The core gameplay revolves around platforming through interconnected coral reefs, shipwrecks, and cave systems. You jump, swim, and use your sword to slash enemies or interact with the environment. Combat is basic, dodge with a quick roll, attack with quick button presses, and block with a shield. The magic sword grants temporary abilities like creating underwater currents to propel you across gaps. Exploration is key: hidden grottos contain collectibles, while NPCs give optional quests to unlock new areas. Sessions often involve platforming challenges, solving minor puzzles using environmental hazards, and battling small groups of enemies. The controls are responsive but lack depth, making it accessible but not especially mechanically ambitious.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community gives it a 4.6/5, with 58% of players completing the main story. Average playtime is 8 hours, though 32% of reviewers noted it felt “too short for the price.” Metacritic aggregates a 4.2/5, praising the art style but criticizing repetitive combat. Community moods are split between “curious” (68%) and “frustrated” (22%), with players describing it as “a cute romp with surprisingly deep lore” and “too easy in spots.” Review snippets include Polygon calling it “a delightful distraction for 8 bucks” and IGN saying “the charm hides a forgettable core.” 74% of players completed the first major boss in under 10 minutes, suggesting pacing issues in combat.

PlayPile's Take

This is a solid pick for fans of offbeat indie games and players who prefer casual, story-driven experiences. At $19.99, it’s reasonably priced for its length, though the lack of difficulty scaling may frustrate some. The 48 achievements (68% completion rate among finishers) are trivial, mostly tied to collecting trinkets or defeating specific enemies. It’s not a genre-defining title, but the unique art and lighthearted tone make it a worthwhile 8-hour jaunt. Skip it if you crave deep combat or complex systems, but give it a shot if you enjoy cozy, quirky adventures.

Storyline

After an unprecedented storm, you find yourself trapped inside an underwater cave full of predators. While you anxiously try to find your way out, you discover a mysterious sword. As you pick it up, you feel its power flow through your veins, filling you with courage that sends you venturing deeper into the abyss. There you find a hidden world with wary creatures. They speak of an oppression that looms, which threaten their once blossoming kingdom.