Knack 2 Reviews
In the absence of an epic tale, a torrent of doodads to collect, or some time-devouring crafting system—all the fixtures big business gaming says you need to survive today—Knack 2 just works.
Knack 2 is an improvement on the original game across the board with a better balance between brawling and platforming, though it's not without its flaws.
While Knack remains an uninspired protagonist, Knack II's gameplay more than makes up for his bland character. Vast improvements in combat, visual fidelity, platforming, and the addition of cooperative play realize much of the potential the original Knack was meant to achieve. Knack II is a fine example of how a sequel can improve on its predecessor in nearly every way.
If Knack's track record has you worried, I'll say this; Mark Cerny and company heard the complaints, and this is their response.
Who would have thought it? Knack 2 is a genuinely great game. The huge breadth of combat options on offer make for a far better experience than anything the initial outing could ever offer, and with a much bigger focus on platforming, the title can start to lay claim to the promises of a Crash Bandicoot successor. Even if you were completely turned off by the original adventure, make sure you give Knack 2 a fair shot because what you find may pleasantly surprise you.
Knack 2 is far from a perfect game. The level design is sometimes a mess and the graphics looks dated. Despite that, the game manage to be fun, especially if you play together with your kid.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Leaving its predecessors legacy far behind, Knack has seriously grown up and become the platformer we deserved all along.
Knack II looks and plays better than the original, and some scenes with QTE are really felt epic. But boring and repetitive sections of levels, monotonous platforming and flat plot disappointed us. However, if you plan to play a game in a co-op and you liked the original project, then you can add an extra score to our final rating.
Review in Russian | Read full review
It is ostensibly still Knack though, bland characters and all, so if you disliked the first game for its weak story, this isn't going to win you over. It's not a must-have, but as a cheap, easy-to-grasp game to entertain you or your kids for a short while, you can't go too wrong with Knack 2.
Knack 2 is the proper way to do a sequel. The ideas are solid and platform games of this quality are few and far between.
Knack 2 is a bloated experience that no one asked for. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan can be credited with improving over the first game, but that's not saying much.
A successor made to measure. Knack 2 clearly outshines the first part thanks to several improvements.
Review in German | Read full review
Of course, Knack 2 adds a few things compared to the first one. But it really lacks fun, visuals that feel PS4, and even humor to touch its target.
Review in French | Read full review
The thing that surprised me most about Knack 2 was how the experience got better as I kept going. The first few missions can be slow, but once the story and combat got their hooks in I found myself having a blast with the game.
Knack II calls back to the action platformers of Sony's early days, and though it doesn't do anything remarkable or new, it's a simple and enjoyable escape.
Knack 2 is a pleasant surprise that improves upon the majority of its predecessor's faults. It still lacks in genuine creativity and new ideas, but Japan Studio has crafted a confident platformer that acts as a whimsical spark in the PS4's exclusive catalogue.
Knack 2 is an improvement on the first game in every way possible. Mark Cerny and his team have proven that they can take criticism, iterate on it, and then give players even more for their money than was expected.
Knack II fixes many of the problems of its predecessor, delivering a fun action-platformer worthy of giving this series a second chance. The story is still a bit bare-boned, but the gameplay alone will be enough to keep you going until you see the end credits.
Knack 2 silences naysayers with innovative puzzle-platforming, even if its combat can't keep up.