Knack 2

You might just have some fun playing Knack 2, but at the back of your mind there’ll always be a sense of déjà vu alongside the incredulous thought that a sequel to Knack actually exists.

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. I really did not like the first game, and was ready to write this one off as well. After spending some time with it though, it shocked me. It is also quite lengthy. The campaign clocks in at around a meaty 12 hours with the option to return for treasures, challenge mode, and of course co-op. This game is much better than it has any right to be.

And that kind of illustrates who the game is for. Knack 2 has been developed to appeal to children and it surely will, even if the game’s difficult spikes may cause a few tantrums. It’s perfect for some bonding time, but if you’re playing solo, your results may vary. No matter what, though, Knack 2’s biggest achievement is something I thought I would never admit before I sat down to play. I would be totally down for a Knack trilogy.

The game is most entertaining and least frustrating when playing in co-op, though it lacks online matchmaking options. It manages to deliver a better balance between combat and platforming, but is bogged down by boring puzzles. Knack 2 is an improvement in many ways, but it’s clear that there is still room to make it even better.

During the later stages of Knack II, the titular hero says, “We all make mistakes. What matters is what you do next.” Knack II addresses some of the previous title’s mistakes, pushing forward the combat depth and enhancing the satisfying loop of gradually overpowering the world around the player through size management.