Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur, developed by Gambir Studio and published by PQube, ventures into Arthurian legend with an action-packed roguelite experience on the PlayStation 5. While it draws clear parallels to renowned titles like Hades, it endeavors to carve its own path in the realm of Camelot. Here’s our review.
Set against the backdrop of Camelot, the narrative unfolds with a Void Giant wreaking havoc upon King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The ensuing journey to restore Excalibur and reunite the citizens of Camelot offers a compelling premise, especially to those already familiar with Arthurian stories. This new interpretation of King Arthur may initially raise a few eyebrows, but as the game progresses, it finds its footing, offering an engaging tale for both aficionados and newcomers to Arthurian lore.
Gameplay mirrors the classic and familiar hack-and-slash roguelite formula, challenging players to clear rooms, upgrade abilities, and face formidable bosses. The controls are intuitive, with a welcome option for holding the attack button, sparing players unnecessary button-mashing strain. What sets Knight vs Giant apart is the incorporation of fallen Knights’ powers, allowing for diverse combat styles. This amalgamation of familiar mechanics with unique twists results in a satisfying and addictive experience.
The game shines in combat, delivering fast-paced, responsive action that keeps players engaged. However, it encounters stumbling blocks in its progression system. Unlocking new weapons and abilities feels sluggish, sometimes bordering on tedious. The lack of diversity in map layouts and enemy types dampens the excitement of each run, causing a sense of repetition to set in sooner than desired.
Visually, Knight vs Giant embraces a charming 2D sprite design, complemented by vibrant environments and detailed boss encounters. The character designs strike a balance between simplicity and personality, though Arthur’s appearance might evoke shades of classic Japanese aesthetics. The game maintains a steady performance, ensuring a seamless visual experience on the PS5.
Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur is a commendable action roguelike, characterized by its engaging combat and distinctive Arthurian setting. However, it grapples with pacing issues, a repetitive structure, and occasionally forced humor. The game designers’ source of inspiration from titles like Hades is evident, though the game doesn’t rise to those heights. For enthusiasts of the genre, this quest is worth embarking upon, but newcomers might find the journey less compelling.
In the end, Knight vs Giant manages to draw players into its medieval world, offering a worthy addition to the roguelike genre. With a bit of fine-tuning, it could have truly been a standout title among its peers.
Score: 6.8/10
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