Twirlbound’s The Knightling, published by Saber Interactive, takes a classic fantasy setup and twists it into something both playful and surprisingly heartfelt. Instead of controlling the seasoned warrior Sir Lionstone, you step into the boots of his loyal squire – a “knightling” left behind with little more than determination and an oversized shield. The setup works well as both a narrative hook and a gameplay conceit: you’re small and unproven, yet the world expects you to step up when your master goes missing. It’s a premise that injects a welcome underdog quality into the story.
The narrative tone is light but consistent, blending noble fantasy tropes with a more humorous, self-aware approach. The knightling’s journey through Clesseia is peppered with quirky townsfolk and playful writing, which stops the world from ever feeling too grim despite looming threats. At the same time, the main quest retains a sense of earnestness as you uncover the mysteries of the shield and Sir Lionstone’s disappearance. There’s a charm to this balance, though certain story beats lean too heavily into predictability, never fully capitalizing on the more emotional potential of the tale.
Gameplay revolves almost entirely around the shield – a clever design choice that sets The Knightling apart from other action-adventure titles. Rather than juggling a traditional arsenal, combat focuses on blocking, parrying, and using openings to chain together satisfying counterattacks. This makes encounters feel tactical rather than button-mashy, though it also demands a degree of timing and patience that not every player will enjoy. The parry system can be immensely rewarding when mastered, but it occasionally feels finicky, and enemy variety doesn’t always push the mechanics to their full potential.
Beyond combat, the shield doubles as a traversal tool. Sliding down hills, bouncing across gaps, and using shield abilities to reach new areas keeps exploration lively. Twirlbound’s design invites curiosity, and upgrading your abilities through “praise” – earned by helping citizens or proving yourself in combat – ties progression neatly into the game’s themes of recognition and growth. Still, platforming sections aren’t always as precise as they should be, leading to occasional frustrations when movement feels more clumsy than empowering.
Visually, The Knightling is striking in its own way. The colorful landscapes of Clesseia pop with painterly textures, and the exaggerated character designs fit the game’s lighter tone. On PlayStation 5, performance holds steady, with smooth animations during both exploration and combat. The soundtrack, meanwhile, leans into uplifting, adventurous themes that underline the knightling’s plucky spirit, though it lacks the kind of standout melodies that stick with you after the credits roll. Voice acting is absent, which fits the budget-friendly presentation but also makes some of the more emotional story beats feel undercooked.
What ultimately carries The Knightling is its personality. The idea of rising from humble beginnings with nothing but a shield feels both unique and thematically resonant, and while its mechanics don’t always maintain momentum, the overall package is charming and earnest. For some, its quirks – like finicky parries, uneven platforming, or a narrative that plays it a bit safe – will be noticeable drawbacks. For others, the game’s charm, humor, and clever shield mechanics will be more than enough to make this a worthy adventure.
Score: 7.9/10
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