The team at Japan Studio are so passionate about Knack that they started working on the sequel before Sony had even given the project approval. “We were already evaluating prototypes before [the platform holder gave us the greenlight],” one team member told IGN as part of a behind-the-scenes interview on the game. “It was fun work.”
In the video, the staff talk about the three key pieces of feedback they received regarding the original: combat variety, platforming, and scale. They chat about how they’ve tried to address these points, and it’s clear just from watching a few minutes of the title in action that it’s a massive improvement over the original.
We’re honestly kinda looking forward to it.
[source youtube.com]
Comments 20
Brave and great!
I'm guessing Sony only finally approved it begrudgingly when they realized this Christmas would have no new Skylanders, Disney Inight nor Lego Dimensions game to bundle the Slim with with exclusive characters. Lego Marvel 2 is the only other kid couch co-op game this holiday. Sure SWBF2 will sell to some kids but Knack 2 has a good shot at selling for the holidays this year with so little competition and a 70m install base. $300 Switch will be crazy hard to find and MS will be all in on selling the $500 XXX which won't really be attractive to parents. Go ahead and bundle a few $199 Slim with Knack 2, nothing going to lose.
@rjejr I think you're onto something. Wouldn't be surprised if PS4 Slim with Knack 2 and Crash (or Ratchet) was one of the main holiday bundles.
Being a budget title of £30 is a clever move and should provide the game with much success very much like Ratchet.
I'm getting god of war for all ages from the video, it should be more accessible compared to full 3D games like ratchet & clank, and the $40 price is nice.
I think sony A games like gravity rush 2 and the last guardian will be more successfull if they priced it $40 rather than $60.
@rjejr Agree, I think sony need more kid/family friendly games like ratchet & clank and knack 2 for the holidays.
It's a budget price so I'll definitely be looking to buy it if it gets good reviews. I usually like what Japan Studio puts out, if they made the necessary improvements this could be a sleeper hit for PS4 this fall.
@get2sammyb
Almost seems like a certainty that Crash will have a bundle. Maybe a 'platforming' bundle with all three of Crash, R&C and Knack 2 would be a good idea. At $250 or maybe even $200, that'd be quite a steal, especially since we already know R&C is one of the best games this gen.
The take-away from this though is that Knack was rushed out to meet the launch date of the PS4. Still not sure how some of the elements of combat work in a Single player game...
I can't wait!
I suppose the devs have now got the 'knack' for it.
I'm really looking forward to this game, enjoyed the original even with its flaws, still found it a fun throwback to platformers of yesteryear, so hearing this one is better is great
Never played the original, but I'm getting way stronger God of War vibes from the gameplay in this video than I ever got from any of the trailers or gameplay videos for the upcoming God of War. Or, should I say, Naughty Dogs of War.
I don't like the sound of being left unable to adequately fight if you take damage, though, and having to wait around to regenerate your size before being able to fight back. What kind of messed up game mechanic is that?
@Ralizah The same one that's in every first-person/third-person shooter where jam appears on the screen and then fades back out?
@get2sammyb I've never played a shooter where jam appears on the screen. Sounds like something out of Mario Kart.
If you mean that thing where the screen starts becoming harder to see as you take more damage, I will counter: you can still fight back when that happens (usually), it's just the game telling you that you're on the verge of death. Wouldn't this be more akin to losing your weapons when you take damage, thus robbing you of the ability to defend yourself?
@Ralizah True. I don't really know how this system works, would need to play it.
Looking forward to it eh? Gosh your tones changed!
Personally I always liked the idea of this franchise, even though I didn't much enjoy the game. Really glad they have made another.
@get2sammyb Well, I won't come down too hard on this game until I play it. I like that the developers took criticisms of the original to heart and are trying to create a better product. And the budget price makes it more attractive as well.
Maybe the original will be a PS+ offering around the time this goes on sale? Would be a good way to promote this game.
@Ralizah
It kinda sounds like "run away until you get healed". I guess the co op mode plays into this as one player can "protect" the other while they are down. Hopefully AI won't be ridiculously aggressive.
I don't like the Knack character itself but it will be good if they can improve on the original idea by adding variety.
@get2sammyb "I think you're onto something"
You wrote something nice without using the words shocked, stunned or surprised. Heat must be getting to you.
If Nintendo is dropping it's $79 2DS in favor of its $149 New 2DS XL, might be a good time for Sony to pick up some late to the party family gamers. Forgot about Crash, but yeah, that would make a nice "new and nostalgic" combo. Maybe include a download code for Knack 1, that won't cost them anything but a sticker on the box.
The original had a throwback feel & CG look to it. I didn't think it was that bad to be honest. Need to see more on the sequel though to get an idea on how things are shaping up.
Skipped the 1st but looking for to this for sure, how could anyone not have some interest when the ps4 architect is involved!
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...