Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber is a witty, albeit dry title that retells Arthurian Mythology. Now, it doesn’t stick to the regular and well-trodden paths. Instead, it delves into a fantasy realm of madness, giants, and otherworldly magic. Consequently, it takes you on a wicked journey of entertainment, fighting, and colourful characters.
This action rogue-like was developed by Gambir Game Studios and published by PQube. This monstrously cruel genre has some big-name titles. Subsequently, can this whacky game compete with the likes of Hades? Alternatively, will it be flatter than Theresa May’s woeful dancing? Let’s cut to the chase and see what I thought.
Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber is a case of instant karma.
The Knights of the Round Table succeeded where many have failed. This heroic bunch managed to find the Holy Grail on one of their many crusades. However, this was the catalyst for their downfall. Unfortunately, this much sought-after chalice enraged a Void Giant, and everyone, including King Arthur, must pay the price. The toll was a heavy one as death was the fine! Luckily, though, Merlin saved the day by resurrecting the beloved protagonist.
Sadly, though, Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table, and the hapless citizens weren’t so lucky. Unfortunately, many of the people were cast into the Astral Dimension. Subsequently, you must save the day by rescuing them and vanquishing each giant you face. With many realms to visit, and a variety of items, abilities, and buffs to experiment with, there is plenty of trial and error in this familiar rogue-like experience.
Death, death, death!
In this genre, death is a guarantee. The only thing that is more certain is the ridiculous hairstyles of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump. Consequently, you must have a thick skin if you wish to succeed. Furthermore, like Hades, death all but resets your progress. As such, you’ll weep, scream, and become frustrated from beginning to end. However, it is these emotions that make Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber oh so rewarding and moreish.
The game focuses on a room-by-room adventure that is divided into several realms. Each area has its monsters, demi-bosses, and gargantuan giants. Accordingly, you must familiarise yourself with their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, there is a merchant, the sorceress Morgana, the Pied Piper, and other hidden gems to discover.
The merchant allows you to spend your soul points on temporary improvements and health potions. Whereas Morgana gives you a helping hand whilst cursing you at the same time. Finally, the Pied Piper challenges you to a brutal arena battle that rewards you with gold. Therefore, there are plenty of ways to change each run and earn valuable gold.
Your knights remain at your side.
Though your faithful knights are dead, Merlin has managed to capture their spirits within some statues. The action opens with 2 knights to choose from. However, as the game progresses, you’ll unlock more options to change the way you play.
Each statue allows you to choose a unique weapon and power. You can mix and match any of the available knight’s skills to create a new build for each playthrough. Alongside this, there are statues within each realm that empower you with buffs for your weapon and your special ability. Consequently, the random nature of this element ensures that no visit to the Astral Dimension is ever the same.
Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber looks great.
Though the action will infuriate you, you’ll love the colourful graphics. What’s more, the interesting stage design and the random nature of each playthrough never become tiresome. On top of this, the bullet-hell nature of the projectiles and the oppressive stance of every giant ensure that you stay focused throughout.
Alongside this, you must consider the exceptional audio. I loved the whimsy soundtrack and the cacophony of sounds. Whether you are thwarting your foes, smashing boxes, or grunting as you roll, it all sounds glorious.
Decent controls.
The control system was good, mostly. However, I found the direction for your main weapon to have a mind of its own. Consequently, your attacks could go anywhere and that caused unnecessary complications. Other than this, I liked the button layout and the responsive inputs.
Unsurprisingly, Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber oozes replay value. If you can overcome the sense of failure, and work towards improved gear and a better Camelot, you’ll get loads out of this. Furthermore, overcoming each giant was euphoric. As such, this is super rewarding and tough to put down.
Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber is no Hades killer.
It’s sad to report that Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excaliber is no Hades killer. However, that isn’t to say I was disappointed by what I experienced. Nearly every element is executed to a high standard. Furthermore, the action is amusing, colourful, and addictive. As such, I enjoyed every moment. Subsequently, this was great and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you vanquish the giants and save the day? Choose your build, explore each realm, and annihilate everything you see.
