King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a grim rework of a classic and much-loved tome. Everyone knows the basic elements of the Knights of Camelot. However, you may not be prepared for this twisted afterlife fantasy edge that peppers every aspect. I adored the gritty and often overbearing layers that control everything you do. Furthermore, the back-to-basic RPG action and simple action point system rules the roost.
This simplicity creates a repetitive gameplay edge that is occasionally familiar. Yet, I adored the brutality of your knights and the varied classes you can pick from. Alongside this, the in-team fighting and consequential moments define the plot. Accordingly, you must keep on top of your team of warriors if you wish to maximise your potential.
This hybrid tactical RPG was developed by NeocoreGames and published by NeocoreGames Studio. Additionally, it can be played online as a 2 v 2 tactical event. I didn’t tackle this, but the option is there if you wish. The grim story and fantasy edge sit at the fore, and the seemingly never-ending missions merge. It is this constant push that demands at least 80 to 100 hours of your time.
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale tells a twisted story.
The King is dead, long live the new King. Well, he’s kind of dead, but kind of alive. In fact, Arthur is some form of demonic being who must be thwarted if peace is to come to Camelot. This is where you come in. You control Sir Mordred, a hellish warrior who was the catalyst behind this whole nightmare.
As you struck the last deadly blow, Arthur took you with him. However, this act must be undone. Arthur has returned and is unsurprisingly pissed off. The dark realm of Avalon is in danger and the Lady of the Lake needs your help. Your twisted corpse must attract the help of plenty of Arthurian legends. En route, you must slay dragons, save maidens and do plenty of general heroic acts.
Excellent gameplay.
If you love tactical games, and you are a fool for RPGs, you will adore King Arthur: Knight’s Tale. The blend of difficult missions, turn-based encounters, and Camelot upgrades was wonderful. Moreover, the unusual fantasy plot will make you salivate. However, there is a repetitive element that outstays its welcome pretty quickly. No matter which mission you undertake, it doesn’t change.
This was unfortunate, but a mixture of character classes and the risk of death mixed things up. If your warriors get injured, and they will, you have to send them to Camelot to rest and heal. If you ignore this mechanic, you’ll run out of heroes and things will get tricky.
The mixture of side quests and your band of knights was great. Keeping everyone happy and levelled up isn’t easy, and utilising every small task is essential. It is this idea that captures that medieval Arthurian element. Controlling your minions and getting them to do your bidding was phenomenal. Furthermore, the bonus of improved forces and reliable knights was hard to put down.
Upgrade Camelot.
The overworld exploration and turn-based battles form the key components of this adventure. Additionally, the understanding of action points, character orientation, and vitality are essential. If you fail to understand or tackle these issues, your burly knights will be slaughtered within minutes.
However, away from the cruel combat, you are challenged with upgrading Camelot. Alongside this, you’ll have to deal with quarrels between each lord and some inventory and character management. It isn’t too trying, but it distracts you from the killing and repetitive looting in the overworld.
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale has a dark edge.
Disappointingly, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale isn’t a visual treat. The isometric viewpoint is suitable, but the dark colour palette and bland level design were a let-down. I’d like to be kind about the animation and each combat moment, but it wasn’t as grisly or disgusting as I’d have liked. Instead, it plays things safe and this was unfortunate. The character models follow suit and things just blur into one fantasy hole. I don’t wish to be negative, but I expected much more.
The audio is a combination of gruff sounds and dramatic music. I liked the atmospheric soundtrack and appreciated each unique moment. What’s more, the audio design was intelligent and it helped deliver the story. Alongside this, the sound effects were impressive. The sound of your foes being slaughtered was great. I just wish the visual element was as cruel as the uncomfortable audio.
Tight controls.
Though the repetitive action annoyed me, I liked the UI and easy-to-master controls. The opening stages are reserved for bashing out the fundamentals. Consequently, this was a great move as the game could have been overwhelming. Thanks to the well-constructed guide, you’ll master the basics pretty quickly. However, the finer tactical elements and the character-specific strengths and weaknesses take a lot of work to whittle down.
This approach enhances replay value and longevity. As you flit between your lords, and you try to keep the peace, it isn’t easy. Additionally, the blend of side quests and exploration elements keeps you busy. With character levelling up and Camelot improvements to focus on, there is loads to see and do. As such, expect to sink hours into this fantasy affair.
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a decent hybrid experience.
Though I wasn’t impressed with the repetitive overworld experience and the bland level design, the story and lore keep it alive. Furthermore, managing your argumentative lords and upgrading Camelot was enough to distract me. As such, this is a decent hybrid title that will appeal to a large audience. Accordingly, despite my complaints, I recommend buying it here! Can you complete the job and slay Arthur? Rebuild Camelot, pick your knights, and hunt down the undead King.
