12 Video Games PlayStation Sent Out To Die

Because first impressions matter, it's crucial that launch titles for a new console are top of the line. Even though Knack was... not, Japan Studio was confident this platforming beat 'em up could showcase the PS4's power.

Throughout the game, the titular hero collects relics, which increases his size, and grants him different powers. As cool as this idea sounds, it doesn't really work, since the framerate grinds to a halt if they're too many relics on-screen. Considering the relics are a core mechanic, you'd think that would be the first issue the developers fixed.

Although it's admirable how Knack tries to fuse jump 'n' run sections with brawling gameplay, the two styles never mesh together. The platforming areas are so rudimentary, it feels like Knack just copy-and-pasted the designs from Crash Bandicoot.

Speaking of Crash Bandicoot, Knack has an unfair difficulty curve. Although Crash's levels are brutal, they're not as frustrating since they're dynamic, inventive, and fun. Unfortunately, the gameplay in Knack is so laborious, you'll probably rage quit before turning the game off forever.

Knack could've got away with its simplistic gameplay if, like Shovel Knight, it felt like a throwback to old-school platformers. Instead, this PS4 launch title just comes across as lazy.