Knack is a third-person action/adventure title which incorporate elements from a number of different genres including, chiefly, platformers. Players take control of the titular Knack, a lab creation capable of switching forms, from a small creature to a large beast capable of wreacking mass destruction.
Basic Gameplay
Knack is controlled by moving the left analog stick. The right analog stick allows Knack to quickly dodge incoming attacks. In combat, square will attack enemies with a basic melee attack. If near a throwable object, square will both pick it up and throw it. X causes Knack to jump. Knack will double jump if X is pressed while in the air.
Jumping with X and then pressing square in the air will perform a homing attack. Pressing square after dodging will initiate a sweep attack. When out of combat, Knack can smash through cracked walls with square to reveal new areas. Hidden areas will often contain treasure chests. The content of these chests is randomized.
Abilities
During the game Knack discovers that he has a skill that allows him to incorporate ice, metal and other substances into his body, giving him new abilities from level to level. By defeating enemies, Knack acquires relics which will cause him to grow in size. These relics also serve as his health system, as he shrinks when injured.
If Knack collects sunstones, they will give him new abilities, which are all used with the circle button. These will all use up part of his energy bar. Initially pressing circle will charge up the attack. Pressing circle again will release a shockwave. Following it with square instead will create a relic tornado. Following it with triangle will cause Knack to use a long-range projectile attack.
Collecting different types of relics will change some of Knack's abilities. For example, collecting ice relics will allow Knack to freeze his enemies. Ability types are switched between with triangle.
Unlockables
Upon completion of the main story, two unlockable modes will be available for play. Coliseum Mode allows Knack to engage in battles that is a timed, survival battle against increasingly difficult waves of enemes. Time Attack allows Knack to run stages from the game as quickly as possible.
In addition to the above, Knack has alternate forms that he can unlock by collecting Crystal shards that are hidden in the game's secret rooms. Each form has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as require different amounts of different shards. Once unlocked, these forms can be used in the above modes, as well as when replaying the game's story.
Extra Features
Local Co-Op
Knack features a local two-player cooperative mode. The second player will control a robotic copy of Knack. They will play identically to the first player, growing bigger as they defeat enemies. However, should the first player become damaged, the second player will have the ability to donate some of their own pieces, making the first player large again.
Remote Play
Knack will be compatible with PlayStation Vita, allowing users to play the PlayStation 4 title remotely on their Vitas. Save data and trophies can be transferred between the two systems.
Mobile App
Knack's Quest is a mobile game available for iOS and Android. Downloading and playing this game on mobile devices will allow players to earn crystal relics and gadget parts. These items can then be transferred to the main console to use in-game.
