Knights of the Road: A Retro-Inspired Adventure
It’s no easy feat to create a retro-inspired game that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Knights of the Road strives to capture the essence of old-school platformers while offering a fresh experience for players.
Knights of the Road takes players on a journey reminiscent of classic 2D adventure and metroidvania games. With elements such as boss battles, exploration, secrets, upgrades, and quests, the game stays true to its genre roots. But does it manage to distinguish itself from its predecessors, or does it rely too heavily on nostalgia?
Knights of the Road
Developer: Shiny Byte Studio
Publisher: Shiny Byte Studio
Platforms: Microsoft Windows (Reviewed)
Release Date: August 16, 2024
Players: 1
Price: $4.99
In Knights of the Road, players assume the roles of Fred and Aiwa. Fred, a human bandit with a can-do attitude, is equipped with a tank top and a trusty shield. His companion, Aiwa, is a fairy capable of transforming into a shield that Fred can wield in combat.
The duo finds themselves entangled in the turmoil plaguing the kingdom of Rockwall. With the queen cursed to eternal slumber and the king succumbing to dark forces in a bid to save her, Fred and Aiwa must embark on a quest to restore balance.
Knights of the Road features responsive controls that enhance the combat experience. Fred’s primary attack involves throwing his shield like a boomerang, a skill crucial for both combat and puzzle-solving. Many puzzles in the game require players to strategically use Fred’s shield to break obstacles or reach inaccessible areas.
Fred’s shield also aids in platforming, offering innovative solutions to traverse challenging landscapes. Players can perform unique maneuvers like jumping off enemies or projectiles by strategically positioning the shield.
Despite its strengths, some encounters in Knights of the Road may feel challenging due to Fred’s vulnerability to hitstun. However, this characteristic adds to the game’s retro charm, reminiscent of classic platformers like Mega Man.
One aspect that may divide players is the requirement to “purchase” saves within the game. While this adds a layer of difficulty, some may find it more tedious than rewarding. Nevertheless, it serves as a deliberate design choice to enhance the gameplay experience.
The game excels in level design, offering players a series of engaging challenges with each screen. While some early boss battles may lack depth, the parkour elements and puzzle-solving aspects of exploration compensate for this shortfall.
Although Knights of the Road boasts a soundtrack inspired by Irish Folk music, some players may find it challenging to discern these influences. Nevertheless, the music complements the game well, with the title theme exuding a heroic ambiance. This attention to detail sets the game apart from others featuring generic or royalty-free soundtracks.
In conclusion, Knights of the Road offers a refreshingly unique adventure that pays homage to classic 90s platformers. While modern platformers have their appeal, there’s a certain charm in revisiting games that evoke nostalgia for the golden era of gaming. Knights of the Road provides a satisfying blend of retro elements and contemporary gameplay, making it a worthwhile addition to any platformer enthusiast’s library.
Knights of the Road was reviewed on Microsoft Windows using a game code provided by Shiny Byte Studio. For more information on Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy, click here. Knights of the Road is available on Microsoft Windows via Steam.
