Wind-Up Knight. Jump, Slash, Block & Roll in this Superb 3D Platformer!
by Paul Wilks
Nov 2, 2011 11:50 AM –
Install
Wind-Up Knight is a 3D scrolling platform game for Android. Boasting lush graphics, challenging gameplay and various items to buy and accumulate in-game to make your quest possible, it’s a superb game and loads of fun. There is a rather steep learning curve as you progress through the game but it’s very immersive and hugely enjoyable.
Price: Free, In-Game Purchases
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Everyone
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Beautiful graphics!
- Challenging gameplay!
- Lots of upgrades!
- Rich background features!
Cons
- Occasionally controls feel unresponsive.
- Very difficult.
Features:
Wind-up Knight is an ambitious platformer game from Robot Invader. OK, from the off, the graphics are pretty striking- beautifully rendered, with rich backdrops and detailed sprites and effects. This makes the game very immersive and marks it immediately as a high quality title.
The idea of the game is traverse your Knight-fellow through increasingly tough levels, collecting coins and such like, slashing baddies and fulfilling quests. Initially, during the tutorial levels, you first get to jump, then slash, then roll, then use your shield in that order, so adding functions- and getting used to them is fun rather too much all at once. I personally think this is a brilliant idea and far more intuitive than dumping you in at the deep end with a helmet that feels too big for you. Your Knight runs freely, giving the game similar feel to the brilliant and recently-reviewed Diversion, although Wind-up Knight has far more actions and ever-so-slightly better graphics.
Players really need this relatively gently-gently approach at first because Wind-up Knight is very tough, it’s certainly no skip through the meadow. What makes this a little harder is that, very occasionally the controls didn’t feel as responsive as perhaps they should. As timing is a vital element of gameplay I found myself being wiped up a little unfairly. There’s no room for pride when you are taken out by a massive chicken. Even the tutorial levels are very difficult and took some time and lots of patience to work through.
This aside there’s much to love about the game. Aesthetics I’ve touched upon but the game harbours quite a universe of upgrades and features, and this adds a great deal to the game. There are richly animated menus and an in-game store that lets you purchase armour, shield and weapon upgrades. Loading screens are populated with witty tips and Knightly advice. Gameplay therefore feels very supported by this rich and interesting universe.
Throughout your Knightly quests there is a fantastic musical soundtrack. Sounding very original and medieval-ly lustrous, it compliments the game perfectly. Sound effects are varied and fit the feel of the game well. The game is free and, while you can earn your way to other levels, they can also be bought through in-game purchases.
Watch on Mobile
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (1)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (2)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (3)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (4)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (5)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (6)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (7)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (8)
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Wind-up Knight – In-game view (9)
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Wind-up Knight – Wiped out!
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Wind-up Knight – Level complete
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Wind-up Knight – Level pause
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Wind-up Knight – In-game store
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Wind-up Knight – Buy in-game cash
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Wind-up Knight – Mid-level loading and advice
Fun Factor:
While Wind-up Knight is tough to master, it’s lots of fun and very atmospheric. There’s plenty of humour and wit in the game and this comes through regularly. The game does require a little patience from the user so be prepared to die a fair bit while you get to know the ropes. However, it’s hugely rewarding in the long-term so stick at it!
Addictive:
My level of addiction to the game was initially derived from stubbornness. I didn’t want to be defeated by the chickens in the training sessions and so kept going and going and going. Each new level feels like a triumph and nicely rewarding when you complete it. My only fear would be for gamers who tire of dying so much so early on and not invest the practice and patience the game needs.
Graphics:
The graphics are pretty flawless and beautiful in every way. I use a HTC Desire HD which, while pretty competent, isn’t the very best Android out there and it still handled the visuals smoothly. There is a stunning attention to detail and lots going on all the time. The game blurb boasts a console-like experience and they are certainly pretty accurate with this.
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
The soundtrack, as mentioned, is also superb and works really well with the game. It’s like a remixed medieval theme, that manages to sound both middle-ages-y and a sort-of contemporary at the same time. Regardless of my rubbish descriptions, it’s very good and perfect for the game.
Tags:
3D,
3D Games,
Android App,
Android Apps,
Android Game,
AndroidTapp.com App Review,
Diversion,
Platformer,
Wind-up Knight
Categorised in: Arcade & Action
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