PlayStation 4 gets its first platformer, Knack

PlayStation 4 action platformer Knack was announced last night at the PlayStation Meeting in New York, which promises to make use of everything offered by the new console.

The Doctor (a not-so-mad scientist) studied ancient relics from a long lost civilization for many years, and finally found a way to bind them together and give them consciousness. The result is Knack, a creature with mysterious powers – for one, he can incorporate more relics into his body as he finds them, which allows him to transform from a three-foot tall creature into a gigantic wrecking machine.

Knack will discover a skill that allows him to incorporate ice, metal and other substances into his body, giving him new abilities from level to level. Gameplay is said to be a mix of Crash Bandicoot and Katamari Damacy – in that the Knack can get quite large. There’s also said to be an epic feel in places which lends a God of War feel.

The game’s story sees mankind threatened by a goblin army and Knack steps forward to protect them.

“It was a great pleasure to be able to introduce the title at the PlayStation Meeting in New York. With our new project, Knack, we are really trying to take advantage of everything that PlayStation 4 supports, from the graphics capabilities of the platform to the physics simulation necessary to handle our very unique hero,” explains Mark Cerny, game director.

“Over the years I’ve been involved in a number of character-based action titles – Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank – and with the gameplay of Knack, we’re trying to focus on the essential fun behind the action/platform gameplay.

“I’m hoping that we can make something that excites those that played the classic games back in the day, as well as something that attracts new fans to the genre.”

Sony hasn’t said when Knack will launch, but given its early showing we assume it’ll be at or close to the PS4’s launch.