Developer: Shiny Byte Studio
Genres: Indie game, Action game, Adventure
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
Publisher: Shiny Byte Studio
It’s simple to create a retro-themed game and rely on nostalgia to attract gamers. What is difficult is creating a retro-inspired game that feels fresh.
Knights of the Road is an old-school platformer that draws heavily on 2D adventure and metroidvania games. There are boss fights, exploration, mysteries, upgrades, and objectives. It has all the makings of a proper genre game, but does it stand out? Or does it draw too extensively from previous games?
In Knights of the Road, players assume the roles of Fred and Aiwa. Fred is a human bandit equipped with a tank top, cap, and a can-do attitude. His partner-in-crime, Aiwa, is a fairy who can transform into a shield that Fred utilizes in combat.
The two bandits find themselves in the midst of the chaos that has engulfed the kingdom of Rockwall; the queen has been condemned to permanent slumber, and the king has succumbed to the occult in order to cure her. As evil grows in the king’s heart, it will be up to Fred and Aiwa to set things right.
Knights of the Road boasts tight controls that make battle enjoyable. Fred’s main attack is throwing his shield as a boomerang, which is frequently used to solve puzzles. Many puzzles require throwing Fred’s shield and then positioning it so that the return will smash boxes or hit opponents in difficult-to-reach areas.
Fred’s shield also aids in platforming, and some of the screens necessitate some cunning maneuvering. For example, Fred can use his shield to hop off foes and missiles, allowing him to reach secret regions.
Sometimes enemies feel unfair, thanks in part to Fred’s hitstun. On the other hand, it’s an iconic retro platforming experience; who can’t help but remember Mega Man sliding off a platform after being hit?
Another thing I didn’t particularly enjoy was having to “buy” saves. I understand that limited saves are a type of added complexity, but it’s actually more of a chore. I understand that it was an intended design choice, but it didn’t seem nice to me.
The developer has a great aptitude for level design, and each screen is a satisfying micro-challenge in and of itself. Some of the earliest boss confrontations lacked involvement, but the parkour and puzzle-solving while exploring more than compensated.
While the game boasts that its music is inspired by Irish folk, I had difficulty picking up on such influences, but then again, I’m not Irish, so perhaps I’m simply uncultured. Regardless, the music was pretty good; it complemented the game, and the title track, in particular, had some heroic emotions. It’s a vast cry from the bland or even royalty-free music found in smaller games.
Finally, Knights of the Road is a truly unique adventure, and I’m always happy to see devs developing more of the stuff I enjoyed in the 1990s. I enjoy modern platformers, but there’s nothing quite like sitting down with something that would be right at home on an original NES.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 84%
Controls: 80%
Aesthetics: 87%
Content: 82%
Accessibility: 78%
Value: 85%
Overall: 83%
SOLID ROAD ADVENTURE!
Knights of the Road combines transportation and RPG components to create an entertaining adventure on the wide road. The game’s realistic scenery and weather effects provide atmosphere, although some mission repetition and control difficulties may test your patience. Despite these minor obstacles, the numerous objectives and upgrade possibilities provide plenty of motivation for players to keep exploring. It’s an excellent pick for individuals who appreciate driving adventures with a hint of role-playing elements.