You may think that a game that stands out for its collaborative experience is unlikely to be released these days, but you are wrong. Chainsawesome Games brings us the 2014 sequel to Knight Squad and intends to continue its chaotic spiral of medieval mini-games, only this time it looks better than ever. Knight Squad 2 is intended as a multiplayer title for up to eight players and is a great example of how simplicity can be extremely fun.
Developed primarily as a multiplayer game, Knight Squad 2 is an overhead perspective title made up of several different mini-games that make up a tournament. Players play one of fifteen different knights, each with their own appearance, name and color, to compete against each other in a variety of game modes. To win a tournament, you must win at least three mini-games before anyone else. In case you’re wondering, you can play with other players in online multiplayer or alone against a horde of bots, although it’s probably best played in local multiplayer.
The mini-games you will end up playing range from racetracks to battle royale confrontations to goal-based modes like staying in an area or holding an object longer than anyone else. Whether you need to tear your opponents to pieces to score points (a single swipe is enough to eliminate an opponent) or prefer to focus on the objectives, each game mode has something unique and fun to get carried away with. Since they are mini-games, none of them last longer than a few minutes.
One of my favorite modes is Juggernaut, which is basically a target based mode, although the main way to win is by shooting at hordes of players. The mode includes a cannon-shaped “power-up” on the map that turns the player into a giant knight with a minigun. With this powerful weapon in your hands, you must shoot the rest of the players before they kill you and get your weapon. It’s hectic, fast-paced, and insanely fun, and is a great example of the kind of mayhem to expect in Knight Squad 2.
In line with the power ups I mentioned, there are a few in some game modes that you can snap up and use to your advantage. Whether it’s equipping your knight with a bow and arrow, a protective barrier to cushion a sword strike, or a drill to tackle the toughest areas of the map, you’ll find plenty of options. Most fit the medieval theme, but there are also laser guns that come in handy for vaping your opponents.
The fifteen available gentlemen are the same in their offer, although it may appear different due to their different looks and they have a slightly different “tradition”. You start with nine already unlocked and ready to go, but you can earn six more by completing special in-game challenges. For example, perform a “hepta-kill” (kill seven times in a row in a short time), win a tournament or even enter a cheat code that you received in the main menu of the game. This method of introducing new characters is quite innovative compared to getting and spending coins as you could theoretically unlock most of the knights in half an hour if you are a really good Knight Squad 2 player.
In addition, each knight has an unlockable sword that will later be added to the appearance. Earned after 1000 kills with a knight, they offer a visually different weapon to flaunt in the game and each of the fifteen knights available has one to unlock so you have plenty of entertainment options.
Since Knight Squad 2 is intended as a party game, it doesn’t exactly offer the best solo experience. Yes, it’s fun, but it’s infinitely better when you play with friends, either locally or online. It has cross-play, which makes it even easier to play with your colleagues. Given how quick the mini-games are, it’s also very easy to play a 20 minute quick game if you don’t have a lot of time. Online group formation also works well and is very easy to learn.
I’ve said before that Knight Squad 2 offers an experience that looks better than ever and it’s true. The sequel looks fine, but still, you won’t really focus on the graphics due to the aerial view and the fast-paced nature.
Even considering that multiplayer games have been difficult to enjoy in person lately, Knight Squad 2 offers such a tantalizing fun experience that it’s hard not to want to keep playing. Of course, it’s hard to really appreciate the game on your own, but its fast-paced and chaotic mini-games won’t hesitate to make you smile. With cross-platform gaming now available at launch, there is very little reason not to pick up this game and give it a try when you’re looking for some fun to play with your friends.
