Mini Knight's Journey

"Mini Knight's Journey" is one of those games that remind you of why you should be playing more indie games! It's a lot of fun with the right amount of difficulty. I would love to see more like it! You follow two brothers on their journey to beat the school bullies. Of course, you can do that either with your sword (Mini Knight) or with a gun (Mini Bond). It reminded me of early school years that kids played by creating scenarios of being knights or cowboys and bandits. Generally you get the feeling of kids playing as your fantasy world is using white lines and the more transparent background images portray the "adult" world were a mall is just a mall... A small detail that I personally liked, was upon the death of an enemy that you can see a kid popping out as if it was masqueraded. It's very nostalgic. You have a basic attack that's infinite and a magical attack that has limited uses but it can be recharged on occasion. You can also dash with time limited intervals, the jump is single - there is no double jump, and you can change your magical attack when you find a box (it works like a power-up and you can only be using one at a time). It has a variety of enemies with different attacks and great level design that utilizes a lot of mechanisms (from ropes to small and big jumpers, to hidden passages, to breakable walls, unlockable doors and out of the screen areas, to obscuring the area with clouds and many more). At times, you can take different routes! You will unlock an extra mode after beating the game, which will be challenging but it adds replayability to the game and it will bring you closer to how these games used to feel! In the main game, dying isn't so punishing but your score will take a beating. It was refreshing to see the score being used in this fashion. There are five thematic worlds. Within a world there are checkpoints that are usually in fair distance from one another. Of course, the heart health system couldn't be absent from such a game! There is also a level up system that improves your character and your power-ups as well. At the end of each world, you'll be facing a boss. Yes, it's linear, but then again it's an action platformer, not an rpg^^ It's around two hours long. Although, it will keep you busy much longer than that. The soundtrack is amazing and varies between worlds. I want to see more games like this! Highly recommended! For more reviews, follow my curator https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44864435-Mewesome-Reviews/

O jogo se sai bem em trazer desafios de plataforma e combate com dificuldade elevada para os padrões que o jogo apresenta. Durante o jogo inteiro, o jogador tem de se preocupar em administrar seus recursos [HP, MP e Sub-Weapons], mesmo que haja a possibilidade de melhorar os atributos dos dois personagens jogáveis. O level design das fases, os inimigos e os bosses, apesar de simples, foram bem trabalhados. A simplicidade acompanhada da alta dificuldade são o que formam o carisma desse jogo.

Charm. You got it or you ain't. This game got it. Generous learning curve, which is necessary because it starts to get rather difficult as of World 3. Another developer to keep a very close eye on...

Apesar sentir um aumento grande na dificuldade das duas última fases, consegui terminar. Vale a pena para quem gosta de jogos de ação e plataforma!

Really cool game. It begins much more challenging than its appearance suggests, yet it gradually becomes enjoyable. The graphics exude a sense of joy and fun. If you're looking for an oldschool challenge, don't hesitate to give this game a try. I still have to beat it tough, i think i'm getting good at it now :D

All charm is drowned because the game tries far too hard to emulate old-school difficulty by incorporating unfair elements. The plot revolves around a pair of children who dress up like knights and embark on an adventure to battle their enemies. You begin by choosing one of the two knights. Mini Knight uses a sword and has a bit more health, but he's a less agile than a more vulnerable and weaker Mini Bond with a gun. This isn’t as exciting as it sounds because the gun has such a short range that it essentially functions like a sword. Expect a lot of button mashing. Bond's increased agility allows him to attack more quickly, whereas Knight must wait a few seconds before swinging the sword again. Another thing they have in common is their use of dash and magic. Dash is mainly used for platforming and dodging projectiles. Magic must be obtained initially, but it allows you to cast a variety of spells. You can, for example, summon a fireball that flies across the screen or an exploding bomb. Magic points, which can be recharged by finding unique crystals, limit their use. Enemies in your path have unique designs and strive to avoid the typical look present in these games. Also, there is a lovely touch that fits perfectly with the larger idea of children playing. When you defeat an enemy, a kid jumps out and let’s you see they were just wearing a costume. The game is entirely linear. Because you're a small child, you ask your father to drive you to the regular hangouts in the city, such as the mall and amusement park. Despite the use of simple colors and visuals, the stages are far from dull. Because the kids' world is in the foreground, the background, which changes color depending on the stage, is rich with details and there's always something to see. It's great to observe grownups encouraging and participating in the game by pointing out a secret location or where you're supposed to go. At the end of each stage, a boss awaits. They're fun since you have to combat a youngster that looks exactly like you. They have hearts, a limited number of lives, and a limited number of spells. This tells us when they will stop using special attacks. Beating them isn't too difficult once you understand their attack patterns. But don’t let the appearances fool you, this is tough and unfair game that's not fun to play. Stages have checkpoints. When you waste all your hearts, you lose a life and respawn at the last checkpoint. What makes this game frustratingly harder is that you don’t respawn with full health. It’s easy to lose all lives in a tough spot with only one heart. Especially when you get hit, fall in the hole, and lose two hearts at once. The game goes too far with cheap shots and there are many stages where you can't do anything other than take the hit. It usually happens with fast enemies that rush at you as soon as you enter the screen; Knight's attack is too slow and Bond's too weak. Because both knights can barely jump, avoiding tall enemies and projectiles in tight spaces isn’t possible. Plus, there’s a silly stun each time you get hit, preventing you from saving yourself with a dash. This creates sections that can’t be beat unless you have magic spells. However, losing all of your life does not mean the game is over. You revive normally, but your overall score decreases. You can increase it by collecting shining stars and beating enemies, but it's largely pointless. The same can be said for the level up mechanic. I have no idea how it works. You earn experience each time you hit a new checkpoint, but I can’t tell if the amount depends on something. Once you fill up the bar, you unlock a perk such as extra hearts and permanent upgrade to one of your spell. There’s no control over it and no satisfaction. Strangely, I finished the game and still didn’t reach the final 10th level. After beating the game once, you unlock classic mode, which makes everything more difficult. This disables leveling, increases the number of enemies, and imposes a time limit for completing each stage.

Mini Knight's Journey is a cute little mono-color platformer that is quite competent for this developer's first outing. It isn't trying to reinvent the genre, but what it does, it does proficiently. Gameplay/Controls: The game controls a bit sluggish, but not necessarily in a bad way. Enemies are few, but take several hits to kill. This leads to a hit/retreat/hit again strategy that was very reminiscent of the classics. When you die (you will definitely die a lot), it doesn't send you back to the start of the level, even if you run out of lives. I'm wondering why the mechanic of lives is even in the game, since it doesn't seem to matter. Graphics: The developer is certainly going for a certain aesthetic here. Honestly, the Atari 2600 look isn't my cup of tea, but I know a lot of people like it. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bit more detail in the sprites. Level Design: The levels contain a good mix of combat and platforming sections. It introduces new stage design elements slowly so that you don't feel like you got cheated. The levels can be completed in about 5-10 minutes apiece, depending on your skill level. The boss fights each took me probably 3 tries on average to beat, which felt just about right. Music: I was very pleasantly surprised by the music in this game. Typically games with this art style tend to be a bit minimalist with the music, but this game went with an NES sound. The music is quite competently composed and fit the vibe of the game very well. The boss battle music is probably the standout track. Mechanics: Besides your main attack, you can get a special attack (similar to Castlevania) that costs mana to use. There are I think 4 (?) special attacks in total, and each one has its uses throughout the game. The developer did a good job of varying the level design to where all special attacks are useful in certain cases. I do wish, however, there was a way to power up your main attack. Both the sword and the gun feel a bit short-ranged. Price: At $3.39, this game is an absolute steal. I beat the game in about two and a half hours, and I feel very satisfied for what I paid for it. Overall, this game is definitely worth a pickup if you're a fan of retro-styled action platformers. I'm looking forward to seeing what this developer puts out next! Score: 7.5/10

Eu vou escrever em pontos pra facilitar a compreensão, mas em base este jogo é muito competente no que se propõe. [b] Gameplay [/b] A gameplay é bem sólida, apesar de beber de fontes básicas clássicas como Castlevania; é perceptível que houve uma tentativa de inovação, sendo feita com a adição de certos movimentos e sub-armas diferenciados. O jogo apesar de simples e direto ao ponto, não deixa muito a desejar. O sistema de magias ou sub-armas, é interessante e a forma que pode ser usada pra explorar o cenário é bem interessante. Apesar disso, é possível finalizar o jogo inteiro usando apenas de um tipo de sub-arma; para certos jogadores pode ser um ponto negativo, ou talvez um simples desafio novo. A base, andar, pular, correr e atacar é bem executada em seu geral; há alguns delays em certos comandos, mas não sei eu se propositalmente foi deixado um Ataque-Dash-Cancel o que é bem útil. O sistema de upgrade é um tanto confuso, mas nada que o manual não resolva. A dificuldade é bem balanceada, há momentos onde é difícil e outros onde ele facilita pra que consiga prosseguir. Nada que um tanto de paciência, reflexos e atenção não consigam resolver. [b] Gráficos [/b] Os gráficos são simplistas, relembram um tanto jogos de Atari ou Gameboy; ainda sim há um certo carisma e aura unica dos personagens que aparecem e do universo criado. De certa forma, a maneira que o grafico foi trabalhado em adição a trama e o universo; que apesar de simples, combinam muito bem pra imersão de uma história infantil e dão a sensação de jogar um video-game. Apesar disso, infelizmente por ser muito simplificado pode haver algumas confusões visuais; certas regões dentro do jogo e segredos não são visualmente claros, o que precisa de uma certa atenção a mais pra eles. Mas ainda sim não é extremamente difícil encontra-los. [b] Sonoplastia [/b] As musicas do jogo são muito boas de serem ouvidas. Da mesma maneira os efeitos sonoros, nenhum dentre eles possui uma formulação sonora que seja irritante a longo prazo. Os tons usados são relaxantes, não possuem agudos muito pesados aos ouvidos. Ressalvas a musica do terceiro mundo que é extremamente relaxante. [b] História [/b] Eu vou spoilar um pouco da história, então esteja avisado. Há algumas histórias que são comoventes, outras trazem a nossa lembrança uma certas nostalgias confortantes. Esse é um dos jogos que trás a lembrança partes da infância, brincadeiras de infância e um momento que qualquer um hoje adulto gostaria de retornar há aquele momento. [spoiler] Tanto que isso é claramente perceptível quando se vê os diálogos entre a Mãe e o Mini Knight, é possível entender como é a brincadeira de uma criança através dos olhos da criança; esse ponto é o mais interessante entre todos, porque nos leva de volta a infância por um tempo. A interação com os cachorros, personagens no cenário e a própria aparição do personagem Pai; estando este em varias áreas de cada fase trás isso em recordação. Da mesma forma, é possível também entender como é a mente da criança ao vencer um Bully. [/spoiler] Se pudesse resumir a história do jogo, eu a resumiria com base na musica "Young Again - Hardwell" "Quando eu era um menino Eu sonhei com um lugar no céu Jogando nos campos Lutando com meus escudos Arcos feitos de barbante" [b]Conclusão [/b] O jogo é bom, competente em vários pontos, e apesar de simples consegue te segurar do começo ao fim. A história é o ponto forte dele, trazendo de volta um sentimento de conforto; mesmo que pequena e contada em poucas frases. Apesar de tudo, não deixa muito a desejar, mas há certas coisas que poderiam ser melhores. Creio que num Mini Knight's Journey 2, certas coisas e pequenos problemas citados não só serão corrigidos; mas provavelmente o jogo vai ser aperfeiçoado e o universo mais polido. Já a parte da gameplay, pode ser um pouco difícil ou complicado pra que não possui um tanto contato com jogos de dificuldade similar, com quem tem pouca paciência ou experiência. 7.5/10 - Há pontos que poderiam ser melhorados, mas isso fica pra um Mini Knight's 2

muito divertido em sua simplicidade. deem uma chance, rapidinho zeram, as fases vão tendo uma escala de dificuldade bem acentuada, com desafios divertido, apenas alguns são chatinhos ficando concentrados nas ultimas duas fases, mas ainda sim são superáveis. as habilidades passivas e magias dos personagens são bem legais e podem ser melhor exploradas em rejogadas sabendo quais magias usar em determinadas áreas, como a bomba que ajuda contra inimigos aéreos. as boss fight são divertidas, com o mago sendo bem apelão hhahaha. apenas senti falta de alguma habilidade defensiva para o personagem, pois o dash serve para reposicionamento, porem em algumas situações não tem espaço para reposiciona-se ficando encurralado. o cavaleiro ate libera a habilidade de destruir projeteis, porem só no nível 7, !o personagem as vezes executa um double jump, não sei se tinha q usar isso para escapar de algumas emboscadas, pois não parece uma mecânica proposital do jogo a forma como acontece!

Simple but functional platform game, well polished and full of charisma. It has a lot of content for the price, full of secrets and an excellent soundtrack. Very good level design too. Highly recommended for fans of platform games.