Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Knights of the Round throws players into a fast-paced side-scrolling hack-and-slash adventure, where timing and precision are just as important as raw strength. You’ll choose between Sir Lancelot’s swift sword strikes, Sir Percival’s balanced attacks with sword and shield, or King Arthur’s powerful but slower blows with the legendary Excalibur. Each character handles differently, encouraging you to experiment and find the knight that best fits your playstyle.

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The combat system is deceptively simple yet surprisingly deep. A single button press performs a basic attack, while holding or double-tapping that same button unleashes heavy strikes that can stagger foes. Equally essential is the block-and-parry mechanic: tapping the defense button at the right moment negates incoming damage and can open enemies up for a counterattack. Mastering these defensive moves is crucial, especially during tougher boss battles where one mistake can spell disaster.

Beyond pure combat, there’s a light but rewarding character progression system. Defeating enemies and collecting gold earns experience points that boost your knight’s attack power and movement speed. As you level up, you’ll notice your armor and weapon visuals change, giving a tangible sense of growth. This RPG-lite element adds an extra layer of motivation to replay levels in search of more gold and faster leveling curves, keeping the experience fresh even after multiple playthroughs.

Graphics

Visually, Knights of the Round captures the gritty yet colorful essence of Arthurian legend. Character sprites are well-detailed, each knight sporting distinct armor designs that reflect their royal or chivalric status. Excalibur gleams with a subtle aura, while Percival’s shield bears heraldic emblems that shimmer under torchlight. These small touches bring the medieval setting to life and make your chosen knight feel truly unique.

Backgrounds and level layouts are equally impressive. From the moss-covered forest entrances to the torches-lit halls of Camelot’s keep, every environment boasts rich textures and dynamic elements. Subtle animations—fluttering banners, flickering flames, and swaying foliage—add depth without overwhelming the screen. Encountering a wave of enemies against such a backdrop never feels visually cluttered, striking a perfect balance between spectacle and clarity.

Special effects for attacks and spells elevate the action further. When you block an enemy’s strike just in time, a brief flash of light underscores your success. Critical hits or fully charged heavy blows trigger a small burst of particle effects that reward precision. Even minor details, like dust kicking up from heavy footsteps or sparks flying off clashing swords, reinforce the tactile weight of combat and keep your eyes glued to the screen.

Story

The narrative of Knights of the Round centers on the legendary rise of King Arthur and the quest to recover the Holy Grail. You begin with the iconic moment when Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone, setting the stage for a kingdom in turmoil. Early cutscenes convey the gravity of his coronation, establishing a sense of destiny and the monumental task ahead.

As chaos spreads across the land, Arthur is joined by Sir Percival and Sir Lancelot, each knight offering a unique perspective on loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. Dialogue between them hints at personal motivations: Percival’s unwavering faith in the Grail’s divine power, Lancelot’s desire to prove himself worthy, and Arthur’s own doubts about ruling justly. These interactions, though brief, lend emotional weight to the hack-and-slash proceedings.

The quest itself is structured around pivotal set pieces that resonate with Arthurian lore—from rescuing villagers besieged by bandits to infiltrating a dark fortress guarded by enchanted knights. Boss encounters act as narrative milestones, revealing more about the Grail’s legend and the dark forces seeking to claim it. By weaving gameplay with story beats, Knights of the Round ensures you’re never merely button-mashing; you’re actively participating in a timeless medieval saga.

Overall Experience

Knights of the Round delivers a satisfying blend of action, progression, and legend-inspired storytelling. The core loop—slash through hordes of enemies, level up your knight, and unlock stronger weapons—is endlessly engaging, especially when paired with the parry mechanics that reward skillful play. Combat encounters never overstay their welcome, thanks to varied enemy types and environmental hazards that keep each stage distinct.

Replayability is a standout feature. Choosing different characters alters not just combat pacing but also strategy: Lancelot’s speed makes hit-and-run tactics viable, while Arthur’s raw power excels against heavily armored foes. Hunting for gold to max out your favorite knight encourages revisiting earlier levels, and the satisfaction of seeing your hero’s appearance evolve with each upgrade is surprisingly addictive.

While the game doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it embraces its medieval roots with enthusiasm and polish. Minor drawbacks—such as occasional camera shifts during crowded fights—do little to diminish the overall thrill. For fans of classic beat ’em ups, medieval fantasy, or the enduring myth of King Arthur, Knights of the Round offers a compelling, action-packed journey that’s well worth undertaking.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10