PS4, Knack, and Contrast Review

If you don't want to read this, feel free to watch this video review :)


Hey everyone! Today I'm here to review two launch titles for the Playstation 4, the retail title Knack, and the indie free to play Contrast, along with the system itself. Check out the review for Knack down below.

Overall, Knack, is just okay. That's it. The graphics are in no way stunning, and honestly, could have probably been pulled off on the PS3. While the story's nice, it's certainly not a bragging point. But to me, there are multiple problems with the overall gameplay. As Knack grows (or shrinks) the amount of damage enemies deal do as well. I have not yet explored a part of the game where it didn't require more than 3 hits to completely knock Knack out. At multiple points in the game, there are groups of three or four enemies together that can take out Knack in one hit, causing a plethora of restarts before you gain any ground. This also makes it so the only way you can cause any damage is by running in really fast, trying to get a hit, and then run back out, leaving us with annoying, redundant gameplay. Another flaw in the gameplay has to do with one of Knack's main damage dealers, sunstones. "Sunstones are items found around the world of Knack which can be destroyed in order to fill up Knack's energy bar in order for him to execute Super Moves."-Knack Wiki. If you use a sunstone on an enemy, and then proceed to die (you will. an incredible amount of times) in the same area, the damage the deal to enemies is undone, however, the amount of energy you used isn't, meaning that if you die after using a sunstone, the damage doesn't stay, while the energy still disappears. With overall redundant, overly difficult gameplay, mediocre at best graphics and plot lines, honestly, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

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Next, we move onto another launch title, Contrast.

Contrast and Knack are polar opposites, in all ways. The puzzle platformer game is set in a parallel 1920s world, where a young girl Didi, meets Dawn, a mysterious woman who is able to transform into a shadow and travel along lit walls. The unique gameplay is simple yet engaging, and is presented in a wide variety of ways, with every level being different from the last. The gameplay is very engaging, and lives up to its name as a puzzler, with multiple ways to progress through a level, while also keeping your mind sharp through out, always having to plan ahead. The story of the game is crafted beautifully, and is incredibly compelling. The story has twists, shockers, and even humor in it, and manages to stay fresh through the entire game, always making you wonder what's to happen next. Usually, I'm not a fan of  puzzle games, but Contrast has something for everyone. Intense (yet not too intense like some other games) puzzles, platformer elements, a unique and intriguing plot, and overall wonderful gameplay. Besides a few minor glitches (I haven't noticed one yet that hugely interfered with gameplay) this is a wonderful game that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a solid launch title.

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And finally, we move onto the system itself, the Playstation 4.

Unboxing by yours truly :)

Overall the system itself, IS AWESOME! *Insert rabid fangirlism here* The system immediately grabs your attention with a beautiful upgraded UI, but it also simple at the same time, letting you know where everything is, so it's easy to grasp for newcomers. One of the most interesting features of the new system is the ability to connect your PS Vita over wifi to use it as a controller, showing the action on both screens. While working with high speed wi-fi, the feature is flawless, and essentially works like off screen play for the Wii U, allowing you to continue the action when someone else wants to use the TV. This feature is not only helpful, but saves you $50 dollars on another controller. However, if your wifi is spotty at times, the remote play is essentially useless, and remote play with a USB cord, is unfortunately, not available. 

Another noticeable upgrade from the PS3 is the loading times, for example, a few months ago when the PS Store was upgraded, the loading times for it were unbearable, however, the store now loads in a fraction of a second, along with notably decreased loading times for games as well. The main gripe with the system for me, however, is how the system handles capturing gameplay. The capturing seems to turn on and off whenever it wants, making it impossible to record audio in sync, as it's impossible to tell when it will stop recording. Another problem with the capture is the fact that you can't record audio along with video, rather, having to record video and audio separately. As a YouTuber, I was really excited for the capturing aspect of the system, unfortunately, I think I'll wait for a capture card. On the flip side, livestreaming your gameplay is a much more capable and usable feature.

Another great aspect is the Dualshock 4. the new controller fits perfectly into any sized hands and is overall much better than the previous Dualshock, featuring upgrades such as a microphone jack, a clickable touch pad, and an overall upgraded, sleeker, and easier to use design.

With new, great features such as multitasking, being able to play games while they're downloading, and all the aforementioned details, this system really is, for the players. 

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Well, that's it for my review! If you have it, what do you think of the PS4? Are you waiting for the Xbox One? Share all your comments down below, and I'll see you guys soon!