KILL KNIGHT: Everything We Know

By virtue of its name, KILL KNIGHT sounds like a badass game that doesn't spare the blood splatter and gore. Well, to some extent, this is true. The name depicts what the game is about, a knight who takes much pleasure in killing. From the outside, this upcoming title appears to be a Hades and Helldiver crossover. The game was unveiled at the Triple-i Initiative, showcasing a blinding red backdrop, possibly referencing the dark pits of hell you'll be descending. If you are curious to know more, here's all we could gather in our latest article, KILL KNIGHT – everything we know.

What is KILL KNIGHT?

KILL KNIGHT is an upcoming arcade isometric shooter. Players will descend into an eldritch abyss and ‘master the demon within' to take down the ethereal horrors beneath. The game is described as ‘ultra responsive,' which we believe is a reference to the fast-paced slashing action. KILL KNIGHT is a premier console game by the studio that brought you Age of Darkness. There's definitely some striking resemblance between the two titles. For starters, KILL KNIGHT‘s visuals feature a grimdark setting with a fiery red hue color palette. Also, both games pit you against a swarm of enemies, ideally letting you unleash your inner berserk. 

Story

So why do you actually have to descend the pits of purgatory? Not to have a quick chat with the otherworldly creatures but to kill every last one of them. The game casts you as a knight who was once revered and loyal. But following a betrayal, you are ‘banished to the Abyss.’ Your human form is now ‘a desecrated corpse inside reanimated armor.’ 

Gameplay

KILL KNIGHT's gameplay is a mix of bullet-hell with arcade inspiration, where players take on swarms of enemies from a top-down perspective. The game has five deadly layers filled with adversaries that you must descend, killing all foes. Each layer presents varying challenges where you “exploit enemy weaknesses, enact brutal executions, weave through your arsenal to tactically manage resources, and unleash destructive wrath blasts to turn the tide.”

Moreover, weapons will be available as you progress. Ideally, thanks to the game's diverse inventory, you are the master of your play style. Whether you want to unleash a barrage of bullets or slash your way through hordes of enemies, the choice is yours. You'll have access to pistols, swords, heavy weapons, and armor. Plus, your survival on every level grants you access to new equipment to add to your arsenal.

The challenge doesn't stop there. You will also compete against your friends on the global leaderboards. KILL KNIGHT will also feature a Master Mode where all the five eldritch areas are combined into one. This feature is similar to Age of Darkness's SwarmTech mechanic, where you take on over 70,000 enemy units. 

Here's a rundown of all the features:

• Fast and visceral top-down, push-forward combat that rewards aggression and precision.
• An immersive otherworld dripping in corrosive atmosphere with a retro-inspired aesthetic.
• Descend through five fatal layers, each more deadly than the last.
• Choose your challenge, with three distinct difficulty settings to overcome.
• Survive long enough to raise your Kill Power, increasing speed and damage.
• Complete challenges to unlock your Knight's Arsenal and evolve your playstyle.
• Dive into Master Mode, combining all five layers into one extended arena challenge.
• Ascend the global leaderboards and compete with friends for high-score supremacy.

Development

KILL KNIGHT is a project by PlaySide Studios, an Australian video game developer. Established as a Triple-A studio, PlaySide Studios boasts a rich history of delivering household names in the gaming industry. Notable titles such as Dumb Ways to Die, Warcraft 3, The Walking Dead, and The Godfather have cemented PlaySide's reputation as a powerhouse in the gaming landscape. Their collaboration with renowned studios like Nickelodeon, Pixar, Warner Bros., and Disney further underscores their influence and reach within the industry.

The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for PlaySide Studios, as they were honored with the prestigious Studio of the Year accolade at the Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs). This recognition is a resounding affirmation of the studio’s dedication to excellence and innovation. It highlights their commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in game development.

Behind the studio's success lies a team of passionate and talented individuals dedicated to crafting immersive gaming experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and player satisfaction is evident in every aspect of their work.

KILL KNIGHT, the latest addition to PlaySide's impressive repertoire, promises yet another thrilling adventure for gamers.

Trailer

PlaySide Studios premiered the KILL KNIGHT trailer during the Triple-I Initiative showcase. Lasting 1 minute and 7 seconds, the trailer unveils a shadowy figure, the titular Knight, descending into an abyss amid an ominous setting amplified by a sinister voiceover. Viewers are treated to glimpses of top-down bullet hell action, complete with blood splatters adorning the floor, setting the tone for intense combat. 

Moreover, the trailer showcases the diverse weapon sets players will wield, from sword-slashing action to bullet-filled skirmishes, promising a melee heaven for gamers seeking adrenaline-fueled battles. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

KILL KNIGHT is slated for release sometime this year. The developers are yet to peel back the curtain on when the exact launch date will be. The game will be available on PC (through Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. If this game sounds like your cup of tea, head on to Steam to wishlist it. In the meantime, you can catch up on other games like KILL KNIGHT to warm you up before the game launches. These isometric games will undoubtedly whet your appetite for the final Eldritch horror challenge. 

Additionally, we don't have information on the editions to expect. So many details remain scarce at the moment. However, you can always follow the official social media handle here to keep track of new updates. Meanwhile, we'll watch out for new information and let you know as soon as they come up.

So, what's your take? Will you pick up a copy of KILL KNIGHT when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.