Such was the prevailing wisdom that accompanied Playstation 4 launch title, Knack.
I would suggest however this is unfair and this is a title that is a lot better than it is given credit for.
As a launch title, Knack was a great demonstration of the PS4's graphical capabilities. Even the game's biggest detractors can't deny it looks stunning: combining amazing particle physics with a beautiful Pixar-esque world (although with all the goblins in the game, Dreamworks-esque is probably more appropriate). So why does it get so much hate?
Let's start with the world. Knack is set in a world where energy is supplied by 'relics', small objects typically cubes and pyramids. Our main character Knack is a golem, capable of absorbing these relics into his body. The more Knack absorbs, the larger he becomes with his height in the game ranging from 3ft to 100ft.
The game starts with a goblin invasion of a human settlement and after battling across forests, caves and volcanoes, ends with our titular hero saving the world. The story is serviceable if unspectacular.
What does let the game down though, is the characters. The main villain Viktor and his henchwoman Katrina, for example, couldn't be any more stock.
For a game marketed at children however, this isn't a massive problem. Though there are points where the game threatens to make some valid commentary. The goblins for example were driven into the wilderness by the humans who live in large, opulent cities. The previous peace between the two races only really benefiting one, so their bitterness is quite understandable. The game deals with this issue by completely sidestepping and avoiding it completely.
Knack looks beautiful. There is a wide range of different environments to navigate through: forests, mines, volcanoes, a city, goblin village and more. All very distinct from each other.
Each level does follow the same pattern. Start really small, collect relics, get really big. Formulaic, yes but the bigger you get the more powerful you feel as a player. Enemies that previously caused you a lot of grief can now be swatted aside with ease.
Not that the game becomes easy though (it's actually a surprisingly tough game), bigger size brings bigger enemies to deal with. There is always a new challenge around the corner.
There are secret chests to find that will hide either parts or crystals. The parts can be used to make devices to help you that are of varying levels of usefulness. The crystals will unlock different versions of Knack that can be used on new playthroughs adding to the replay value offering new challenges to the player. Vampire Knack for example, is really strong but is constantly losing health.
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Knack doesn't have the greatest variety of moves available to him but you can store up the sunstones you find to unleash special moves to help you out. This is very helpful later on in the game.
Knack is by no means a great game but its also nowhere near as bad as some would have you believe.
It did have a sequel Knack II, which again isn't bad and certainly improved on a lot of aspects from the first game.
Not surprisingly, Knack can be picked up for very cheap right now so don't be afraid to give it a go.
You may even enjoy it.
