Twirlbound, the studio behind the ambitious Pine, is back with a new game: The Knightling. This new action-adventure game stands out the second you launch it, thanks to its unusual basic concept. Instead of focusing on the classic sword as the main weapon, the young hero relies on a legendary shield called Magnustego, or Magnus for short. This shield is much more than just a defensive tool. It is a loyal companion that shines just as brightly in battle as it does in movement, and it is firmly woven into the story.
Together, the Knightling and Magnus roam the vast lands of Clesseia, always in search of the lost knight and mentor Sir Lionstone. Even in the first few hours, it becomes clear that The Knightling is not a typical fantasy adventure, but a game that cleverly combines mechanics, world design, and narrative elements. The test of the playable Outlands region reveals a mix of impressive exploration, dynamic combat, and charming side quests that leave you wanting more, while also giving a clear impression of where this title’s strengths and weaknesses lie.
Exploration and Combat in the Outlands
The Outlands are the first region players enter in Clesseia. And they already give a good taste of the size and detail of the world. At first glance, the area seems compact, but as you play, it unfolds with astonishing depth. Everywhere there are paths, turnoffs, and hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. It’s rare for a game to encourage you so strongly to stray from the main path and venture into side areas. Those who do so are rewarded with secrets, special items, and little stories. The landscapes are vibrant and varied. Green fields where farmers go about their work, small settlements bustling with life, winding caves full of danger, and mysterious ruins reminiscent of times gone by. Again and again, panoramic views invite you to pause and take in the scenery. I found myself letting my gaze wander to enjoy the vastness and beauty of Clesseia.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Technically, The Knightling struggles with occasional performance drops, especially when entering open areas or when multiple enemies appear on the screen at the same time. While these moments don’t necessarily ruin the experience, they are frustrating to the point that I continued to notice them throughout the playthrough. I’m hoping that these issues will be ironed out with the first patch, but as it stands, don’t expect to enter a game with excellent performance.
One highlight of the exploration is the close intertwining of game progress and Magnus’ abilities. At first, you mainly use the shield to fend off attacks or catch short jumps. With the first upgrades, however, Magnus becomes a versatile tool. He serves as a surfboard with which you can glide down slopes, cross rivers, or rush up stairs. This gliding feature not only feels fluid but also plays a key role in making traversing the world feel dynamic and fun. The further you progress, the more the shield opens up new possibilities, further fueling your urge to explore.
Some Great Little Ideas
The combat also revolves around Magnus as a central gameplay element. Enemies range from ordinary bandits to the Earthborn. Monstrous creatures that strike unpredictably and put the player to the test. The shield allows you to block attacks, throw them back, or land powerful counterattacks. Parrying at the right moment is particularly satisfying, acting as a feature that ensures the combat never degenerates into simple exchanges of blows.
Instead, a tactical momentum develops in which you constantly have to weigh up whether to block defensively or take the initiative offensively with a shield bash. Collected resources and the so-called “Knightling’s Praise” also unlock new abilities that constantly expand the combat mechanics. The attacks in which Magnus is hurled at enemies as a projectile, or chargeable attacks that stun enemies and blow up their armor, are both some of my favorites. Moments like these make you feel noticeably stronger the more you immerse yourself in the world. At the same time, the balance is maintained, as new enemy types challenge the powers you have gained.
What really sets The Knightling apart from many other action-adventure games is the way side quests and small stories are woven into the overall picture. Instead of random collection tasks or redundant errands, the quests tell the stories of the people who live in Clesseia.
For example, you help a farmer protect his farm from Earthborn attacks, repair a flooded field, or assist a family in setting a trap to end the creatures’ nightly attacks. At other times, you immerse yourself in the everyday problems of the villagers, including a curious quest in which you have to make cheese. These tasks never feel like mere time-fillers, but contribute to making the world feel tangible and authentic.
One area I really appreciated was how the NPCs’ trust changes over time. At first, they treat the Knightling with skepticism; after all, he is young and inexperienced. But with each completed mission, their respect grows. You can sense that the hero is not only fighting for himself, but also improving the lives of the people of Clesseia. This feeling of having a direct influence on the game world is one of The Knightling’s greatest strengths in my eyes.
What Lies Ahead
Technically, the game presents itself in a very atmospheric guise. The color palette is bold but not overloaded. Instead of flashy effects, Twirlbound relies on lovingly designed villages and impressive panoramas. Added to this is a soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood. Magnus’ sound effects, like the metallic clang when blocking or the whirring when gliding, also reinforce the feeling that the shield is almost like a character in its own right in the game.
Of course, there are still areas that need improvement. In addition to the performance issues mentioned above, the enemy types could be more varied. I found myself constantly facing similar enemies over and over again. Bandits and Earthborns are clearly different, but within these groups, the patterns quickly become repetitive. Battles eventually can devolve into performing the same attacks, and then rinse and repeat for the next round of foes. The difficulty level also fluctuates occasionally, which could be frustrating for beginners. Some areas of the game can be quite easy, while others randomly spike.
In the end, what remains with The Knightling is the impression of a lively, believable world that you enjoy exploring. The combination of dynamic movement, fun combat, and organic side quests makes The Knightling a title with great potential. The relationship between the Knightling and his shield, Magnus, is at the heart of the game. I ended up walking away impressed by my time with The Knightling, and I hope that the team at Twirlbound can iron out some of these addressable issues to make this a must-play experience.
Disclaimer: Saber Interactive provided a PlayStation 5 copy of The Knightling for review purposes.
