For side-scrolling fans only, sadly.
But like most dedicated side-scrollers back in the day, Black Knight Sword has a devious side to it, and you'll have to really step up your gaming skills in order to meet the challenge. Even the easy difficulty setting will eat you alive if you're not careful, and only a dedicated few will dare to try the unlockable arcade setting, which gives you limited lives and time to beat the game, earning its toughest Achievement/Trophy in the process.
While most of Black Knight Sword's gameplay is fun, it's also rather basic. You slash enemies and flip switches and, well, that's really about it. Some bosses do take some getting used to with their timing, but outside of that, your character never really evolves or gains any spectacular abilities. That's a shame, because in this world, there was obvious room for improvisation.
The visuals, as I've mentioned, are weird yet sweet in their own little way, as the entire game looks like a production number on a stage, yet still delivers some visual flair here and there, especially with the blood effects. Likewise, the sound effects and music almost stem from an off-Broadway production…and we mean that in a good way. Fans of the macabre and not-so-typical works of gaming are likely to enjoy this.
But there's a downside. Though the game packs a tremendous challenge in each difficulty setting, it's easy done once you get through the five stages offered here, with very little to come back to – except those Achievements and Trophies, of course. The ability to build stages or perhaps even put a new garnish on your familiar hero would've been welcome here.
Black Knight Sword is a decent throwback to a time when challenge really mattered in gaming, but its shortened length and somewhat simple gameplay leave it tough to recommend. If you're a fan of Grasshopper's previous works or just can't get enough side scrolling, this Sword might be worth picking up.
Score: 7 / 10
