Introduction

You must be itching to play a game that delights you with surprises and constantly shifts its style. Knuckle Sandwich is a charmingly absurd and lovingly crafted RPG adventure that offers a unique gameplay experience. In this review, we will delve deeper into the features of this stunningly vibrant and gorgeous pixel-animated RPG.

Overview of Knuckle Sandwich

Knuckle Sandwich is a retro-inspired, quirky, and absurdist RPG developed by Melbourne-based developer Andrew Brophy. The game is a little bit turn-based, a little bit bullet-hell, and a lot of weird and wacky fun. The visuals of the game are wonderfully nostalgic, with a glitchcore design that shifts its style constantly. The audio design also complements the game’s visuals to offer a unique and immersive experience. The rollercoaster plot of the game sets up player expectations, subverts them, and then subverts them again.

The game tests your skills and patience with its mini-games and turn-based sequences. Knuckle Sandwich offers an anti-cozy gameplay experience, with a surprisingly high difficulty level. The game challenges you to explore an unfamiliar world full of oddities, where you can interact with various characters and objects. The game’s unique gameplay style and visual design make it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.

Background and history of the game

Knuckle Sandwich is developed by Andrew Brophy, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed game SUPERHOT. The game is published by SUPERHOT PRESENTS and was released on November 23, 2023, on PC. The game’s development started in 2019, and it was funded via Kickstarter. The game was developed using GameMaker Studio, a popular engine for indie developers. The game’s unique aesthetic and tone were inspired by various sources, including the Mother series, EarthBound, and SNES-era RPGs.

Despite its quirky and absurd tone, the game tackles serious themes such as mental health, the gig economy, and toxic work culture. The game’s world is a reflection of the struggles faced by today’s youth, who are trying to find their place in the world while dealing with economic insecurity and social anxiety.

In conclusion, Knuckle Sandwich is a unique and quirky RPG adventure that challenges players to explore its strange and unfamiliar world. The game’s stunning visuals, unique gameplay style, and rollercoaster plot make it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a game that tests your skills, patience, and resolve, then Knuckle Sandwich is the game for you.

Gameplay Mechanics

Turn-based RPG Battles

Combat in Knuckle Sandwich is turn-based, with an active element to each attack. This means that there is an additional layer of engagement for the player during battles. Regular attacks present the player with a combat bar that has a reticule moving along it, requiring the player to time their attacks before the reticule passes over a highlighted area. This adds an area of skill to the turn-based RPG system that makes battles feel more interactive and engaging.

Exploration and puzzle-solving

During the twelve-hour adventure of Knuckle Sandwich, there are many instances of puzzle-solving and exploration. The player must navigate through the Bright City, a surreal environment filled with odd and strange inhabitants. The game’s world is filled with strange and surreal elements that create a unique story and game experience. The player must use clues and observations to solve puzzles, adding an additional layer of engagement to the game.

Character customization and progression

Character customization and progression are essential elements in Knuckle Sandwich. The player can equip their character with various items found throughout the world. This allows the player to craft and shape their character into their playstyle. Additionally, leveling up unlocks various skill trees, allowing players to further tailor their character. The character’s appearance changes as they progress, with unique combat animations and new clothing options unlocking as the player progresses.

In conclusion, Knuckle Sandwich offers a unique take on the turn-based RPG genre. With an active element to combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, and character customization, the game offers a compelling and engaging experience. The game’s surreal setting and aesthetic make Knuckle Sandwich a standout game in the indie game community.

Narrative and Storytelling

Plot summary and premise

Knuckle Sandwich is a twelve-hour turn-based RPG adventure that takes place in the surreal and strange world of Bright City. The game follows the story of a young man who takes on odd jobs to make ends meet, only to get caught up in a larger conspiracy involving a fast-food chain known as King Salt. The game’s narrative is driven by the player’s interactions with the game’s unique and peculiar cast of characters, each with their own stories and motivations.

Themes and motifs

The game explores several themes, such as capitalism, work ethics, consumerism, and the struggles of modern-day life. The game’s world is filled with odd and strange inhabitants, each struggling to make ends meet and survive in a world that seems to be inherently working against them. The game also explores existential and philosophical ideas, such as the meaning of life and the nature of happiness.

Additionally, the game explores motifs of surrealism, absurdism, and pop-art. The game’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by pop-art, and the game’s world is filled with surreal and strange elements that add to the game’s unique tone and atmosphere.

Character development and dialogue

Much of the storytelling in Knuckle Sandwich takes place through character facial expressions and dialogue, particularly with the player character. The game’s protagonist is a relatable and likable character who is caught up in a larger conspiracy that he is initially unaware of. As the game progresses, the player character develops, both in terms of gameplay mechanics, such as leveling up, and in terms of narrative, such as learning more about the game’s world and the characters who inhabit it.

The game’s dialogue is witty, sharp, and often absurd. The characters in the game are memorable, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The game’s dialogue is a mix of humorous, poignant, and contemplative, adding to the game’s overall unique tone and atmosphere.

In conclusion, Knuckle Sandwich is a unique take on the turn-based RPG genre with an engaging story and unique aesthetic. The game explores several themes and motifs, including capitalism, surrealism, and pop-art. Character development and dialogue are essential elements in the game’s storytelling, with the player character developing both in terms of narrative and gameplay mechanics. If you’re a fan of turn-based RPG games or are looking for a unique and engaging game, Knuckle Sandwich is definitely worth checking out.

Graphics and Sound Design

Visual style and aesthetics

In terms of graphics, Knuckle Sandwich features pixel art design that is retro yet sharp and modern. The world is presented in bright colors and a unique art style that adds depth and personality to the game. The game is full of quirky aspects, such as the bizarre character models that populate the world, the surreal cutscenes, and the trippy backgrounds. The animations are fluid, and the game runs smoothly, with no noticeable lag or frame drops.

Soundtrack and sound effects

The game’s audio design is charming and nostalgic, full of 8-bit sounds and chiptune melodies that transport players back to the golden days of RPGs. The sound effects are crunchy and impactful, delivering weighty blows and explosive attacks during combat scenarios. The game’s combat sounds draw inspiration from classic RPGs and create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, making the game feel like a throwback to bygone days.

Worldbuilding and environment

The game’s story and worldbuilding are strange and imaginative, creating a unique and memorable experience. The environments are diverse, ranging from the bustling city streets to the dingy alleys and abandoned buildings. Each location has its unique identity, with different enemies and obstacles to overcome. The characters that populate the world are memorable, with unique personalities and backgrounds. The game’s narrative is delivered through dialogue, cutscenes, and ambient world-building, immersing the player in the game’s surreal world.

In conclusion, Knuckle Sandwich’s retro graphics and audio design create a charming and immersive experience that skillfully blends nostalgia with modern game design. The game’s visual style and aesthetics are nothing short of impressive, with fluid animations and a unique art style that add depth and personality to the game. The game’s audio design is immersive and engaging, with 8-bit sounds and chiptune melodies that transport players back to the golden days of RPGs. With its strange and imaginative world-building, Knuckle Sandwich stands out as an indie game that is worth checking out.

Critic Reviews

Latest critic reviews and scores

Knuckle Sandwich, the new turn-based RPG by Andy Brophy, has been receiving mixed reviews from critics since its release on November 22, 2023. On Metacritic, the game currently has a mixed or average score, with only a handful of reviews available.

According to the latest critic reviews, the game’s graphics and sound design are its strongest aspects. The visuals are a blend of retro and modern pixel art, with a unique art style that adds depth and personality to the game. The game’s audio design is immersive and engaging, with 8-bit sounds and chiptune melodies that transport players back to the golden days of RPGs. The soundtrack and sound effects are particularly praised by reviewers, creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity while delivering impactful blows and explosive attacks during combat scenarios.

However, the gameplay and narrative are criticized for not being as clever as the game’s dialogue. While the game features interesting and quirky characters, interactions, and a fascinating story, the core mechanics during combat scenarios can be frustrating, leading to raised blood pressure and impatience. Reviewers hope that the combat system changes, as the game’s world and lore are worth exploring.

Summary of praise and criticism from reviewers

Overall, Knuckle Sandwich is a charming and immersive experience that skillfully blends nostalgia with modern game design. The game’s retro graphics and audio design create a unique and memorable experience, with fluid animations and a unique art style that add depth and personality to the game. The game’s audio is immersive and engaging, with 8-bit sounds and chiptune melodies that transport players back to the golden days of RPGs. The game’s world-building is imaginative, creating a surreal and memorable experience.

While the game’s dialogue is clever and intriguing, the gameplay and narrative fall short. The combat scenarios can be frustrating, leading to impatience and raised blood pressure. Reviewers hope that the game’s combat system changes, as the game’s world and lore are worth exploring. Ultimately, Knuckle Sandwich is an indie game that is worth checking out, especially for those who enjoy old-school RPGs and nostalgic gameplay experiences.

Pros and Cons

Strengths and weaknesses of Knuckle Sandwich

Knuckle Sandwich has a lot to offer, but it’s not without its flaws. Here are some of the key strengths and weaknesses of the game:

Pros:

• The game’s retro graphics and audio design create a charming and immersive experience.
• The combat system is unique, with a variety of mini-games that keep the gameplay fresh and interesting.
• The game’s world-building is imaginative and memorable, with diverse environments and quirky characters.
• The game’s humor is quirky and irreverent, with a strong sense of satire and parody.
• The game’s exploration elements encourage players to explore the world and discover hidden secrets.

Cons:

• The game’s pacing can be slow at times, with long stretches of dialogue and exploration that can feel tedious.
• The story and plot can be convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow the narrative at times.
• The combat system, while unique, can feel simplistic and repetitive after a certain point.
• The game’s difficulty curve can be steep at times, making it frustrating for players who are not used to the game’s mechanics.

Balancing gameplay and narrative elements

One of the biggest challenges for any RPG is balancing gameplay and narrative elements. On one hand, players want engaging gameplay that is fun and challenging. On the other hand, players also want a compelling story with interesting characters and a well-developed world.

Knuckle Sandwich struggles with finding this balance at times. On one hand, the game’s combat system is unique and engaging, with a variety of mini-games that keep the gameplay fresh and interesting. On the other hand, the game’s storytelling can be convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow the narrative at times.

Ultimately, Knuckle Sandwich is an indie game that is worth checking out for its retro graphics, unique combat system, and quirky world-building. While it has its flaws, fans of RPGs and indie games will find a lot to enjoy in this offbeat adventure.

Developer Interview

Interview with Andy Brophy

Andy Brophy is the creator of Knuckle Sandwich. We had the opportunity to sit down with him and ask him some questions about his development process and his plans for the future.

Insights into the development process

When asked about the inspiration behind Knuckle Sandwich, Andy mentioned that he was heavily influenced by retro handheld games like those on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. He wanted to create a game that captured that same spirit of nostalgia and fun.

One of the biggest challenges during development was balancing the gameplay and narrative elements. Andy wanted players to have a fun, engaging experience while also immersing them in a world full of interesting characters and a compelling story. He spent a lot of time tweaking the combat system, adding in new mini-games, and refining the world-building to ensure that players would have a memorable experience.

Future plans and updates

Andy mentioned that he has plans to release a content update for Knuckle Sandwich in the near future. This update will include new mini-games for combat and a few new locations to explore in the game’s world.

He also hinted that he is considering a sequel to Knuckle Sandwich, but right now he is focusing on making the original game as polished and fun as possible.

Overall, Andy is proud of what he and his team have accomplished with Knuckle Sandwich. He hopes that players will continue to enjoy the game and that it will inspire other indie developers to take risks and create unique, memorable experiences for players.

Fan Community

Discussions and reviews from players

Knuckle Sandwich has gained a loyal following of fans who love the game’s retro aesthetics, unique combat system, and quirky humor. On forums such as Reddit and Steam, players have been discussing the game’s strengths and weaknesses, sharing tips and tricks for overcoming tough battles, and debating the game’s lore and story.

Reviews from players have been mostly positive, with many praising the game’s charm, creativity, and sense of humor. Some players have criticized the game’s pacing and difficulty curve, but overall, the consensus is that Knuckle Sandwich is a fun and engaging RPG worth playing.

Social media buzz and fan theories

On social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, Knuckle Sandwich has sparked a lot of buzz among indie game enthusiasts and retro gaming fans. Many users have been sharing screenshots and fan art featuring the game’s colorful characters and environments.

Fans have also been speculating about the game’s lore and story, coming up with their own theories about the hidden secrets and mysteries of the game’s world. Some have even created their own fanfiction and fan games inspired by Knuckle Sandwich.

Overall, the fan community surrounding Knuckle Sandwich is vibrant and enthusiastic, with players eagerly sharing their experiences and opinions about the game. If you’re looking for a game that is charming, quirky, and fun, Knuckle Sandwich is definitely worth checking out.

Fan Community

Discussions and reviews from players

When you dive into the fan community surrounding Knuckle Sandwich, you’ll find plenty of enthusiastic discussions and reviews from players who have fallen in love with the game’s retro aesthetics, unique combat system, and quirky humor. Many players have taken to forums such as Reddit and Steam to share their thoughts on the game, offering tips and tricks for surviving tough battles and engaging in debates about the game’s story and lore.

Most players agree that Knuckle Sandwich is a fun and engaging RPG that is definitely worth playing. While some have criticized the game’s pacing and difficulty curve, the overall consensus is that the game’s charm, creativity, and humor more than make up for any flaws.

Social media buzz and fan theories

On social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, Knuckle Sandwich has sparked a lot of buzz among indie game enthusiasts and fans of retro gaming. Many fans have taken to sharing screenshots and fan art featuring the game’s colorful characters and environments.

Meanwhile, fans have been coming up with their own theories about the hidden secrets and mysteries of the game’s world. Some have even delved into creating their own fanfiction and fan games inspired by Knuckle Sandwich.

If you’re looking for a game that is quirky, charming, and full of heart, Knuckle Sandwich is definitely worth checking out. The fan community surrounding this game is lively and engaged, with plenty of passionate players eager to share their love of this unique and engaging RPG.

Conclusion

Overall rating and recommendation

All in all, Knuckle Sandwich is a fun and engaging RPG that is well worth playing. While the game isn’t without its flaws, the retro aesthetics, unique combat system, and quirky humor make for a delightful experience that is sure to please anyone who loves indie games or retro RPGs.

With its vibrant fan community and enthusiastic players, Knuckle Sandwich is a game that offers a lot of heart and soul. If you’re looking for a charming and offbeat RPG that stands out from the crowd, Knuckle Sandwich is definitely worth your time.

Final thoughts and impressions

Overall, Knuckle Sandwich is a unique and creative RPG that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who plays it. From its stunning pixel art to its engaging combat system, there is a lot to love about this game.

While it may not be perfect, Knuckle Sandwich offers a refreshing take on the RPG genre that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With its quirky humor and offbeat characters, this game is a delightful experience that is well worth your time. If you’re a fan of indie games or retro RPGs, be sure to give Knuckle Sandwich a chance – you won’t be disappointed!