If you’ve been keeping an eye on Doom: The Dark Ages, you’re probably aware that this FPS prequel will have players slashing through Hell’s minions using a massive shield outfitted with a deadly spinning blade. While the excitement around this weapon is well-deserved, its spotlight might be shared with another impressive shield: the Magnustego buckler from The Knightling, which comes with its own set of unique abilities.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The Knightling is an upcoming fantasy action-adventure game centered on fast-paced combat and inventive platforming. Unlike Doom: The Dark Ages, this story-driven, semi-open world game follows the journey of a young squire, eager to embark on the kind of adventures usually reserved for his mentor, the noble Sir Lionstone.
Shield-sliding isn’t exactly a groundbreaking gameplay mechanic, but The Knightling takes it to the next level by making it not only the primary mode of transportation but also integrating it into the world design, encouraging players to use it creatively.
While exploring the Outskirts feels like skating through a personal playground, there’s more to do than just chase thrills. Villagers in need of help quickly turn into quests for the aspiring knight. Tasks range from resolving land disputes to rounding up farm animals, and while they might sound mundane, The Knightling adds a fun twist to each one. For example, a land dispute is settled through a quick, race-like challenge, and the animal-wrangling involves shield-based puzzles and combat.
These puzzles typically involve throwing your shield, Captain America-style, to activate switches or hit targets, functioning like lever-pulling or button-pushing in other games. The shield adds an extra layer of interaction, especially with a dynamic day/night cycle that can be manipulated to solve certain puzzles. The early puzzles are simple, but they’re just the beginning, with the promise of more complex challenges as the adventure progresses.
Combat in The Knightling is where the game truly shines, with a sophisticated system that includes basic shield bashes, blocks, parries, and aerial attacks. Throwing the shield mid-jump slows time, allowing for strategic moves and cinematic flair. Combining these actions makes for a rewarding experience, especially with the game’s combat-focused skill tree, which is full of upgrades for your character.
Our hands-on preview included unlocking a powerful move called the “Velocity Attack,” which uses shield-sliding momentum to unleash a series of rapid spin attacks that knock back enemies. Despite some tricky targeting, this move, combined with default abilities, made short work of lower-level foes. However, as tougher enemies appeared, it became clear that button-mashing wouldn’t be enough; more thought and strategy were needed to take down larger, armored opponents.
As our demo time ended, the story and gameplay were just hitting their stride. Sir Lionstone, the protagonist’s mentor, embarks on a perilous quest, and his determined apprentice sets out to join him. To do so, the apprentice needs to unlock the gift of flight—likely the next big upgrade in the game. There’s also a second skill tree focused on shield abilities, hinting at even more versatility and upgrades for the shield, potentially turning it into a multi-functional tool that rivals a Swiss Army knife.
