NOVEMBER 10TH, 2020
GRYPHON KNIGHT EPIC
GRAPHICS: 10/10
SOUND QUALITY: 10/10
GAMEPLAY: 8/10
STORY: 8/10
CHARACTERS: 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10
This game is, in a word, Epic! A fun and fast-paced medieval shoot’em-up that keeps you captivated with beautiful graphics, excellent sound design, and a curious story.
Gryphon Knight Epic: Definitive Edition was developed by Cyber Rhino Studios, an independent game development company in Brazil. As stated on their website, their focus is to make “fun and challenging games, modeled on old game platforms.” This mission is visible in Gryphon Knight. Designed as a 2D medieval shooter, Gryphon Knight is fun and challenging. Nothing will come easy as you become Sir Oliver, the hero of legends in the land of Valiantskies. You ride your trusty animal companion, a gryphon named Aquila, through various lands and blast countless enemies wreaking havoc on the people of the kingdom. Along with your faithful crossbow, you have a unique magical weapon, your choice of a squire, and magic potions to help you on your quest. Will you answer the call and save the kingdom?
GRAPHICS 10/10
This game is simply beautiful. While the animation is in a simple 2D pixel art design, everything from the characters to the landscape is crystal clear and easy to visualize. The colors are rich, and everything blends well. The background is present but not overpowering and allows for better gameplay. Each of the unique and iconic levels are significant and distinguishable. Not one level looks the same, but every one of them is a pleasure to play because they are so visually appealing.
SOUND QUALITY 10/10
In addition to the stunning graphics, excellent sound quality elevates this game to another level. The main soundtrack is an epic adventure style theme that immerses you into the game. Building on the central theme, each level has its own unique composition, depending on its genre. The “pirate” level has an upbeat tune while the “wizard” level is more mystical and whimsical. Whatever the level, whatever the theme, the soundtrack, and the sound quality are great additions and create an immersive experience.
GAMEPLAY 8/10
As the titular character, Sir Oliver, you ride Aquila, your gryphon, and fire through 7 beautifully created levels. Each level has a mini-boss and a final boss battle. You can move the knight in all directions (up, down, left, and right). Then, either dodge or shoot through the many enemies coming at you. You have a primary weapon with unlimited shots and a secondary weapon that has a cooldown. Different squires who aid you on your quest, provide different abilities such as shielding or extra firepower. I particularly adored the witches, which would shoot in all four directions. And finally, you can use potions, such as healing and invulnerability, to help you on your quest.
The gameplay and difficulty of this game reminded me of old school games I used to play as a kid. There is no easy answer, and you cannot buy yourself a win. To win, you must be strategic, accurate, and patient. Overcoming this epic is a challenging and fulfilling experience.
STORY 8/10
Many years ago, Sir Oliver and his trusty companions were tasked with defeating a dragon and saving a princess. After completing the mission, each of his companions drew a weapon from the dragon’s loot while Sir Oliver married the princess and took only a glowing amulet. Now, several years later, Sir Oliver must abandon retirement to take on his most important mission yet: these looted weapons have corrupted his friends. Once again, he must ride into battle and rescue his friends before they become evil. After saving his friends will he be able to destroy his ultimate opponent?
The story of Sir Oliver is epic and introspective.
This story takes place post happy ending and asks difficult questions like, “what happens after the princess is safe?” “Can warriors ever truly find peace when they had been solely built for battle?” “What happens when our darkest characteristics take over?” “ Who can we count on to save us when we become the worst version of ourselves?” Although the game is lighthearted, it holds deeper meaning below the surface, if only we look for it.
CHARACTERS 9/10
The characters in this game are fantastic. As already mentioned, the titular character is a knight in shining armor riding a gryphon to complete one last mission. The secondary characters are his friends turned foe, who he must rescue before they succumb to their evil selves. Various genres inspire each character/opponent, helping set them apart, with each level emulating those genres. Each character also has their animal companions which further helps to differentiate them. For example, one level takes place in the ocean with an opponent who is a shark-riding pirate, while another takes place in the desert as an opponent that attacks you with a venous scorpion.
The boss battles also help define each character. You cannot defeat one opponent the same way you beat the other. You must figure out their personalized attacks and strategies and the best possible way to defeat them. Overall, each character was given a distinguishable personality and made memorable by their fighting techniques and funny quips shared with Sir Oliver.
OVERALL 9/10
This game has it all, from the beautifully created levels to the excellent sound design to the memorable characters and funny dialogue. Being a movie buff myself, I believe the best parts of this game are when I recognized the homage paid to famous movie moments. As you defeat a giant elephant in the Viking level, it only “counts as one,” or in the Ninja level, he wants to “fall on his own sword when you beat the boss.” Moments like this are scattered throughout the game and only add to a wonderfully pleasurable experience.
