The Knightling is a classic platformer with a lot of heart

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In the absence of the central hero, it falls upon the humble squire to protect the realm in the game titled “The Knightling,” created by developer Twirlbound, known for their 2019 release Pine. This action-adventure, reminiscent of titles like Jak & Daxter and featuring shield-surfing elements akin to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, was showcased at the Day of the Devs event in San Francisco during GDC 2025. Having played an alpha demo and questioned the developers, I can confirm that The Knightling appears to be more extensive than initially anticipated.

Knightmare scenario

Suddenly, the illustrious knight Sir Lionstone from the realm of Clesseia has mysteriously failed to reappear after embarking on a mission. Although some inhabitants remain unconcerned, his loyal squire senses something is amiss. Fortunately, Sir Lionstone left behind his renowned shield, Magnustego, which now serves as a weapon for the people to fend off monstrous menaces that have been ravaging the land. This quest may also shed light on what befell their master. However, the new hero must demonstrate his worthiness in the void left by Sir Lionstone.

The demo commences as the knightling is roused by the intelligent shield and leaps promptly into the fray, performing a double-jump from a ledge and utilizing the shield for surfing along the roof of a building. The initial area showcases the undulating hills of the Outskirts, lush landscapes bordering Clessia, replete with winding roads ideal for shield-surfing, and countless colossal mushrooms that the protagonist can hop on to ascend to higher levels. A developer present noted gusts of wind that the knightling can exploit later in the game for gliding across the environment, making movement a smooth sail.

In this area, bandits and shadowy miscreants, often concealed beneath crates and barrels, lurk menacingly. They have a knack for encircling the knightling if not handled with caution. However, employing a defensive approach – shielding defensively while seeking opportunities to counter-attack – tends to be the wisest course of action.

In the event of a successful strike, energy known as Callyrium accumulates within the shield. Once fully charged, this stored power can be unleashed in a high-damage burst attack. If the hero should sustain damage, healing can be found by consuming food rations, which can be replenished by digging up yams or scavenging from defeated foes.

Knight after knight

As a fervent admirer, I acknowledge the challenge of convincing the citizens of Clesseia that this nameless Knightling is truly heroic material. Yet, every great hero must start their journey somewhere. In one of the initial side missions, the squire must clear out a barn by hurling the shield at the rascals lurking in the lofts, followed by tracking down the source of these monstrous intrusions. Successfully completing these tasks, alongside discovering scattered shiny yellow pickups scattered throughout the landscape, will garner Knightling Praise – a currency essential for learning new combat skills. These abilities span from fundamental maneuvers like a dodge attack, to advanced enhancements that boost parries, which demand flawless blocks to activate.

In each of the four areas, there’s no shortage of chances for the protagonist to prove himself. Just like the watchtowers in Assassin’s Creed, conquering a cartographer’s vantage point rewards the player with intriguing locations to discover and tasks to accomplish. For tough fights, overthrowing bandit camps usually means finding hidden treasure chests filled with extra coins or metal pieces. Solving riddles within Earthborn Ruins and winning shield-surfing races also yields additional resources. A trip to the blacksmith allows you to transform these items into enhancements for your shield, as well as potent inscriptions that offer passive advantages.

In 2025, it’s anticipated that the game Knightling will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The developer stated that the single-player journey spans approximately 15 to 25 hours and they aim for a retail price of $30. There are no plans for additional paid DLC following its release.

This sneak peek originates from an interactive alpha demonstration offered by the publisher at the Day of the Devs gathering in San Francisco, which took place during GDC 2025. A trial version of the game can be found on Steam.

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2025-03-19 17:28