Knights Within is a 1-4 player blend between third person shooter and melee hack&slash with roguelite elements. Design custom loadouts, navigate procedurally generated levels and utilize random power-ups. Can you survive endless waves of enemies to ensure humanity's survival?
Players take on the role of technologically advanced knights, wielding a combination of firearms and melee weaponry to fight back against endless waves of wraith enemies. The gunplay offers a "nice heavy sound" and a good sense of impact, while the melee combat feels "solid" and "weighty", with effective blocking, parrying, and heavy sword swings.
A key draw of the gameplay is the ability to customize one's loadout. Both the primary firearm and melee weapon (sword or spear) offer four mod slots that can alter attributes like attack patterns, damage, and special abilities. As players progress, they unlock new weapon and armor options, expanding the potential for build diversity.
While the game can be enjoyed solo, the cooperative multiplayer for up to four players is a highlight. Working together to overcome the escalating challenges creates a more manageable and satisfying experience, with the chaotic nature of combat becoming easier to navigate when coordinating with teammates.
The gameplay is described as challenging but fair, with enemies and hazards becoming progressively more dangerous over the course of a run. Completing objectives and defeating bosses grants players the opportunity to extract or continue onward, leading to increasingly intense and rewarding gameplay the further one progresses.
The randomized power-ups, enemy mutations, and procedurally generated levels create a fresh and engaging experience each time, encouraging replayability. The smooth, responsive controls and satisfying combat, combined with the depth of customization and progression systems, culminate in a compelling roguelite experience.