Knights of the Round - Arcade - Beat'em Up (4K 60fps)
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⚔ ️ 👑 Arthurian legend meets pixel-powered beat-’em-up glory! 👑 ⚔ ️
Today we’re stepping into the world of chivalry, steel, and medieval mayhem with Knights of the Round, Capcom’s 1991 arcade brawler inspired by the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Round Table. With its unique leveling system, deep combat mechanics, and epic medieval style, Knights of the Round set itself apart from other brawlers of its time. But does this noble quest still deserve its crown? Let’s find out!
Game Overview:
Knights of the Round is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash beat-’em-up, allowing players to choose from three knights:
King Arthur – Balanced, with powerful sword strikes
Lancelot – Fast and agile, with quick combos
Perceval – The powerhouse, with crushing axe attacks
The mission? Defeat the evil king Garibaldi and bring peace to the realm by battling through seven stages of castles, forests, villages, and enemy strongholds, filled with armored foes, horseback duels, and gigantic bosses.
Pros:
✅ Beautiful Medieval Aesthetic: The game oozes Arthurian charm, with detailed backgrounds, shiny armor, and epic fantasy designs that make every level feel like a page out of a heroic saga.
✅ RPG-Inspired Leveling System: As you fight, your character levels up, changing their appearance with new armor and upgraded weapons—a satisfying visual and gameplay mechanic rarely seen in arcade beat-’em-ups.
✅ Three Unique Fighters: Each knight has a distinct style, offering variety in combat and encouraging replayability.
✅ Satisfying Combat Mechanics: With blocking, charged attacks, and mountable horses, there’s more depth here than your average button-masher. It rewards timing and positioning, not just mashing.
✅ Excellent Co-op Play: Supports up to two or three players (depending on the cabinet), and teaming up to clear out armored goons feels fantastic.
✅ Memorable Boss Battles: Giant knights, brutish warlords, and even duels atop war horses make for a varied and challenging set of enemies.
✅ Iconic Capcom Soundtrack: Heroic, dramatic, and medieval-themed tracks keep the energy high and the action immersive.
Cons:
❌ Brutally Difficult (Especially Solo): Enemies hit hard, and later stages throw waves of armored foes and traps, forcing frequent continues.
❌ Some Hitbox Weirdness: Landing hits can feel a bit stiff or inconsistent, especially when multiple enemies crowd the screen.
❌ Repetitive Enemy Types: Expect to fight the same knight and bandit types repeatedly with palette swaps—common in the era, but still noticeable.
❌ Limited Moveset Compared to Later Brawlers: Despite its polish, the game’s combat options are simpler than deeper titles like Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara.
❌ No Real Branching Paths or Story Choices: The linear progression is solid, but a little replayability is lost without alternate routes or character endings.
Verdict:
Knights of the Round is a classic medieval beat-’em-up that holds its own among Capcom’s legendary arcade library. With stylish visuals, a clever progression system, and satisfying co-op gameplay, it remains a must-play for fans of both brawlers and Arthurian legend.
While it’s tough and sometimes repetitive, the atmosphere, combat, and sense of heroic progression make it a standout gem from the golden age of arcades.
Final Score: 8/10 – A noble quest worth revisiting.
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