Knights in the Nightmare DS
Knights in the Nightmare Image
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Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Somewhere between heaven and the underworld -- in the center of a quiet lake -- stood an ancient castle known as Aventheim. One night, without warning, denizens of the netherworld emerged and slaughtered the kingdom; nary a soul was left alive. Within an abandoned, long-forgotten church deep in the woods, a wisp is set free. Bereft of memory, it is drawn toward the monster-infested castle and re-awakens the souls of the vanquished knights, leading them back towards the fallen stronghold to confront the very forces of evil that took their lives. An experience unlike any before it -- Incorporating strategy RPG, real-time strategy, and shooter elements, you've never experienced a game like this. Control a Wisp with your stylus and activate the souls of deceased knights to aid you in destroying foes on the map. Enemies fire bullets in multiple directions, making it vital for players to master the unique touch controls. Over 100 playable characters -- Find and recruit the ghosts of seven different classes of knights from your kingdom, and learn of their pasts, hopes, dreams, and untimely deaths. Sacrifice their souls to one another to balance their skills and create your ultimate party. A tale from two perspectives -- This twice-told legend entangles you in a dark and brooding tale that is simultaneously examined through events both past and present. Complete the adventure to unlock the ability to play through the game with a new narrative twist, placing the antagonist in the starring role. [Atlus USA]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Cheat Code Central
    92
    There's just so much content here and so much complexity that once you get a handle on how the game works, it's going to be difficult to stop playing.
  2. Destructoid
    85
    In the end, no other DS title plays like Knights in the Nightmare. It's one of those games that gives you as much as you put into it.
  3. Nintendo Gamer
    74
    The most complex RPG we've ever played. Takes a lot of time to get to grips with, let alone master, but it's worth the effort. [Sept 2009, p.71]
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  4. Game Revolution
    42
    It fails in the most fundamental aspect: the gameplay. It’s generally dull. Despite a high initial learning curve – usually the sign of a game with depth and complexity – Knights in the Nightmare is shallow and simple.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. BrynJ.
    10
    A complex, difficult, innovative strategy game that maximizes the potential of the DS hardware. The visuals, audio, and gameplay are more polished than most games. Give it some time, maybe read a FAQ towards the beginning of the game to figure out what you need to do, and don't project your ideas of what a strategy game should be onto this game.… Expand
  2. Brandon
    8
    This game is really interesting but the story is a little hard to pick up, and the easy is too easy and the medium is just tedious. It has rough edges but it certainly provides a good amount of entertainment value.… Expand
  3. JeremyS
    7
    Knights in the Nightmare is game that I wanted to like a lot more than I did. I commend Sting on creating something this unique and interesting, but it wasn't a game I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The whole game contradicts itself. The battle system is extremely confusing until you get the hang of it, then I came to the realization that it was deceivingly simple, just a bit convoluted. The story is well written and has an epic scale, but I didn't feel any connection to most of the characters. (There are an astounding amount of units to recruit) On the other hand, the artwork and sprites are absolutely beautiful. The compelling music has a castlevania vibe going for it. (The game comes with a music CD with tons of tracks, good stuff) It's not a great game, but it is a good game that does a lot of interesting things. Most of these things work, some of them tried my patience. I'd highly recommend it to those who have patience and are fans of SRPG's. If you are neither of these, get this game at your own risk.… Expand
  4. JM
    4
    There isn't much I like about this game. I think the battle system is boring. After a few battles I felt absolutely no reason to continue playing this game.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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