I also suspect that this is the point – this is absolutely, without a doubt, a kids’ game. If you have little ones at home who enjoy Sonic (or just goofy characters) and possess above-average eye-hand coordination, they’ll probably love it and want to beat up their friends in multiplayer, and send their rare items as gifts to one another. They may even dig the ultra simple combat, which does (however ephemerally) make players feel like a little badass, Yoda-like flying ball of death. This game recalls Star Wars in the oddest ways.

It seems that Sonic Team is emerging ever-so-slowly from the hole it’s dug itself into with the Sonic franchise. Since the apparent nadir (the 2006 Sonic the Hedgehog), things have gotten better – certainly not good enough to forgive the team for past sins, but at least Black Knight is entirely playable and fun. At this rate, we may even see an excellent Sonic game by 2011. Until then, Black Knight will do – especially if you have kids.

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