Game Review and Overview
Knights Contract on Xbox 360 is a gothic action game that throws players into a twisted fairy tale filled with witches, executioners, and an ungodly amount of magical carnage. Developed by Game Republic and published by Bandai Namco, this 2011 release is one of those rare games where the story is arguably more memorable than the gameplay. It’s dark, it’s weird, and it stars an immortal knight who can’t die… but will definitely make you wish he could sometimes, just to get a breather.
You play as Heinrich, a cursed executioner doomed to immortality, reluctantly teamed up with Gretchen, a resurrected witch out for revenge against her fellow spellcasters. Their relationship is tense but entertaining, as she flings spells and he soaks up damage like a human punching bag. The twist? If Gretchen dies, it’s game over. So the big, burly knight has to babysit his squishy sorceress friend while being swarmed by demonic enemies and grotesque bosses straight out of a dark fantasy fever dream.
The combat system has potential. Heinrich swings his massive scythe with satisfying heft, and Gretchen casts elemental spells that can freeze, burn, or explode your enemies in dramatic fashion. The combo system encourages experimentation, and pulling off finishing moves can be visually rewarding. Unfortunately, the game’s camera often refuses to cooperate, and escorting Gretchen through chaotic battles can feel more like herding cats with a broomstick than performing heroic feats.
Visually, the game has some impressive moments. The medieval horror atmosphere is thick with moody lighting, twisted architecture, and monsters that look like they were sculpted from a mix of nightmares and melted wax. The voice acting leans into the drama without going full cheese, and the orchestral soundtrack adds an epic, brooding layer to the chaos.
Knights Contract is far from perfect. It suffers from awkward pacing, repetitive enemy encounters, and some brutally long loading screens. But for those who can look past its clunky mechanics, there’s an oddly charming, tragic tale buried underneath. It’s a flawed gem that dares to be different, and for fans of offbeat action games with a taste for the macabre, it might just cast the right kind of spell.
Xbox 360 Game Cheats and Hints
Achievements:
ACHIEVEMENT – HOW TO UNLOCK
Fright (25 points) – Acquire the Scythe of Imperial Massacre.
Soul Grabber (20 points) – Collect 10,000 souls.
Soul Reaper (20 points) – Collect 100,000 souls.
Legendary Executioner (40 points) – Beat the game on Witchslayer mode.